Folk guitar (page 47)

The folk guitar has become an essential instrument for many musicians, whether they are beginners or experienced. Purchasing a folk guitar can be complex with the multitude of options available on the market. Stars Music guides you in choosing a model that suits your needs and musical preferences.

WHAT IS A FOLK GUITAR?

The folk guitar is a stringed instrument played by plucking. It is also commonly referred to as an acoustic guitar. Its body is wider and deeper than that of a classical guitar. It is often associated with folk music, blues, country, and other acoustic genres. Folk guitars come in different shapes such as dreadnought, auditorium, concert, offering different sounds and playing styles.

THE PARTICULARITIES OF THE FOLK GUITAR

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced musician, you can enjoy the numerous advantages of the folk guitar:

1 - Warm sound: They are renowned for their rich and natural sound. They are perfect for a wide variety of musical styles, ranging from blues to rock and country. Their balanced sound and powerful projection make them suitable instruments for playing solo or accompanying other instruments.

2 - Ease of play: They are generally equipped with steel strings. This contributes to their sound, which is very different from classical guitars equipped with nylon strings. The necks of folk guitars are narrow, with low action, making playing easier. It's a good choice for beginners or people with smaller hands.

3 - Folk guitars can be used in many different situations. For example, playing alone at home, accompanying songs around a campfire, or performing on stage with a band. Their unique sound suits various musical styles and playing techniques.

4 - Durability: Folk guitars are generally built to withstand the daily wear and tear of practice. Their solid construction and sturdy materials make them durable tools. They can withstand the tough conditions of the road and travel.

HOW TO CHOOSE A FOLK GUITAR?

To choose the ideal folk guitar, 2 main criteria should be considered:

• The commonly used wood species for the back and sides of the body are mahogany and rosewood. Those for the soundboard are often spruce, whether solid or laminated.
• The size and shape of the guitar body: They affect its resonance as well as its playing comfort.
• The overall sound of the guitar and its projection: the sound must be of impeccable quality and ensure sufficient volume. You can make an electro-acoustic folk guitar by adding a piezo pickup or a pickup fixed in the soundhole. This will allow you to play on stage with amplified sound.
• Your personal budget: It will play a crucial role in the final choice of your guitar. You will find entry-level models between 100 and 150 euros.

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF FOLK GUITAR

There are 3 types of folk guitar:

• Dreadnought: a recognizable acoustic guitar with a wide and deep body for a rich and powerful sound. It is a popular choice for guitarists who want to practice folk, blues, and country music.
• The Jumbo has a larger body than a dreadnought, giving it deep resonance and impressive sound projection. It has sustained low frequencies. This guitar is perfect for musicians who want a strong and dynamic sound, ideal for playing alone or accompanying a powerful voice.
• 00 / 000 / 0M / PARLOR: these are smaller-sized folk guitars, offering a softer and more intimate sound. These guitars are perfectly suited for fingerpicking and arpeggios. They are ideal for gentle music styles such as folk, acoustic blues, and fingerstyle.

Small-sized guitars are comfortable to play for smaller individuals. They are also appreciated by those who prefer a lighter and easier to carry instrument.

THE BEST FOLK GUITAR BRANDS

The brands Eastone, Yamaha, Fender, and Cort in entry-level models are recommended. For more seasoned musicians, the essential brands are Martin, Taylor, Gibson, and Collings. Not to forget Eastman, which stands out for its excellent value for money.

These globally known brands are often praised for their exceptional craftsmanship and the unique sound of each. Depending on your budget and preferences, there is a folk guitar for every guitarist, whether beginner or expert.

HOW MANY STRINGS DOES A FOLK GUITAR HAVE?

A folk guitar can have a different number of strings depending on the model and the musician's preferences. The most common is the 6-string one. This configuration suits different music styles such as folk, rock, and blues. It is versatile and designed to meet many musical styles.

However, some guitarists prefer to opt for 12-string folk guitars. In this case, each standard string is doubled, creating a richer and fuller sound. These guitars have a unique and bright sound. This sound is often used to enrich music by giving it more depth and texture.

Finally, there are 8-string folk guitars, although less common than 6 or 12-string configurations. These guitars offer an interesting but rather overlooked alternative to date.