Table of Contents
Musical instruments are tools used to create beautiful sounds and rhythms. They have been an important part of cultures and traditions worldwide. There are many types of musical instruments names, each designed to produce unique tones and melodies. These instruments can be grouped into categories like string, percussion, wind, and keyboard instruments, depending on how they create sound.
Musical instruments names list often includes popular instruments like the guitar, piano, flute, and drums. String instruments like the violin and sitar create sound through vibrating strings, while percussion instruments like the tabla and xylophone make music by being struck or shaken. Wind instruments such as the flute and saxophone produce melodies by blowing air, and keyboard instruments like the harmonium and organ use keys to create sound.
For a better understanding, people often look for musical instruments pictures with names. Pictures help identify these instruments and learn about their structure. For example, a piano has black and white keys, while a guitar has six strings. Drums come in various shapes and sizes, and flutes are long tubes with holes.
Knowing musical instruments names and seeing their pictures can inspire you to explore music, whether it’s learning to play or appreciating the melodies they create. Musical instruments bring people together and let us express our emotions in a universal language: music.
Interesting Facts about Musical Instruments | |
Flute | The oldest known flute, made from bird bones, is over 40,000 years old. |
Piano | A standard piano has 88 keys and over 230 strings inside to produce its sound. |
Drums | Drums are one of the oldest instruments, used by ancient civilizations for rituals. |
Guitar | The guitar originated over 4,000 years ago, evolving from ancient stringed instruments. |
Violin | A violin is made of over 70 pieces of wood, carefully crafted to produce its sound. |
Sitar | The sitar, a traditional Indian instrument, has up to 21 strings, though not all are played. |
Tabla | The tabla is a pair of drums and is central to Indian classical music rhythms. |
Harmonium | The harmonium produces sound by air flowing through reeds and is popular in Indian music. |
Saxophone | Although made of brass, the saxophone is classified as a woodwind instrument due to its reed. |
Xylophone | The xylophone’s bars are tuned to different pitches and made from wood or metal. |
Clarinet | The clarinet has a single reed and can produce a wide range of tones, from soft to sharp. |
Organ | Some pipe organs are so large they require entire rooms or halls to house their pipes. |
Tambourine | The tambourine combines a drum and jingles, producing rhythm and melody together. |
Sarangi | Known for its soulful sound, the sarangi is one of the hardest instruments to master. |
Electric Guitar | The electric guitar uses pickups to convert string vibrations into electrical signals. |
Didgeridoo | A traditional Aboriginal instrument made from hollowed-out tree trunks, producing deep, droning sounds. |
All Musical Instruments Names and Information with Pictures
A musical instrument is a tool or device used to create musical sounds. Examples include the piano, guitar, and drum, which are commonly used to play music. These devices, often referred to simply as instruments, each have their unique sound and characteristics.
There are over 1,500 different types of musical instruments, showcasing a wide variety of sounds and styles. In simple terms, a musical instrument is anything designed to produce music. Let’s explore and learn more about the diverse range of musical instruments in detail.
Musical instruments are categorised into 4 major types:
- String Instruments
- Percussion Instruments
- Wind Instruments
- Keyboard Instruments
- Brass Instruments
- Electronic Instruments
Also Read – Guitar String Names
Types of Musical Instruments
Musical instruments are grouped into major types based on how they produce sound. Each category has unique instruments with their own styles and uses. Let’s explore the main types and some examples while learning a few musical instruments names.
1. String Instruments
String instruments create sound by vibrating strings. These strings can be plucked, bowed, or struck. The pitch depends on the string’s length, tension, and material.
Examples: Guitar, Violin, Sitar, Harp.
- The guitar is a popular instrument with six strings, used in many music genres.
- The sitar is a traditional Indian instrument known for its deep, rich sound.
2. Percussion Instruments
Percussion instruments produce sound when struck, shaken, or scraped. They are great for creating rhythms and beats.
