Old time fiddle

Old time (also spelled old-time or oldtime) fiddle is the style of American fiddling found in old-time music. Old time fiddle tunes are derived from European folk dance forms such as the jig, reel, breakdown, schottische, waltz, two-step, and polka. When the fiddle is accompanied by banjo, guitar, mandolin, or other string instruments, the configuration is called a string band. The types of tunes found in old-time fiddling are called "fiddle tunes", even when played by instruments other than a fiddle.

The style originates from the colonization of North America by immigrants from England, France, Germany, Ireland, and Scotland, who brought their native fiddling traditions with them, mixed with influence from African-American music. It originated in Appalachia and the American South, but has since spread all over the United States. It is separate and distinct from traditions which it has influenced or which may in part have evolved from it, such as bluegrass, country blues, variants of western swing and country rock.

Starting in the 1920s, some fiddlers, particularly younger ones like Arthur Smith, were swept up in newer music and their style and repertoires reflected influences from blues, ragtime, and Tin Pan Alley. Anyone who wanted to make a career in music had to keep up with the times. But many, like John Salyer and Hiram Stamper cared little for the new music, and stayed with the old-time tunes.^[1]