Experimental modal analysis is a method of measuring the natural vibration characteristics of a structure through experiments. The analysis results are mainly used to modify the structural dynamic models and provide data support for structural dynamics, aeroelastic analysis and vibration control design. This article systematically reviews the research progress of experimental modal analysis methods at home and abroad, starting from two aspects: classic experimental modal analysis methods and modern modal analysis methods, and summarizes the basic principles of the two mainstream methods, the classic phase resonance method and the phase separation method, briefly introduced the experimental modal analysis methods developed in recent years, and summarized the characteristics of different modal analysis methods. Finally, the current problems and possible future development trends of experimental modal analysis methods are given.