Folk Music Instruments of the UK

A look at some of the traditional folk music instruments still used in performances across the United Kingdom.

The Various Folk Music Instruments of the UK

Folk music is the traditional music of the people of the United Kingdom. It is characterized by simple, catchy melodies and often tells stories of the people and their culture. Folk music has been around for centuries and has been passed down from generation to generation.

There are many different types of folk music instruments, each with its own unique sound. The most common folk music instruments are:
-The fiddle: The fiddle is a stringed instrument that is played with a bow. It is the most popular instrument in Scottish and Irish folk music.
-The penny whistle: The penny whistle is a small, flute-like instrument that is often used in Irish folk music.
-The accordion: The accordion is a portable, free-reed keyboard instrument that is popular in many different genres of folk music, including Irish, Scottish, Italian, and French.
-The bodhran: The bodhran is a frame drum that is commonly used in Irish folk music. It is usually played with sticks or with the hands.
-The bagpipes: The bagpipes are a wind instrument that consists of two bags filled with air, which are blown into by the player. The most popular type of bagpipes in UK folk music are the Scottish Highland Bagpipes.

The History of Folk Music in the UK

The history of folk music in the United Kingdom is rich and varied. Instruments commonly associated with British folk music include the fiddle, accordion, bagpipes, melodeon (a type of button accordion), piano, concertina, ukulele, and drums. The earliest known folk songs in the English language date back to the early Middle Ages.

Folk music continued to be popular in England throughout the Renaissance and into the Baroque era. By the 18th century, folk songs about current events such as highwaymen and Catalans had become popular. The Industrial Revolution brought new sounds to folk music, as well as new instruments from other cultures.

The 20th century saw a renewed interest in traditional folk music, led by figures such as Cecil Sharp and Ralph Vaughan Williams. In more recent years, contemporary artists such as Kate Bush and Steeleye Span have brought fresh attention to the genre.

The Different Genres of Folk Music in the UK

There are many different genres of folk music in the United Kingdom. These include, but are not limited to, Celtic, Anglo-American, Nordic, East Anglian, and gypsy jazz. Each genre has its own unique history and instruments.

Celtic folk music is perhaps the most well-known type of folk music in the UK. It is characterized by its use of traditional Celtic instruments such as the fiddle, the bodhran (a type of drum), and the Scottish Highland bagpipes. Celtic folk music has its roots in the music of the Celts, a group of peoples who inhabited parts of Europe prior to the arrival of the Romans.

Anglo-American folk music is a genre that developed in the United States from the 17th century onward. It draws heavily on English and Scottish folk traditions, as well as those of other European immigrant groups. Common instruments used in Anglo-American folk music include the banjo, fiddle, and acoustic guitar.

Nordic folk music is another genre with ancient roots. It developed in Scandinavia and Iceland from the music of the Viking peoples who inhabited those regions centuries ago. Nordic folk music is often characterized by its use of traditional Nordic instruments such as the hardanger fiddle and Swedish nyckelharpa (a type of keyed fiddle). It also often features vocal harmonies reminiscent of choral music.

East Anglian folk music is a genre that developed in eastern England from medieval times onward. It is characterized by its use of traditional instruments such as the accordion and melodeon (a type of button accordion), as well as by its use of Eastern European scales and rhythms. East Anglian folk music often features vocals in languages other than English, such as Polish or Romani.

Gypsy jazz is a genre that developed in France during the early 20th century. It draws heavily on traditional Romani (Gypsy) musical styles, as well as on French musette (accordion-based) dancehall music. Common instruments used in gypsy jazz include acoustic guitar, violin, and clarinet.

The Popularity of Folk Music in the UK

Folk music has been a popular genre in the UK for many years. There are many different folk music instruments that are used in this genre, and each one has its own unique sound. Many of these instruments are played together in a band, and this can create a very lively and upbeat sound. Some of the most popular folk music instruments of the UK include the following:

-The fiddle is a stringed instrument that is often used in folk music. It has a very distinctive sound, and it can be played either solo or in a band.
-The accordion is another popular instrument in folk music. It is a portable keyboard instrument that is played by pumping air into it with your hands.
-The concertina is similar to the accordion, but it is much smaller and easier to carry around. It is also very popular in folk music.
-The banjo is another stringed instrument that is often used in folk music. It has a very unique sound, and it can be played either solo or in a band.
-The bodhran is a type of drum that is often used in folk music. It is usually made from wood or skin, and it has a very deep and booming sound.

The Influence of Folk Music on Other Genres

Folk music has been a significant influence on other genres of music, such as pop, rock, and country. In the United Kingdom, folk music has had a particularly strong influence on pop music. Many British pop bands have incorporated aspects of folk music into their sound, including the Beatles, the Kinks, Led Zeppelin, and Fairport Convention.

Folk music instruments such as the guitar, banjo, and fiddle are often used in pop and rock music. The influence of folk music can be heard in the Beatles’ song “Rocky Raccoon”, which features a banjo played in a folk style. The Kinks’ “Lola” incorporates elements of traditional British folk music, including the use of a finger-picked acoustic guitar. Led Zeppelin’s “The Battle of Evermore” features a mandolin played in a style similar to that of Scottish folk musician Peter Bellamy. Fairport Convention’s “Matty Groves” is a traditional English folk song that was adapted for electric instruments and featured on the band’s debut album.

