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Musical Instrument Names: Essential List for Students

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Explore the Main Types of Musical Instruments with Examples

We all like to listen to music. Music helps us to stay happy, we enjoy different songs, and we dance to different songs but have you ever thought about what makes a song enjoyable? It is Music which makes us dance. But how is this music played? With help of what we are able to add music? The answer to all questions is Musical instruments.

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Musical instruments turn silence into beautiful sounds that express our deepest feelings. They connect us through harmonic sounds, making every note a bridge between hearts. Playing musical instruments involves producing sound by using wind, keys, or force to strike or hit notes. The sounds produced by these notes come in different forms and are perceived by our brain differently.


The process of all this coming together is what we come to know as music, and while it is an emotion that cannot be simply put into words, it is important to understand the process that goes into creating this feeling. In this article, you can find different musical instruments names with pictures.


Interesting Facts about Musical Instruments

  • The oldest known musical instrument is the flute, dating back over 40,000 years, discovered in a cave in Germany.

  • Modern instruments are made from diverse materials, including plastics, metals, and even 3D-printed components, enhancing their sound quality and accessibility.

  • Music is scientifically proved to have significant efforts on health, mind, and the brain, often uplifting moods and even has the power to change the way we think.

  • The ‘Sarangi’ is regarded as the most challenging musical instrument to play. Made using authentic, aged goat skin, it produces over 100 different sounds, thus the name sau-rangi, meaning 100 colours

All Musical Instruments Names and Information with Pictures

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:

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.


S. No

Musical Instrument

Type

1

Piano

Keyboard

2

Guitar

String

3

Violin

String

4

Flute

Woodwind

5

Clarinet

Woodwind

6

Saxophone

Woodwind

7

Trumpet

Brass

8

Trombone

Brass

9

Tuba

Brass

10

French Horn

Brass

11

Harp

String

12

Cello

String

13

Double Bass

String

14

Oboe

Woodwind

15

Bassoon

Woodwind

16

Bass Clarinet

Woodwind

17

Piccolo

Woodwind

18

Xylophone

Percussion

19

Marimba

Percussion

20

Vibraphone

Percussion

21

Timpani

Percussion

22

Snare Drum

Percussion

23

Bass Drum

Percussion

24

Cymbals

Percussion

25

Conga

Percussion

26

Bongo

Percussion

27

Djembe

Percussion

28

Tambourine

Percussion

29

Triangle

Percussion

30

Accordion

Keyboard

31

Organ

Keyboard

32

Harpsichord

Keyboard

33

Synthesizer

Electronic

34

Electric Guitar

String

35

Acoustic Guitar

String

36

Ukulele

String

37

Mandolin

String

38

Banjo

String

39

Sitar

String

40

Sarod

String

41

Bagpipes

Wind

42

Didgeridoo

Wind

43

Harmonica

Wind

44

Recorder

Woodwind

45

Flügelhorn

Brass

46

Euphonium

Brass

47

Sousaphone

Brass

48

Timpani

Percussion

49

Gong

Percussion

50

Steel Drum

Percussion

51

Guiro

Percussion

52

Kalimba

Percussion

53

Maracas

Percussion

54

Washboard

Percussion

55

Mandolin

String

56

Balalaika

String

57

Bouzouki

String

58

Charango

String

59

Zither

String

60

Lute

String

61

Ukulele

String

62

Cavaquinho

String

63

Saz

String

64

Erhu

String

65

Morin Khuur

String

66

Hardanger Fiddle

String

67

Pipa

String

68

Guzheng

String

69

Yangqin

String

70

Zheng

String

71

Ukelele

String

72

Oud

String

73

Bandoneon

Accordion

74

Melodica

Keyboard

75

Glass Armonica

Keyboard

76

Electric Piano

Keyboard

77

Celesta

Keyboard

78

Ondes Martenot

Electronic

79

Theremin

Electronic

80

Drum Kit

Percussion

81

Dhol

Percussion

82

Tabla

Percussion

83

Pandeiro

Percussion

84

Basset Horn

Brass

85

Bass Trombone

Brass

86

Cornet

Brass

87

Bass Tuba

Brass

88

Slide Trombone

Brass

89

Cornamuse

Woodwind

90

Tenor Saxophone

Woodwind

91

Alto Saxophone

Woodwind

92

Soprano Saxophone

Woodwind

93

Contrabassoon

Woodwind

94

Piccolo Trumpet

Brass

95

Flugelhorn

Brass

96

Bass Trumpet

Brass

97

Alphorn

Brass

98

Sousaphone

Brass

99

Fiddle

String

100

Harpsichord

Keyboard


Detailed Look at Some Common Instruments:

Instrument

Details

Category

Flute

Playing the flute is very relaxing and it improves coordination as well as concentration.A flute is made up of metal or even wood.

