In folk, bau is often used in solo, ensemble or as rap accompaniment for dances and ballads. Although the sound range of Bawu is narrow and the volume is low, it has a unique national style and is full of national colors. People love it. Everyone of the Hani people carry it with them, and both old and young people like to use Bau to express affection or recall past events. The Yi people like to play in unison or duet with two Bau in tune.

The Yi compatriots who live on the south bank of the Red River often use Bawu to accompany musical instruments such as Bamboo Miao, Zhi, Xiaosanxian, Yueqin and Konoha in collective singing and dancing activities, to accompany the distinctive singing and dancing. In particular, unmarried young men often use Bawu to play love songs, "talk" to girls, and pour out their love.

There is a Bau love song that sings like this: "When I blew the Bau, you know what? I tell you, walk lightly, walk lightly, even if the leaves are knocked off, don't let it fall on the water and soil, for the sake of It's keeping secrets. If Grandma doesn't agree later, it's too late, too late, our hearts have already made this Bau tightly connected."

In the Yi people, people often play Bau when shepherding sheep or at night. The music includes "Playing Tune", "Invitation Tune" and so on.