Tajik music shares similarities with other types of music from Central Asia. The classical music style known as shashmaqam is also found in Uzbekistan. In southern Tajikistan, there is a unique form of folk music called falak, which is played during celebrations such as weddings, circumcisions, and other special events.

Tajik folk music

Tajik folk music is traditionally split into three types: Pamir (from the Mountain-Badakhshan province), Central Kuhistoni (from Hisor, Kulob, and Gharm provinces), and the northern style of Sogdiana. The northern Sogdiana style shares the same musical culture as nearby areas in Uzbekistan, such as Kashkadarya and Surkhandarya provinces. There are many types of songs, including singing and instrumental music, such as work songs, ceremonial songs, funeral songs, wedding songs, and musical epics. One important epic is the central Tajik heroic legend called Gurugli, also known as "Omar Sham Sham."

Gharibi is a song about a stranger. It was created in the early 20th century by poor farm workers and other laborers who had to leave their homes.

Gulgardoni is a springtime holiday, also called Boychechak. It includes carolling songs performed with the dutar and doira instruments.

Sayri Guli Lola is a holiday celebrating tulips. It includes choral and dance music. The most important song during this holiday is called "Naqshi Kalon."

The birth of a child is celebrated with special music. Traditional puppeteers use instruments like the doira, qayroq, surnay, and nag'ora. Other songs, such as "Na`at" and "Munojot," are performed during the circumcision ceremony of a male child.

Traditional Tajik wedding music is played by sozanda, professional musicians, mostly women, who are part of groups called dasta.

Badakhshan is a region home to Tajik Ismailis, who are known for their sung spiritual poetry called madah. Lutes are an important part of Ismaili folk music.