Each region of the country has developed its own organic tradition, reflecting local cultural influences.

The clarinet dominates in mainland Greece, while the lyre is the main instrument of Crete and the Aegean islands. Other important instruments include the santouri, the violin, the lute, the sackbut, the zourna and the dulcimer.

Great masters of traditional instruments are Tasos Chalkias and Petroloukas Chalkias on clarinet, Psarantonis and Nikos Xylouris on Cretan lyre, Thanasis Moraitis on violin, and Aristidis Moschos on santouri.

Today, young musicians such as George Xylouris and Socrates Sinopoulos continue the tradition, incorporating modern elements in traditional music.