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

Tanglewood TWT15E Tenor Ukulele

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Tanglewood TWT17E Tenor Ukulele

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Tanglewood TWT19 Tenor Ukulele

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Tanglewood TWT33 5 String Tenor Ukelele Figured Pacific Walnut

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Fender Montecito Tenor Ukulele Walnut Fingerboard Shaded Edge Burst

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Fender Avalon Tenor Ukulele Surf Green

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£199.00

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Ibanez AUP10FMNE Transparent Blue Sunburst Open Pore

£259.00

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Ibanez AUP10N Open Pore Light Brown Sunburst

£199.00

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Laka VUT100B Bamboo Series Tenor Ukulele

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Laka VUT40 Mahogany Deluxe Series Tenor Ukulele

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Mahalo Master All Solid Tenor Ukulele

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Mahalo Pearl Tenor Ukulele

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Mahalo Master All Solid Soprano Ukulele

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Mahalo 2211TK Soprano Ukulele Art Series Tiki

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£69.00

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Tanglewood TWT1 CE Soprano Ukulele Satin Finish with EQ

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Vintage Soprano Ukulele Natural

£54.99

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Ozark 2306GBU 5 String Banjo Blue

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Tanglewood Union TUB5 Banjo

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Epiphone Mastertone Bowtie Open Back Banjo Natural

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Epiphone Earl Scruggs Golden Deluxe Banjo Natural

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Deering Goodtime 6

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Deering Goodtime 5-String Openback Banjo

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Tanglewood TWT15E Tenor Ukulele

Tanglewood TWT17E Tenor Ukulele

Tanglewood TWT19 Tenor Ukulele

Tanglewood TWT33 5 String Tenor Ukelele Figured Pacific Walnut

Fender Montecito Tenor Ukulele Walnut Fingerboard Shaded Edge Burst

Fender Avalon Tenor Ukulele Surf Green

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

Ibanez AUP10N Open Pore Natural Tenor Ukulele

Ibanez AUT10 Open Pore Natural

Ibanez AUP10FMNE Transparent Blue Sunburst Open Pore

Ibanez AUP10N Open Pore Light Brown Sunburst

Laka VUT100B Bamboo Series Tenor Ukulele

Laka VUT40 Mahogany Deluxe Series Tenor Ukulele

Mahalo Master All Solid Tenor Ukulele

Mahalo Pearl Tenor Ukulele

Mahalo Master All Solid Soprano Ukulele

Mahalo 2211TK Soprano Ukulele Art Series Tiki

Mahalo Pearl Soprano Ukulele

Martin S1K Ukulele

Martin S-1 Uke Soprano Ukulele Left Handed

Tanglewood TWT1 Soprano Ukulele Satin Finish

Tanglewood TWT1 CE Soprano Ukulele Satin Finish with EQ

Vintage Soprano Ukulele Natural

Ozark 2306GBU 5 String Banjo Blue

Pilgrim Shady Grove 3 Open Back Banjo

Pilgrim Shady Grove 7 Open Back Banjo

Pilgrim Performer Open Back Ukulele Banjo

Tanglewood TWB18M4 4 String Banjo

Tanglewood TWB18M5 5 String Banjo

Tanglewood TWB18M6 6 String Banjo

Tanglewood TWBU Ukulele Banjo Tobacco Burst

Tanglewood Union TUB4 Banjo

Tanglewood Union TUB5 Banjo

Epiphone Mastertone Bowtie Open Back Banjo Natural

Epiphone Earl Scruggs Golden Deluxe Banjo Natural

Deering Goodtime 6

Deering Goodtime 5-String Openback Banjo

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