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

Alvarez RU22C Concert Ukulele

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Dunlop Egg Shaker

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£2.99 £5.49

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Mahalo Ukulele Rainbow MR1 Black

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£29.99 £32.00

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Hohner Marine Band Harmonica C

(4)

£39.99 £44.99

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(2)

£299.00 £339.00

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Alvarez RU22S Soprano Ukulele

(9)

£69.00

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Mahalo Art Skull Ukulele Soprano Black

(7)

£34.99 £37.00

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Alvarez RU26C Concert Ukulele

(8)

£69.00

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Alvarez RU22TCE Tenor Ukulele with Pickup

(8)

£99.00

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Mahalo Ukulele Rainbow MR1 Red

(5)

£29.99 £32.00

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Mahalo 2515 Ukulele Java MJ1 Mahogany Finish

(10)

£39.99 £45.00

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Alvarez RU22B Baritone Ukulele

(8)

£79.00

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Hohner Marine Band Harmonica G

£39.99 £44.99

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Epiphone MB100 Banjo

(5)

£249.00

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or FREE delivery on Monday

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Hohner Marine Band Harmonica A

(4)

£34.99

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Fender Blues Deluxe Harmonica Key of C

£12.99 £16.49

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Fender Blues Deluxe Harmonica 3 Pack with Case

£34.99 £43.49

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Alvarez RU22CCE Concert Electro Ukulele

(2)

£99.00

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(5)

£13.99

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Ibanez M510E Mandolin Electric Brown Sunburst

(6)

£199.00 £229.00

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In Stock

Yamaha GL-1 Guitalele Tobacco Sunburst

(5)

£99.00 £114.00

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Alvarez RU26SCE Soprano Electro Ukulele

£89.00 £99.00

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Fender Harmonica Holder

£12.99 £14.99

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Barnes & Mullins BJ300 Perfect 5 String Banjo

(2)

£249.00 £270.00

FREE Delivery

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Yamaha GL-1 Guitalele Natural

(11)

£99.00 £114.00

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In Stock

Alvarez RU26CCE Concert Electro Ukulele

(4)

£99.00

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Deering Goodtime 5-String Openback

(3)

£499.00

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or FREE delivery on Monday

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Fender Blues DeVille Harmonica Key of C

£39.99 £46.99

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Alvarez Artist Series AU90C Concert Ukulele

(3)

£149.00 £159.00

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Freshman Baritone Ukulele Ash

£169.00

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Alvarez AU90SCE Soprano Ukulele

(1)

£99.00 £169.00

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Folk Instruments

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Alvarez RU22C Concert Ukulele

Alvarez RU22T Tenor Ukulele

Dunlop Egg Shaker

Mahalo Ukulele Rainbow MR1 Black

Hohner Marine Band Harmonica C

Alvarez RU26T Tenor Ukulele

Mahalo Ukulele Rainbow MR1 Purple

Alvarez RU26S Soprano Ukulele

Mahalo Ukulele Rainbow MR1 Pink

Mahalo Ukulele Rainbow MR1 Blue

Barnes & Mullins BM600E Wimborne Electro Acoustic Mandolin

Alvarez RU22S Soprano Ukulele

Mahalo Art Skull Ukulele Soprano Black

Alvarez RU26C Concert Ukulele

Alvarez RU22TCE Tenor Ukulele with Pickup

Mahalo Ukulele Rainbow MR1 Red

Mahalo 2515 Ukulele Java MJ1 Mahogany Finish

Alvarez RU22B Baritone Ukulele

Hohner Marine Band Harmonica G

Epiphone MB100 Banjo

Hohner Marine Band Harmonica A

Fender Blues Deluxe Harmonica Key of C

Fender Blues Deluxe Harmonica 3 Pack with Case

Alvarez RU22CCE Concert Electro Ukulele

Fender Venice Soprano Ukulele Black Walnut Fingerboard

Mahalo 2515C Java Concert Ukulele Natural Satin

Fender Venice Soprano Ukulele Daphne Blue Walnut Fingerboard

Hohner Silver Star Harmonica C

Ibanez M510E Mandolin Electric Brown Sunburst

Yamaha GL-1 Guitalele Tobacco Sunburst

Alvarez RU26SCE Soprano Electro Ukulele

Fender Harmonica Holder

Barnes & Mullins BJ300 Perfect 5 String Banjo

Yamaha GL-1 Guitalele Natural

Alvarez RU26CCE Concert Electro Ukulele

Deering Goodtime 5-String Openback

Fender Blues DeVille Harmonica Key of C

Alvarez Artist Series AU90C Concert Ukulele

Freshman Baritone Ukulele Ash

Alvarez AU90SCE Soprano Ukulele

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