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

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Hohner Rocket Amp Harmonica Pro Pack (C - G - A-Major)

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Hohner Golden Melody Progressive Harmonica G-Major

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Hohner Silver Star Small Box Harmonica C-Major

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Hohner Marine Band 1896 D Major

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Hohner Marine Band Crossover A Major

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Tanglewood TWB18M5 5 String 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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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

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Hohner Marine Band Thunderbird F-Major Low Low Octave

Hohner Marine Band Thunderbird Bb-Major Low Octave

Hohner Marine Band Thunderbird C-Major Low Octave

Hohner Rocket Harmonica E-Major

Hohner Rocket Harmonica A-Major

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

Hohner Rocket Harmonica 5-Pack (C - G - A - D - Bb-Major)

Hohner Rocket Amp Harmonica Pro Pack (C - G - A-Major)

Hohner Rocket Amp Harmonica 5-Pack (C - G - A - D - Bb-Major)

Hohner Golden Melody Progressive Harmonica G-Major

Hohner Golden Melody Progressive Harmonica A-major

Hohner Golden Melody Progressive Harmonica Bb-Major

Hohner Silver Star Small Box Harmonica C-Major

Hohner Silver Star Small Box Harmonica D-major

Hohner Silver Star Small Box Harmonica E-Major

Hohner Silver Star Small Box Harmonica F-major

Hohner Silver Star Small Box Harmonica G-Major

Hohner Silver Star Small Box Harmonica A-major

Hohner FlexCase M Harmonica Case

Hohner FlexCase L Harmonica Case

Hohner FlexCase XL

Hohner Marine Band 1896 D Major

Hohner Marine Band Crossover A Major

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