What are 'folk instruments'?

For guitarguitar, 'folk instruments' refers to the acoustic (or electro acoustic) instruments used to play the folk music styles from around the world. Lots of folk tradition has spread from area to area across the world, though. For instance, the banjo, that most Southern American of instruments, actually came from Africa so our loose term of Folk Instruments is merely a suggestive one rather than descriptive of any particular musical genre. This category contains mainly fretted instruments that can be played acoustically.

I already play the guitar: what is an easy folk instrument to transition on to?

One suggestion would be a 6 string banjo. These are tuned to the same notes as a guitar and have a neck that is relatively similar to an acoustic guitar so you should be able to pick one up straight away and begin playing with confidence. An example of a good 6 string banjo is the Epiphone Stagebird.

Which guitarguitar stores carry folk instruments?

All of our stores carry a good selection of folk instruments within our acoustic departments. In addition to that, our Glasgow, Birmingham and London stores have dedicated acoustic showrooms filled with an outstanding collection of acoustic instruments including an excellent folk instrument area in each. Our Birmingham acoustic showroom is the largest of its kind in the UK: this is definitely the place to go to if you want to be surrounded by stunning examples of folk instruments!

What are the main instruments in folk music?

It depends on which part of the world's folk music you want to play! Most Scots, English, Irish and North American folk music uses mainly mandolin, and banjo, in addition to conventional acoustic guitar and instruments like the bouzouki and violin. Hawaiian and pacific folk music however make the greatest use of the Ukulele in its various sizes, in addition to acoustic guitar.

Why are they called folk instruments?

Folk instruments are defined, simply, as the instruments commonly used to play many types of "Folk Music." "Folk Music" as a term describes the traditional music performed, maintained and developed by a people, a culture, or a nation, as opposed to popular music or larger composed styles such as classical music.

What materials are used to make folk instruments?

The most common material is wood in its various types. There can be others though, such as the banjo with it's drum-style body construction that utilises a raft of other materials, or harmonica with its metal and reed construction.

What is the easiest folk instrument to learn?

The easiest folk instrument to make a start on is arguably the ukulele, thanks to its small size and easy-to-press nylon strings.

Folk Instruments | guitarguitar

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Ozark 2099G 5 String Banjo Composite Shell and Resonator

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Barnes & Mullins BJ304GT Perfect Irish Gaelic 4 String Tenor Banjo

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Fender PM-180E Mandolin Aged Cognac Burst Walnut Fingerboard

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Ozark 2455 F Style Mandolin

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Dunlop Egg Shaker

Mahalo Ukulele Rainbow MR1 Black

Hohner Marine Band Harmonica C

Mahalo Ukulele Rainbow MR1 Purple

Mahalo Ukulele Rainbow MR1 Pink

Mahalo Ukulele Rainbow MR1 Blue

Barnes & Mullins BM600E Wimborne Electro Acoustic Mandolin

Mahalo Art Skull Ukulele Soprano Black

Mahalo Ukulele Rainbow MR1 Red

Mahalo 2515 Ukulele Java MJ1 Mahogany Finish

Epiphone MB100 Banjo

Hohner Marine Band Harmonica A

Fender Blues Deluxe Harmonica 3 Pack with Case

Mahalo 2515C Java Concert Ukulele Natural Satin

Ibanez M510E Mandolin Electric Brown Sunburst

Yamaha GL-1 Guitalele Tobacco Sunburst

Barnes & Mullins BJ300 Perfect 5 String Banjo

Yamaha GL-1 Guitalele Natural

Deering Goodtime 5-String Openback

Ozark 2099G 5 String Banjo Composite Shell and Resonator

Barnes & Mullins BJ304GT Perfect Irish Gaelic 4 String Tenor Banjo

Yamaha GL-1 Guitalele Persimmon Brown

Hohner Crossover Harmonica C

Hohner Crossover Harmonica A

Fender PM-180E Mandolin Aged Cognac Burst Walnut Fingerboard

Ozark 2455 F Style Mandolin

Ozark 2306GCS 5 String Banjo Cherry Sunburst

Ozark 2139 Appalachian Dulcimer

Eastman MD305

Hohner Crossover Harmonica D

Pilgrim Progress 5G Banjo 5 String G Banjo

Barnes & Mullins UBJ1 Closed Back Banjo Ukulele

Ozark 2306GBK 5 String Banjo Black

Barnes & Mullins BJ304 Perfect Tenor Banjo

Ozark 2071 Mandolin A Style F Hole

Natal Natural Birch Cajon L

Alvarez RU22C Concert Ukulele

Alvarez RU26C Concert Ukulele

Yamaha GL-1 Guitalele Black

Alvarez RU22S Soprano Ukulele

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