the web-wide abc index

The web-wide abc index is an alphabetical listing of all large abc tune collections on the web. Click on the file code to download the desired abc.

(WARNING: the web-wide abc index is around 1.5 Mbytes in size; the sectionalised web-wide abc index is available in bite-sized chunks.)

A list of files used in the index can be found here. Not all internet collections have been indexed as many are based around one tune per file (and it would take forever to include them all) and from September 2006 onwards, only files with 50 or more tunes will be added to the index, to cut down on the administration. However if you really want a collection included in the index (even if it hasn't got 50 tunes in it), just mail and the address (URL) of where it can be found on the web. Note also that the index doesn't include files with a .htm or .html suffix (for reasons why not, see the abc-faq and search for suffix).

abc tune finder

... alternatively, take look at the abc tune finder, a fantastic search engine from John Chambers for finding tunes published in abc on the web.

musipedia

... alternatively, take look at musipedia, Rainer Typke's searchable collection of music. Many abc-encoded tunes are included and, although the abc source is not directly accessible (except to registered users), it is very handy for identifying music. Once you have identified a tune, if it's listed as "folk music" you should be able to find the abc via the web-wide index or the abc tune finder above.