Folk Instruments
Everything published on Music Adviser UK under Folk Instruments — reviews, buying advice and how-tos written for players and producers in the UK.
Banjo Ukulele for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Whether you're new to stringed instruments or transferring skills from ukulele, the learning curve here is modest. Here's what to know before you start.
Common Celtic Harp Mistakes to Avoid
Most harp mistakes are not about music. They are about technique, maintenance and expectations — and they are easiest to fix before they become habits.
Nose Flute for Beginners: A Complete Guide
The nose flute is one of the most accessible wind instruments to start on — this beginner's guide takes you from your very first tone to playing simple tunes, with no prior experience needed.
Bagpipes Explained: Features, Types and Tips
From the Great Highland pipes to the uilleann and the Galician gaita, bagpipes are a far richer family than most people realise. Here is a patient guide to the instrument in all its forms.
Mountain Dulcimer: A Complete Guide
The mountain dulcimer is one of the most beginner-friendly folk instruments. Here's what it is, how the diatonic fret system works, the main tunings, and the different playing styles you'll encounter.
Kala Ukulele Explained: Features, Types and Tips
Kala makes ukuleles across a wide range of sizes, materials and budgets — this guide explains the features that matter and how to read the catalogue.
Bouzouki: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Decoration tells you nothing about how a bouzouki plays. Here's what to check before you buy one, from tuning system to scale length.
How to Set Up and Use Accordion
Correct strap fitting, even bellows movement and clean key placement are the three foundations of good technique — this guide walks through each from the beginning.
Tenor Ukulele for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Getting started on the ukulele is easier than most instruments — here is everything a new player needs to know in one practical guide.
A Guide to Electric Mandolin
Solid body, floating pickup, or electrified acoustic — here's what distinguishes different electric mandolin formats and where each suits different playing contexts.
Kalimba for Beginners: A Complete Guide
No music reading, no calluses, no rush. Here's a gentle, structured way into the kalimba for anyone starting from absolute zero.
Soprano Ukulele: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Budget entry points, solid wood construction, koa premiums and what to check before you buy — a practical guide to choosing the right soprano ukulele.
Oud Instrument Explained: Features, Types and Tips
A deep, pear-shaped body, a fretless neck and not a fret in sight, the instrument at the heart of Arabic, Turkish and Persian music, explained properly.
Shamisen Explained: Features, Types and Tips
Three strings, no frets and a sharp percussive attack — here's what a shamisen actually is, and how its three neck types differ.
Dulcimer: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Two instruments share the name, several tunings and a lot of jargon. Here is what genuinely matters before you buy one.
Common Nose Flute Mistakes to Avoid
Most nose flute problems come down to a handful of common mistakes — here are the ones to know about and how to correct them before they become entrenched habits.
Common Bouzouki Mistakes to Avoid
Most bouzouki troubles trace back to a handful of avoidable slips. Here they are, gently laid out, so you don't have to learn them the hard way.
The Best Dulcimers for the Money
There's no single best dulcimer, only the right tier for the player you are now. Here's how to find yours.
5 String Banjo Explained: Features, Types and Tips
The 5-string banjo's short fifth drone string creates re-entrant tuning — higher in pitch than all the others — and gives the instrument its characteristic, unmistakeable sound.
Bouzouki Explained: Features, Types and Tips
From the rebetiko tavernas of Greece to Irish folk sessions, the bouzouki comes in more than one form. Here's what sets them apart.
The Best Accordions for the Money
Reed quality, bellows airtightness and keyboard action are the benchmarks that separate good value from poor — this guide covers the standout options at every price point.
Tabla Explained: Features, Types and Tips
Two small drums, a language built from spoken syllables, and centuries of refined technique — the tabla is one of the world's most expressive percussion instruments.
How to Set Up and Use 5 String Banjo
A properly set-up five-string banjo is far more enjoyable to learn on. Here is how to fit strings, position the bridge, set the action and make your first sounds.
Electric Mandolin for Beginners: A Complete Guide
G, D and A — the three starting chords. Tremolo, double courses and amplifier setup — here's the complete first-steps guide for new players.
Folk Instruments is filed under
All topics
Accordion
The accordion is a versatile folk instrument with rich tone, expressive bellows and many layouts for traditional and mod...
2 topics
Bagpipes
Bagpipes are powerful traditional instruments with strong regional identities, used across Scottish, Irish and wider fol...
Banjo
The banjo offers bright, rhythmic attack and wide stylistic range across folk, bluegrass and traditional acoustic music.
3 topics
Didgeridoo
Resonant Australian drone instrument with powerful sustained tone, circular breathing and distinctive rhythmic effects.
1 topic
Harmonica
Harmonicas are compact, expressive instruments ideal for folk, blues and acoustic performance.
Kalimba
Kalimba instruments are compact thumb pianos with a soft, melodic tone, ideal for beginners and atmospheric playing.
2 topics
Mandolin
Mandolin instruments deliver a bright, ringing tone with strong folk and acoustic appeal across many styles.
2 topics
Ocarina
Compact vessel flute with a clear, haunting tone and simple, portable appeal.