Woodwind

Guitar

Guitar has different strings on it which help to produce sound, the strings of the guitar can be vibrated and with help of this vibration, the sound is produced.

Strings

Violin

Playing the violin improves physical strength. It is the smallest instrument among all the other instruments but it has the highest pitch compared to other instruments.

Strings

Piano

The piano has the broadest range of any instrument and is used in classical jazz pop and many other styles of music.

Keyboards

Trumpet

A trumpet is a brass musical instrument which produces a different tone. The trumpet is one of the oldest instruments known

Brass

Drums

A drum is an instrument that produces a sharp sound. To produce the sound with this instrument the drum is hit on its surface with sticks which further produces the sound.

Percussion

Saxophone

This is a woodwind instrument,It has a conical tube and is mostly used to play jazz music.

Woodwind

Xylophone

A xylophone is a musical instrument played by striking a row of wooden bars with one or more small wooden plastic beaters.

Percussion

Tambourine

A small drum is known as a tambourine and is a very creative instrument. One needs to hold it in hand to play this instrument.

Percussion

Cello

Cello is a member of a violent family and it looks more like a violin but is a different instrument. It has long and thicker strings as compared to the violin and is very heavy.

Strings


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.

FAQs on Musical Instrument Names: Essential List for Students

1. What is a musical instrument?

A musical instrument is a device created or adapted to make musical sounds. In principle, any object that produces sound can be considered a musical instrument. The primary purpose of these instruments is for a person, called a musician or instrumentalist, to produce music.

2. How are musical instruments typically categorised?

Musical instruments are generally classified into major families based on how they produce sound. The four main categories are:

  • String Instruments (Chordophones): Produce sound from vibrating strings. Examples include the guitar, violin, and sitar.
  • Wind Instruments (Aerophones): Produce sound by a vibrating column of air. These are further divided into woodwind (flute, clarinet) and brass (trumpet, trombone).
  • Percussion Instruments (Idiophones/Membranophones): Produce sound when struck, shaken, or scraped. Examples include drums, cymbals, and xylophone.
  • Keyboard Instruments: Played using a keyboard. Examples are the piano, organ, and synthesiser.

3. What are some of the most popular musical instruments in the world?

Some of the most popular and widely played musical instruments globally include the piano, guitar (acoustic and electric), violin, drums, and flute. Their popularity stems from their versatility across various music genres, from classical and folk to pop and rock.

4. Can you name some common Indian musical instruments?

India has a rich heritage of traditional musical instruments. Some of the most well-known examples include the Sitar (a plucked string instrument), the Tabla (a pair of hand drums), the Bansuri (a side-blown flute), and the Veena (another plucked string instrument used in Carnatic classical music).

5. What is the main difference between a string instrument and a wind instrument?

The fundamental difference lies in their sound production method. A string instrument creates sound when its strings are made to vibrate, either by plucking, bowing, or striking. In contrast, a wind instrument produces sound when a player blows air into or across a mouthpiece, causing the column of air inside the instrument to vibrate.

6. Why is learning a musical instrument considered beneficial for students?

Learning a musical instrument offers numerous benefits for a student's development. It enhances cognitive skills like memory and problem-solving, improves hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, fosters discipline and perseverance through regular practice, and provides a powerful outlet for creative expression and emotional release.

7. How do traditional instruments like the Sitar differ from modern ones like the electric guitar?

The primary differences are in their construction, sound production, and amplification. A Sitar is an acoustic instrument made from natural materials like wood and gourd, producing sound through a resonating chamber. An electric guitar often uses synthetic materials and relies on electronic pickups to convert string vibrations into electrical signals, which are then amplified, allowing for a wide range of sound modifications.

8. What are some examples of percussion instruments?

Percussion instruments are a diverse group. They include:

  • Pitched Percussion: Instruments that produce a specific note, like the Xylophone, Marimba, and Timpani.
  • Unpitched Percussion: Instruments that produce a sound without a definite pitch, such as the snare drum, cymbals, triangle, and Tabla.

9. Is the piano a percussion or a string instrument?

This is a classic point of debate. The piano produces sound when a felt-covered hammer strikes a string, which technically makes it a string instrument. However, because of this striking action, it is often classified as a percussion instrument in the Hornbostel-Sachs system of classification. For practical purposes, it is most commonly placed in its own category: keyboard instruments.

10. What are some good starter instruments for young children?

For young beginners, instruments that are easy to handle and produce sound without complex techniques are ideal. Good examples include the recorder or flute for learning breath control, the ukulele due to its small size and soft strings, and a keyboard or piano for its straightforward visual layout of notes. Small percussion instruments like tambourines or bongo drums are also excellent for developing rhythm.