All Musical Instruments Names List - Types and Categories

A musical instrument is defined as a device for producing a musical sound. Objects such as piano, guitar or drum that we use for playing music are known as musical instruments. Musical instruments are often simply called instruments, every musical instrument has its own sound and is different, there are more than 1500 musical instruments. So we can say that a musical instrument is a device which is used to make musical sounds. Let's study in detail about different musical instruments.

Types of Musical Instruments:

Musical instruments are categorised into 4 major types:

• String

• Keyboard

• Percussion

• Woodwind

Let's explore a little bit about each type:

• String: These are one of the most common types of instruments. They involve striking or hitting a string and the resonance and intensity of the sound produced is based on the manner or the force at which the string is striked.

Example: Guitar, Violin, Sitar

• Keyboard: Keyboard instruments produce sound by pressing keys or buttons. Each key is programmed to produce a specific sound, which is generated when the key is pressed. Oftentimes, the type is synchronous with the instrument by the same name.

Example: Keyboard, Harmonium, Organ, Synthesizer

• Percussion: Percussion instruments produce sound when they are struck, shaken, or scraped. The sound is created by the vibration of the instrument's material or surface. Each type of percussion instrument generates a distinct sound based on its construction and the method used to play it.

Example: Drums, Tabla, Mridang, Xylophone

• Woodwind/Brass: Woodwind instruments produce sound when air is blown through them, causing vibrations in the air column. They often use reeds or a flue to create sound. Each woodwind instrument has a unique output based on its construction and the way air interacts with it.

Example: Tuba, Trumpet, Flute, Reed

• Other:While these are the major 4 categories that msot instruments fall under, some instruments can have a pecularity or a uniqueness to them that puts them in their own category.

Example: Electronic and Digital Instruments, Mechanical Keyboards, Electronic and Steel Drum Kits.

All Musical Instruments Names List

We can proceed to look at different musical instruments names and the types they correspond to.

Detailed Look at Some Common Instruments:

Indian Musical Instruments Names List:

Music is an important part of the culture of our country. Traditions have witnessed many different hand musical instrument names along with other significant instruments. The following list highlights the different traditional musical instruments with names of our country.

Sitar - A string instrument known for its use in Indian classical music.

Tabla - A pair of hand-played drums used in various Indian music genres.

Sarod - A string instrument with a deep, resonant sound, often used in classical music.

Flute (Bansuri) - A bamboo flute played in Indian classical and folk music.

Harmonium - A keyboard instrument used in Indian devotional and classical music.

Santoor - A hammered dulcimer with strings, used in Kashmiri and Indian classical music.

Veena - A traditional South Indian string instrument with a distinct, rich sound.

Mridangam - A classical percussion instrument used predominantly in South Indian music.

Dholak - A two-headed drum used in folk music and various Indian celebrations.

Tanpura - A string instrument used to provide a continuous harmonic drone in Indian classical music.

Test your Knowledge on Musical Instruments:

1) Which of the following is a percussion instrument?

1. Sitar

2. Guitar

3. Accordion

4. Tabla

2) What category does the Tuba fall under?

1. Brass

2. Percussion

3. Keyboards

4. Strings

3) Which of the following is a traditional indian musical instrument?

1. Sitar

2. Guitar

3. Steel Drums

4. Trumpet

Check your answers below:

1) Tabla

2) Brass

3) Sitar

Important Takeaways from Different Musical Instruments Names and Information

• There are vast number of different instruments ranging from small musical instruments names to hand musical instruments names and more.

• Instruments are classified into different types based on their make, the sound they produce and most importantly, the way or manner used to play them

• There are namely 4 major categories of instruments - String, Brass/Woodwind, Percussion, Keyboards

• Music has been a major part of Indian culture since early history and our country has witnessed the birth of many major instruments.

• All in all, Musical Instuments are an extremely vast topic with multiple disciplines and practises to learn within it.