Many Old Regular and United Baptist associations have doctrines that forbid the use of musical instruments, at least in church, so they are sung a cappella. They sing 'lined out' hymns, where the leader picks a melody that matches the meter of the verses, starts it out, and the rest of the congregation follow him. I think some of the vocal embellishment one hears in southern Appalachian ballad and hymn singing comes out of this tradition. (I have nothing to back that opinion up--just seems logical.)

Most songs can be sung a cappella and sound really good--but you might have to do a bit of arranging.

Janie