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

Ibanez UEWT5 Open Pore Natural

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£119.00

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Ibanez UKS10 Ukulele Soprano

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Epiphone Les Paul Acoustic Electric Tenor Ukulele Outfit Heritage Cherry Sunburst

£159.00 £185.00

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Fender Montecito Koa Tenor Ukulele Indian Laurel Fingerboard

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£209.00

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Dunlop Egg Shaker Black (2 Bag)

£6.99

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Martin 1T IZ Tenor Uke

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Mahalo MJ1 Java Ukulele 3 Tone Sunburst

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£39.99 £52.00

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Martin T1K Tenor Uke Solid Hawaiian Koa

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£529.00

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Martin 2K Tenor Uke

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£1,850.00

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Ozark 2103 Guitar Banjo

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£279.00 £312.00

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Ozark 2371CS Mandolin A Model F Hole Cherry Sunburst

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£179.00 £201.00

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Ibanez M510E Open Pore Vintage Sunburst

£199.00

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Hohner Ozzy Osbourne Signature Harmonica

£54.99

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Fender Zuma Concert Ukulele Natural Indian Laurel Fingerboard

£129.00

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Ibanez UKC10 Concert Ukulele

£119.00

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Natal Black Birch Cajon L

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£99.00 £109.00

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Roland EC-10 Cajon

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£489.00

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Martin S-1 UKE Soprano Ukulele

£450.00 £507.00

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Mahalo Master All Solid Baritone Ukulele

£175.00

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Mahalo Pearl Baritone Ukulele

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£99.00

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Tanglewood TWT20 Baritone Ukulele

£169.00

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Cordoba 15CFM Rose Red Concert Ukulele

£129.00

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Cordoba 15CFM Sapphire Blue Satin Concert Ukulele

£129.00

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Tanglewood TWMFVSE Scroll Style Mandolin

£349.00

£67.00

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Ibanez UEWT5 Open Pore Natural

Ibanez UKS10 Ukulele Soprano

Epiphone Les Paul Acoustic Electric Tenor Ukulele Outfit Heritage Cherry Sunburst

Fender Montecito Koa Tenor Ukulele Indian Laurel Fingerboard

Dunlop Egg Shaker Black (2 Bag)

Martin 1T IZ Tenor Uke

Mahalo MJ1 Java Ukulele 3 Tone Sunburst

Adam Black Soprano Ukulele Sunburst

Martin C1K Ukulele

Barnes & Mullins BM600 Wimborne Mandolin

Fender Dhani Harrison Ukulele Turquoise

Martin T1K Tenor Uke Solid Hawaiian Koa

Martin 2K Tenor Uke

Ozark 2103 Guitar Banjo

Ozark 2371CS Mandolin A Model F Hole Cherry Sunburst

Ibanez M510E Open Pore Vintage Sunburst

Hohner Ozzy Osbourne Signature Harmonica

Fender Zuma Concert Ukulele Natural Indian Laurel Fingerboard

Ibanez UKC10 Concert Ukulele

Natal Black Birch Cajon L

Roland EC-10 Cajon

Martin S-1 UKE Soprano Ukulele

Mahalo Master All Solid Baritone Ukulele

Mahalo Pearl Baritone Ukulele

Tanglewood TWT20 Baritone Ukulele

Cordoba 15CFM Rose Red Concert Ukulele

Cordoba 15CFM Sapphire Blue Satin Concert Ukulele

Tanglewood TWMFVSE Scroll Style Mandolin

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

Adam Black Concert Ukulele Rainbow

Adam Black Concert Ukulele Black

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