Examples: Drums, Tabla, Xylophone, Tambourine.
- The tabla is widely used in Indian classical music.
- The xylophone produces musical tones when its wooden bars are hit with mallets.
Also Check – 4 Dham Names
3. Wind Instruments
Wind instruments make sound when air flows through them. Some require blowing air across an opening, while others use reeds.
Examples: Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet.
- The flute produces soft, melodious tones and is one of the oldest musical instruments.
- The saxophone is commonly used in jazz and contemporary music.
4. Keyboard Instruments
Keyboard instruments produce sound when keys are pressed, either by striking strings or through electronic means.
Examples: Piano, Harmonium, Organ, Synthesizer.
- The piano has 88 keys and is used in classical and modern music.
- The harmonium is popular in Indian devotional and classical music.
5. Brass Instruments
Brass instruments create sound by vibrating air through a cup-shaped mouthpiece. They are usually made of brass.
Examples: Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, French Horn.
- The trumpet is small but produces a powerful sound.
- The tuba is the largest brass instrument, producing deep tones.
6. Electronic Instruments
Electronic instruments use electricity to produce sound. These are widely used in modern music.
Examples: Electric Guitar, Keyboard, Synthesizer.
- The electric guitar is a staple in rock music.
- The synthesizer can create endless sounds and effects.
Musical instruments, with their wide variety, enrich music and help express emotions. Knowing musical instruments names and their types helps in understanding their role in different musical styles. Whether it’s the strings of a guitar or the beats of a drum, each instrument has a unique charm!
Must See – Gaming Names
100+ Musical Instruments Names List
All Musical Instruments Names 100+ List in a structured table format with S. No., Musical Instruments, and Types for easy understanding.
S. No. | Musical Instruments | Types |
1 | Guitar | String Instrument |
2 | Violin | String Instrument |
3 | Sitar | String Instrument |
4 | Harp | String Instrument |
5 | Banjo | String Instrument |
6 | Mandolin | String Instrument |
7 | Ukulele | String Instrument |
8 | Cello | String Instrument |
9 | Double Bass | String Instrument |
10 | Piano | Keyboard Instrument |
11 | Organ | Keyboard Instrument |
12 | Synthesizer | Keyboard Instrument |
13 | Accordion | Keyboard Instrument |
14 | Harmonium | Keyboard Instrument |
15 | Drums | Percussion Instrument |
16 | Tabla | Percussion Instrument |
17 | Xylophone | Percussion Instrument |
18 | Marimba | Percussion Instrument |
19 | Tambourine | Percussion Instrument |
20 | Dhol | Percussion Instrument |
21 | Conga | Percussion Instrument |
22 | Bongo | Percussion Instrument |
23 | Triangle | Percussion Instrument |
24 | Cymbals | Percussion Instrument |
25 | Flute | Wind Instrument |
26 | Clarinet | Wind Instrument |
27 | Saxophone | Wind Instrument |
28 | Trumpet | Brass Instrument |
29 | Trombone | Brass Instrument |
30 | Tuba | Brass Instrument |
31 | French Horn | Brass Instrument |
32 | Piccolo | Wind Instrument |
33 | Bassoon | Wind Instrument |
34 | Oboe | Wind Instrument |
35 | Harmonica | Wind Instrument |
36 | Bagpipes | Wind Instrument |
37 | Recorder | Wind Instrument |
38 | Didgeridoo | Wind Instrument |
39 | Sarangi | String Instrument |
40 | Veena | String Instrument |
41 | Santoor | String Instrument |
42 | Dulcimer | String Instrument |
43 | Erhu | String Instrument |
44 | Koto | String Instrument |
45 | Guzheng | String Instrument |
46 | Zither | String Instrument |
47 | Lute | String Instrument |
48 | Djembe | Percussion Instrument |
49 | Cajón | Percussion Instrument |
50 | Castanets | Percussion Instrument |
51 | Chimes | Percussion Instrument |
