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

Eastman EU2-C Natural Concert Ukulele

£199.00

Out of Stock

Fender Fullerton Precision Bass Ukulele 3 Color Sunburst

(1)

£179.00

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Martin 0XK Koa Concert Ukulele

£349.00

£39.99

Out of Stock

Sigma SUM-2S Soprano Ukulele

Hohner Marine Band Deluxe D-Major

£62.99

Out of Stock

Hohner Marine Band Deluxe F-Major

£62.99

Out of Stock

Hohner Marine Band Thunderbird G-Major Low octave

£119.99

Out of Stock

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Eastman EU2-C Natural Concert Ukulele

Fender Fullerton Precision Bass Ukulele 3 Color Sunburst

Adam Black ABUK20 Soprano Ukulele Red

Adam Black ABUK20 Soprano Ukulele Dark Blue

Adam Black Concert Ukulele Quilted Ash

Adam Black Concert Ukulele Striped Ebony Cutaway Electric

Adam Black Soprano Ukulele Spalted Maple

Ibanez UEW12E Ukulele Open Pore Natural

Laka VUC10EA Mahogany Series Electro Concert Ukulele

Laka VUC95EA Maple Series Electro Concert Ukulele

Martin 0XK Koa Concert Ukulele

Martin Centennial 1 Concert Ukulele

Sigma SUM-2C

Snail BHC-6C Cedar Concert Ukulele

Bohemian Oil Can Ukulele Honey

Bohemian Oil Can Ukulele TNT

Eastman EU2-S Natural Soprano Ukulele

Gretsch G9100 Soprano Ukulele

Mahalo Ukulele Pack 2515 Soprano Ukulele Java MJ1TBR Mahogany Finish

Sigma SUM-2S Soprano Ukulele

Vintage Soprano Ukulele Satin Blue

Vintage Soprano Ukulele Natural

Vintage Soprano Ukulele Satin Red

Vintage Soprano Ukulele Satin White

Laka VUS15BL Rainbow Series Ukulele Blue

Laka VUS15N Rainbow Series Ukulele Natural

Laka VUS15OR Rainbow Series Ukulele Orange

Laka VUS15RD Rainbow Series Ukulele Red

Laka VUS15VL Rainbow Series Ukulele Violet

Laka VUS15YL Rainbow Series Ukulele Yellow

Laka VUSP10 Mahogany Series Ukulele Sopranino

Stentor Electric Violin Outfit 4/4

Epiphone Mastertone Classic Banjo Natural

Deering Goodtime Limited Cherry

Hohner Marine Band Harmonica A

Hohner Marine Band Harmonica E

Hohner Marine Band 1896 5-Pack (C - D - E - G - A-major)

Hohner Marine Band Deluxe D-Major

Hohner Marine Band Deluxe F-Major

Hohner Marine Band Thunderbird G-Major Low octave

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