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

Lanikai Oak OA-S Soprano Ukulele

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Ibanez UEW5E Concert Ukulele Open Pore Natural

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Ibanez UEW5 Concert Ukulele Open Pore Natural

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Ibanez AUC10E Open Pore Natural Concert Ukulele

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Ozark 2371BK Mandolin A Model F Hole Black

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Ozark 2371BU Mandolin A Model F Hole Blue

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£229.00

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Chord Bongos 6.5 Inch and 7.5 Inch with Carry Bag Natural

£39.00 £59.99

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Chord Bongos 6.5 Inch and 7.5 Inch with Carry Bag Black

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Chord Bongos 6.5 Inch and 7.5 Inch with Carry Bag White

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Chord Bongos 6.5 Inch and 7.5 Inch with Carry Bag Red

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Chord Maracas 10 Inch

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Chord Tambourines Single D White

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Chord Tambourines Single D Blue

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Chord Tambourines Single D Red

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£67.00

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Lanikai Oak OA-S Soprano Ukulele

Ibanez UEW5E Concert Ukulele Open Pore Natural

Ibanez UEW5 Concert Ukulele Open Pore Natural

Ibanez AUC10E Open Pore Natural Concert Ukulele

Ibanez AUC14 Open Pore Violin Sunburst Concert Ukulele

Lanikai Cedar Solid Top CDST-C Concert Ukulele

Lanikai LU21-C Concert Ukulele

Lanikai Oak OA-C Concert Ukulele

Lanikai Oak OA-CEC Electric Concert Ukulele

Lanikai Spalted Maple Top SMBB-CX Concert Ukulele

Lanikai Ziricote ZR-C Concert Ukulele

Lanikai Ziricote ZR-CEC Electric Concert Ukulele

Lanikai Mahogany MA-G Guitelele

Ibanez M510 Mandolin Dark Violin Sunburst

Ibanez M522S Mandolin Dark Violin Sunburst High Gloss

Ozark 2255E Mandolin F Model Electric

Ozark 2371BK Mandolin A Model F Hole Black

Ozark 2371BU Mandolin A Model F Hole Blue

Epiphone F-5 Studio Vintage Sunburst Satin

Sigma MA 6 F-Style Mandolin

Sigma SMA 6 All Solid F-Style Mandolin

Sigma SMA 8 All Solid F-Style Mandolin

Sigma SMA 6E All-Solid F-Style Mandolin with Fishman Pickup

Sigma SMA 8E All-Solid F-Style Mandolin with Fishman Pickup

Tanglewood TWMTBKPE Mandolin F Hole Black

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

Adam Black Concert Ukulele Rainbow

Adam Black Concert Ukulele Black

Adam Black Concert Ukulele Natural

Adam Black Concert Ukulele Sunburst

Adam Black Concert Ukulele Trans Blue

Adam Black Concert Ukulele Wine Red

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