Two traditions of shape note singing in US, the Anglo American tradition, and the African American tradition. They share some hymns, but performance style is *very* different.

Of the two, in the US, the African American tradition is most developed, and is generally considered the strongest living tradition of the two. In the rural American South, the Anglo American tradition is still a living tradition, although in smaller numbers than the Delta African American tradition. The Anglo American tradition outside the Delta is a revival tradition.

The African American tradition has both the continuous living tradition, especially in the Delta region, and an organic "continuum" which now is well-entrenched in urban black churches. Piano accompaniament is now becoming popular in black urban churches singing shape note, as it merges with other urban gospel traditions.