Welcome to another exciting article on our blog about folk music! Today we are going to discuss a very fun topic: folk music instruments. What are the first instruments that come to your mind when you think about folk music? If you are from the US, your top answer would undoubtedly be the banjo and the fiddle.
However, there are a myriad of other instruments used to play folk music. You see, folk music is created everywhere. It is the “music of the people,” as the very term suggests. That is why it is not surprising that every region has its typical folk music instruments.
The latter have evolved tremendously over the centuries. In the beginning, the usual folk music instruments consisted of basic drums and percussion tools as well as elements of nature, such as wooden sticks, shells, stones, and the like.
However, as human civilization advanced and people became more adept at creating music, new instruments came into play. In the paragraphs below, we will tell you all about the most popular folk music instruments and how they are used.
Banjo
The banjo has a long history and an interesting origin. According to historical sources, this popular folk music instrument was brought to North America by African slaves back in the day. It is said that the banjo as we know it today originates from several other African instruments. Nonetheless, some music historians argue that its godfather was the lute.
Whatever the real story may be, the banjo is to this day the most popular folk music instrument in America. Nowadays it exists in several versions, one of which we will discuss in the next couple of paragraphs. In any case, the modern-day banjo has been documented in music history since 1678.
The 5-string Banjo
Speaking of banjo variations, we cannot help but mention the 5-string version. What makes it so special is the high string, which is the first one to precede the lowest bass string. It is usually tuned to G.
The 5-string banjo is mostly used in country, bluegrass, and Irish music. In contrast, the 4-string banjo was only invented with the rise of jazz music. This instrument is often found in Dixieland bands, though it also appears in some Irish folk songs.
Mandolin
Another very popular string instrument to star in folk music compositions is the mandolin. It is used in both solo performances and in plucked ensembles. There are several variations of the mandolin. The flat-back one is the most widely used in folk music.
However, you will often encounter the traditional roundback mandolin and the classic drop-shaped version. The mandolin is a very interesting folk music instrument that dates way back in time. It appeared in Europe as an addition to the lute family. During the 17th and 18th centuries, its predecessors included the mandore and mandola.
Lute
Talking about the mandolin’s predecessors, we cannot help but mention the lute. It is one of the oldest folk music instruments and dates back to two centuries BC. As you can imagine, the lute has undergone a great deal of transformations within its long existence. For instance, you have the 7-course Renaissance lute that has six double strings and one single string.
There is also a lute with seven double strings and one treble string. On the other hand, you can also find a variation with six strings, which is tuned like a guitar. Just like the mandolin, the lute is used for both solo and ensemble performances. Lute ensembles are very popular in folk music.
Ukulele
Looking for a fun folk music instrument that is easy to play and brings in a good mood? Well, we are here to tell you about the ukulele. This folk music instrument is ideal for beginners. It is easy to learn and has an upbeat sound. The latter makes it perfect not only for folk music but also for jazz and other genres.
If you are looking for what to play on the ukulele, here is a lovely folk tune:
Balalaika
Let us now turn our heads a little to the East and talk about the most widely used Russian folk instrument, the balalaika. This string instrument comes mainly in two variations: the classic 3-string balalaika and the slightly more sophisticated 6-string version.
The balalaika is a very attractive instrument thanks to its easy-to-master nature and colorful, exotic design. Traditional Russian balalaikas are lavishly decorated with folk patterns and are quite eye-catching.
Harp
Now, when we mention the word “harp” most people would imagine an Ancient Greek goddess sitting on a fluffy white cloud playing this beautiful instrument with little cherubs flying around. However, in certain variations, the harp is also found in folk music.
Unlike in classic music, where the harp is also used for solo performances, in folk music it is mostly typical for orchestras. Harps today come in several variations, including an electric version of the instrument.
Other Popular Folk Music Instruments
A single blog post is not enough to exhaust the list of the most popular folk music instruments. However, let us briefly list a few more of them:
- Double Bass
- Violin (Fiddle)
- Acoustic guitars (folk, western, and dobro)
Now, as we wrap up, let us wish you great fun with all the instruments discussed above, and go out there and enjoy some quality folk music!