Folk & Traditional Instruments

Folk & Traditional Instruments for Sale

Folk and traditional instruments are rooted in cultural, regional and community-based musical traditions. These instruments are commonly associated with storytelling, improvisation and acoustic performance.

Music & Arts offers an array of high-quality folk instruments, including string and wind and keyboard instruments from trusted brands.

A Wide Range of Musical Traditions

Folk instruments appear in musical traditions across many cultures and regions, and are used not only in traditional and regional music but also in contemporary, acoustic and experimental styles. Because of this diversity, folk instruments appeal to a broad spectrum of musicians — from banjo and mandolin players in bluegrass bands, to indie singer-songwriters who strum the ukulele, to accordion players in zydeco and a range of Latin styles.

Types of Folk Instruments

Folk instruments can be grouped by how they produce sound and how they are typically played. Among the folk and traditional string instruments are the ukulele, banjo and mandolin. Folk and traditional wind and keyboard instruments include the harmonica, accordion, penny whistle and more.

Shop Folk & Traditional Instruments at Music & Arts

Explore folk instruments at Music & Arts, including string, wind and keyboard instruments. Shop online for fast, secure delivery, or visit one of our stores to test different models in person. Our specialists are available to help you discover an instrument that fits your musical interests and playing goals.

Folk & Traditional Instrument Buying FAQs

Are folk instruments good for beginners?

Absolutely. Folk and traditional music is the music of the people — it’s meant to be played and enjoyed by communities. While there are plenty of jaw-dropping performers on the ukulele, mandolin and accordion, those instruments are often played to tell stories and accompany singing. In other words, they sound great even if the player only knows a few chords.

What is the easiest folk instrument to learn?

For strings, the ukulele is an approachable and beautiful-sounding instrument that provides distinctive, soothing accompaniment. In winds, the penny whistle is a great beginner instrument with a simple fingering system and a clear, flute-like tone.

What’s the difference between folk instruments and classical instruments?

Folk instruments were created or adapted by communities all around the globe, to serve social functions and play musical styles pioneered within those communities: think of bluegrass in Appalachia, or acoustic blues in the Mississippi Delta. Classical instruments were invented and refined for use in the European symphony orchestra.

Throughout music history, there has been a lot of overlap. The violin, for instance, is the most prevalent string instrument in the orchestra, as well as a key instrument in American bluegrass and folk, where it’s often called the fiddle.

Does Music & Arts offer lessons for folk and traditional instruments?

Yes! Music & Arts teaches lessons on 20+ instruments, including folk instruments like banjo, mandolin and more. Get started in the nation’s #1 lessons program today.