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

Washburn B8 5 String Banjo Pack

£299.00 £399.00

Get it Friday, May 3

FREE Delivery

In Stock

£62.99

Out of Stock

Hohner Marine Band Deluxe E-Major

£62.99

Get it Friday, May 3

In Stock

Hohner Marine Band Deluxe F-Major

£62.99

Get it Friday, May 3

In Stock

Hohner Marine Band Deluxe G-Major

£62.99

Get it Friday, May 3

In Stock

Hohner Marine Band Deluxe A-Major

£62.99

Get it Friday, May 3

In Stock

£49.00 £52.99

Out of Stock

Hohner Rocket Harmonica Bb-Major

£49.00 £52.99

Get it Friday, May 3

In Stock

Hohner Rocket Harmonica ProPack (C - G - A-Major)

£139.99

Get it Friday, May 3

In Stock

Martin TKE Uke

£859.00

Out of Stock

Vintage Viaten Tenor Guitar -By Paul Brett

£239.00 £319.00

Get it Friday, May 3

FREE Delivery

In Stock

Eastman EU2-T Natural Tenor Ukulele

£249.00

Out of Stock

Fender Montecito Tenor Ukulele Walnut Fingerboard Shaded Edge Burst

£197.00 £229.99

Get it Friday, May 3

In Stock

Martin S1K Ukulele

£529.00

Get it Friday, May 3

FREE Delivery

In Stock

Sigma SUM-2S Soprano Ukulele

£139.00 £199.00

Get it Friday, May 3

In Stock

Vintage Soprano Ukulele Satin Blue

£44.99

Out of Stock

Vintage Soprano Ukulele Natural

£44.99

Out of Stock

Vintage Soprano Ukulele Satin Red

£44.99

Out of Stock

Stores Nationwide

Shipping Worldwide

Free Next Day Delivery

Sell your Guitar

Expert Advice

Folk Instruments

Filter

Washburn B8 5 String Banjo Pack

Hohner Marine Band Harmonica A

Hohner Marine Band Harmonica E

Hohner Marine Band 1896 Bb-Major

Hohner Marine Band 1896 ProPack (C-G-A-major)

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

Hohner Marine Band Deluxe C-Major

Hohner Marine Band Deluxe D-Major

Hohner Marine Band Deluxe E-Major

Hohner Marine Band Deluxe F-Major

Hohner Marine Band Deluxe G-Major

Hohner Marine Band Deluxe A-Major

Hohner Marine Band Deluxe Bb-Major

Hohner Marine Band Crossover E-Major

Hohner Marine Band Crossover F-Major

Hohner Marine Band Crossover Bb-Major

Hohner Marine Band Thunderbird F-Major Low Low Octave

Hohner Marine Band Thunderbird G-Major Low octave

Hohner Marine Band Thunderbird A-Major Low Octave

Hohner Marine Band Thunderbird Bb-Major Low Octave

Hohner Marine Band Thunderbird C-Major Low Octave

Hohner Marine Band Thunderbird D-Major Low Octave

Hohner Marine Band Thunderbird F-Major Low Octave

Hohner Rocket Harmonica C-Major

Hohner Rocket Harmonica D-Major

Hohner Rocket Harmonica E-Major

Hohner Rocket Harmonica F-Major

Hohner Rocket Harmonica G-Major

Hohner Rocket Harmonica A-Major

Hohner Rocket Harmonica Bb-Major

Hohner Rocket Harmonica ProPack (C - G - A-Major)

Martin TKE Uke

Vintage Viaten Tenor Guitar -By Paul Brett

Eastman EU2-T Natural Tenor Ukulele

Fender Montecito Tenor Ukulele Walnut Fingerboard Shaded Edge Burst

Martin S1K Ukulele

Sigma SUM-2S Soprano Ukulele

Vintage Soprano Ukulele Satin Blue

Vintage Soprano Ukulele Natural

Vintage Soprano Ukulele Satin Red

Keep up with our latest offers, news & events