Armenian folk music

Armenia was the first country in the world to officially adopt Christianity as its state religion (around 301). Folk music, however, has a much longer tradition, dating back as far as 3,000 years.

Folk music uses not only characteristic instruments such as the dhol drum and the Pontic lyre stringed instrument, but also a specific scale, c-d-e-f-g-a-b^b-c-d-e^b-f-g-a^b. Thus, European scales are not used, but the tonality always progresses by four notes. The result is music that, on first hearing, is at the borderline between European and Chinese music.

Armenians are duly proud of their music, and culture in general, and emigrants maintain its tradition even abroad. Charles Aznavour is perhaps best known for popular music and chanson, as is the hard rock band System of the Down. Many individuals are active in other well-known groups and as accompanists for the most famous artists. Thus, they bring specific techniques to their work and enrich their music.