On these pages you will find the basics for the most common instruments used for folk music.

I have photographed my own instruments and identified the main parts, note locations and other important bits so the beginner can relate these to his or her own instrument as soon as it is taken out of the box.

These pages are not meant as a tutor but simply a guide to fingering positions, button positions or playing techniques.  If you are serious about your music, I strongly suggest, you find someone in your area who is willing to teach you to read and play music.  I know of one or two players who can't read a note of music and have to learn tunes 'parrot fashion'.  This may be okay for the limited repertoire they may need in their group, but when the inevitable "jam" session starts at big gatherings, they miss out on a lot of enjoyment by having to "sit it out".  If you learn to read the dots and practice regularly, then the chance of learning a vast range of tunes is at your fingertips.

I would like to make a comment here about an encounter I had recently during a visit to a local music shop.

A middle-aged couple followed their teenage daughter into the shop and stood around looking totally lost whilst she examined several instruments on display.  After spending several minutes looking and trying the instruments she finally settled on an instrument she seemed comfortable with.  Not, I might add, the one the salesman was pushing at her.

I suddenly became the focus of the mother's attention as I was waiting and she came over and announced, "It's only a fad, y'know!".  "It'll never last!  I told her, but would she listen?"

I was curious at the woman's strong opposition to her daughter's keenness. Was it because her daughter may disturb the neighbours?  Was it because her daughter's schooling might suffer?  The answer was surprising.  Her daughter had gained very good results in her A-levels, had gone into a well paid job, and wanted to take up an instrument.  Practice would be no trouble as they lived in a detached house.  It was because, neither of her parents could play an instrument.

The mother's next comment left me speechless... "I tried to play when I was younger, but my mother said I wouldn't enjoy it and she was right, I hated every minute of it!".

Her father had been taught the violin at school and likewise, his parents had also insisted he took up a more useful pastime.

This attitude is even worse than the parents who "just know" little William is going to be a great concert pianist or cello virtuoso at the age of 2 years old and by the time he reaches middle-age, still can't tell a crotchet from a hatchet!

Parents, please, if your child shows any interest in the practical side of music, encourage them.  Primary schools offer tuition on the humble recorder at little or no charge.  Secondary schools often have a small group of instruments to allow pupils, who show any interest, get used to them before investing in an instrument of their own.  Listen to the advice of their music teacher.  If he or she says your child shows a little promise, help develop it.

Musical ability is a great thing to have and can bring pleasure to lots of people.