The popularity of folk-influenced pop and rock music has led to the revival of interest in traditional folk music in the United Kingdom. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in British Folk Music, with new bands forming and old bands reforming. This has led to increased popularity for traditional Folk Music festivals such as The Cambridge Folk Festival and The Whitby Folk Week.

The Future of Folk Music in the UK

With the popularity of digital music streaming and the rise of EDM, it’s easy to forget that folk music is still alive and well in the United Kingdom. In fact, many young people are taking up traditional folk instruments and giving the genre a fresh twist. Here’s a look at some of the most popular folk music instruments of the UK and what the future of folk music might hold.

The fiddle is perhaps the most iconic of all folk music instruments, and it remains hugely popular in the UK. Young fiddlers are keeping the tradition alive by performing at festivals and concerts, as well as recording new albums. The fiddle has a unique sound that can be both upbeat and mournful, making it perfect for all sorts of folk songs.

The accordion is another popular folk instrument, particularly in Wales and Scotland. This portable instrument is great for playing both traditional tunes and modern compositions. Many young accordionists are taking advantage of its versatility by experimenting with different genres of music.

The acoustic guitar is also widely used in folk music, both in solo performances and in accompaniment to other instruments. Acoustic guitars have a warm, mellow sound that is perfect for slow-paced songs. Many young musicians are choosing to play acoustic guitars because they are relatively affordable and easy to transport.

The ukulele is another popular choice for young folk musicians. This small instrument is easy to learn and can be played either solo or in a group. Ukuleles have a light, cheerful sound that is perfect for upbeat songs. Plus, they’re very portable, making them ideal for busking or playing at impromptu gigs.

So what does the future of folk music hold? It’s hard to say definitively, but one thing is certain: there’s no shortage of talented young musicians keeping the tradition alive.

The Different Folk Music Festivals in the UK

There are many folk music festivals held throughout the United Kingdom each year. They vary in size, location, and type of music played.

The largest and most well-known is the Glastonbury Festival, which takes place in Somerset. This festival has been running since 1970 and usually takes place in late June. It attracts around 175,000 attendees each year and features a wide range of musical genres, including folk, rock, pop, and Hip-Hop.

Another popular festival is the Cambridge Folk Festival, which has been held annually since 1965. It takes place in early August and features mostly folk music from the British Isles. Around 12,000 people attend this festival each year.

Other notable folk music festivals in the UK include the Orkney Folk Festival, Sidmouth Folk Week, Shambala Festival, and Celtic Connections.

The Different Folk Music Clubs in the UK

There are different folk music clubs in the UK which have their own unique sound. The different clubs focus on playing a variety of folk music instruments from the United Kingdom.

The types of folk music instruments that are played in the UK include:
-The fiddle
-The accordion
-The whistle
-The bagpipes
-The drums

The Different Folk Music Record Labels in the UK

There are a number of record labels which focus on releasing recordings of traditional music from the British Isles. Some of these are long-established companies with a wide catalogue, while others may have been set up more recently with a narrower focus. Here are some of the most well-known:

-Topic Records: Founded in 1959, Topic Records is one of the oldest independent record labels specializing in folk music. They have released recordings by some of the most well-known names in the genre, including Bellowhead, Sasha Springer, Martin Carthy, and Anne Briggs.

-Fellside Recordings: Fellside Recordings was founded in 1985 and has since become one of the leading names in folk and acoustic music. They have released albums by artists such as Dolly Parton, Eliza Carthy, June Tabor, and Kate Rusby.

-Green Linnet Records: Green Linnet Records was set up in 1978 with the aim of releasing traditional Celtic music. They have since expanded their catalogue to include other genres such as Americana and world music. Notable artists on their roster include Solas, Altan, Karan Casey, and We Banjo 3.

-Hannibal Records: Hannibal Records is a US-based record label which specializes in world music, including a significant number of releases featuring traditional music from the British Isles. Artists on their roster include Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span, Pentangle, Richard Thompson, and Bert Jansch.

The Different Folk Music Radio Shows in the UK

Folk music radio shows in the United Kingdom are plentiful, and with such a wide variety of radio stations, there is bound to be one to suit everyone’s taste. In addition, many of these stations also offer podcasts of their programmes, so even if you’re not in the UK, you can still listen to some great folk music.

The BBC offers two different folk music radio programmes. The first is called ‘The Folk Show’, and it is broadcast on BBC Radio 2 on Sunday evenings. The show is presented by Mark Radcliffe and features a mix of traditional and contemporary folk music from both the UK and further afield.

The other BBC folk music show is called ‘Folk on 2’. This show is broadcast on BBC Radio 2 on Wednesday evenings and is presented by Mike Harding. Like ‘The Folk Show’, ‘Folk on 2’ features both traditional and contemporary folk music from across the UK and beyond.

There are also several regional folk music radio shows in the UK. For example, in England there is ‘Folk East’, which is broadcast on Sunday evenings on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, and ‘Folk South West’, which is broadcast on Monday evenings on BBC Radio Devon. In Scotland, there is ‘ Take the Floor’, which is broadcast on Thursday evenings on BBC Radio Scotland, and in Wales there is ‘C2’, which is broadcast on Tuesday evenings on BBC Radio Cymru.

With such a wide variety of folk music radio shows available, there really is something for everyone. So why not tune in and give one a try?