Monophonic music is a type of music that consists of a single melodic line without any harmonic support or accompaniment. This means that there is only one voice or instrument playing the melody at a time, making it straightforward and easy to follow. Monophonic music is often found in various cultural traditions, including Gregorian chant and many folk songs. Historically, monophonic music was prevalent before the development of polyphony, where multiple melodies are sung or played simultaneously. It is characterized by its simplicity and clarity, allowing listeners to focus on the melody itself. Many early forms of music, including medieval and Renaissance compositions, were primarily monophonic.