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

Pilgrim Shady Grove 3 Open Back Banjo

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Pilgrim Performer Open Back Ukulele Banjo

£269.00

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Tanglewood TWB18M5 5 String Banjo

£399.00

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Fender Groove Pro Chromatic 12-Hole Harmonica Key of C

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Ozark 2255E Mandolin F Model Electric

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£549.00 £605.00

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Ozark 2371BK Mandolin A Model F Hole Black

£179.00 £201.00

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£1,379.00

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£399.00

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Eastman MD515/TV Wideneck Sunburst

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Eastman MD815 F-Style Mandolin Sunburst (Pre-Owned)

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Ozark Deluxe Vintage A-Model Mandolin All Solid

£499.00 £629.00

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Samick SM-50S Sunburst Mandolin (Pre-Owned) #20008017

£399.00

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Samick SM-50S Sunburst Mandolin (Pre-Owned) #20008017

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Seagull S8 Mandolin Sunburst EQ

£699.00 £739.00

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Martin TKE Uke

£859.00

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Martin 0X Tenor Uke Black

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Martin 0X Tenor Uke Sunset

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Vintage Viaten Tenor Guitar -By Paul Brett

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Pilgrim Shady Grove 3 Open Back Banjo

Pilgrim Shady Grove 7 Open Back Banjo

Pilgrim Performer Open Back Ukulele Banjo

Tanglewood TWB18M5 5 String Banjo

Fender Groove Pro Chromatic 12-Hole Harmonica Key of C

Fender Blues Junior Diatonic 8-Hole Harmonica Key of C

Ozark 2255E Mandolin F Model Electric

Ozark 2371BK Mandolin A Model F Hole Black

Ozark 2371BU Mandolin A Model F Hole Blue

Eastman MD604-GB Goldburst

Epiphone F-5 Studio Vintage Sunburst Satin

Epiphone F-5G Cremona Sunburst

Epiphone Mandobird Vintage Sunburst

Eastman PCH-M104 Classic Mandolin

Eastman PCH-M104 Goldburst

Eastman PCH-M104 Natural

Eastman MD515/TV Wideneck Sunburst

Eastman MD815 F-Style Mandolin Sunburst (Pre-Owned)

Ozark Deluxe Vintage A-Model Mandolin All Solid

Samick SM-50S Sunburst Mandolin (Pre-Owned) #20008017

Samick SM-50S Sunburst Mandolin (Pre-Owned) #20008017

Seagull S8 Mandolin Sunburst EQ

Chord Bongos 6.5 Inch and 7.5 Inch with Carry Bag Natural

Chord Bongos 6.5 Inch and 7.5 Inch with Carry Bag Black

Chord Bongos 6.5 Inch and 7.5 Inch with Carry Bag White

Chord Bongos 6.5 Inch and 7.5 Inch with Carry Bag Red

Chord Maracas 10 Inch

Chord Tambourines Single D White

Chord Tambourines Single D Blue

Chord Tambourines Single D Red

Chord Tambourines Single D Black

Chord Tambourine 25cm/10 Inch

Martin TKE Uke

Martin 0X Tenor Uke Black

Martin 0X Tenor Uke Sunset

Vintage Viaten Tenor Guitar -By Paul Brett

Ibanez UEWT5E Tenor Ukulele Open Pore Natural

Ibanez UICT100 Iceman Ukulele Metallic Gray Sunburst

Ibanez UEW12E EW Tenor Ukulele Black Ice Flat

Ibanez URGT100 Ibanez RG Ukulele Tenor Electro-Acoustic Black

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