52 | Glockenspiel | Percussion Instrument |
53 | Snare Drum | Percussion Instrument |
54 | Bass Drum | Percussion Instrument |
55 | Timpani | Percussion Instrument |
56 | Tambura | String Instrument |
57 | Hang Drum | Percussion Instrument |
58 | Kalimba | Percussion Instrument |
59 | Shehnai | Wind Instrument |
60 | Pan Flute | Wind Instrument |
61 | Shakuhachi | Wind Instrument |
62 | English Horn | Wind Instrument |
63 | Melodica | Keyboard Instrument |
64 | Ektara | String Instrument |
65 | Rabab | String Instrument |
66 | Sarod | String Instrument |
67 | Chenda | Percussion Instrument |
68 | Mridangam | Percussion Instrument |
69 | Kanjira | Percussion Instrument |
70 | Dholak | Percussion Instrument |
71 | Tumbi | String Instrument |
72 | Esraj | String Instrument |
73 | Pakhawaj | Percussion Instrument |
74 | Udu Drum | Percussion Instrument |
75 | Shofar | Wind Instrument |
76 | Whistle | Wind Instrument |
77 | Agogo | Percussion Instrument |
78 | Claves | Percussion Instrument |
79 | Kazoo | Wind Instrument |
80 | Alphorn | Wind Instrument |
81 | Lyre | String Instrument |
82 | Bansuri | Wind Instrument |
83 | Bugle | Brass Instrument |
84 | Cornet | Brass Instrument |
85 | Euphonium | Brass Instrument |
86 | Saz | String Instrument |
87 | Tar | String Instrument |
88 | Kanun | String Instrument |
89 | Bandoneon | Keyboard Instrument |
90 | Oud | String Instrument |
91 | Balalaika | String Instrument |
92 | Charango | String Instrument |
93 | Autoharp | String Instrument |
94 | Steel Drum | Percussion Instrument |
95 | Mandola | String Instrument |
96 | Viola | String Instrument |
97 | Maracas | Percussion Instrument |
98 | Vibraphone | Percussion Instrument |
99 | Gong | Percussion Instrument |
100 | Bass Guitar | String Instrument |
101 | Synth Pad | Electronic Instrument |
Detailed Look at Common Musical Instruments – Categories and Features
Instrument | Details | Category |
Flute | Playing the flute is very relaxing and improves coordination as well as concentration. A flute is made of metal or wood. | Woodwind |
Guitar | A guitar has different strings that help produce sound. The strings can be vibrated, and this vibration produces the sound. | Strings |
Violin | Playing the violin improves physical strength. It is the smallest instrument among all but has the highest pitch compared to others. | 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 instrument that produces a unique tone. It is one of the oldest instruments known. | Brass |
Drums | Drums produce a sharp sound by being struck on their surface with sticks. They are essential for rhythm in music. | Percussion |
Saxophone | This woodwind instrument has a conical tube and is mostly used to play jazz music. | Woodwind |
Xylophone | A xylophone produces sound by striking wooden bars with one or more small mallets. | Percussion |
Tambourine | A tambourine is a small drum and is highly creative. It needs to be held in hand while being played. | Percussion |
Cello | A cello belongs to the violin family and looks similar to a violin but is much larger with thicker strings. It is heavy and produces a deep sound. | Strings |
Indian Musical Instruments Names List
Music has always been a vital part of Indian culture, reflecting the country’s rich traditions and heritage. Over the years, India has been home to numerous unique and traditional musical instruments names, each with its own cultural and historical significance. Below is a list of some iconic Indian musical instruments:
- Sitar – A string instrument renowned for its role in Indian classical music, producing melodious and intricate sounds.
- Tabla – A pair of hand-played drums widely used in Indian classical, folk, and popular music genres.
- Sarod – A string instrument known for its deep, resonant tones, often featured in Indian classical performances.
- Flute (Bansuri) – A bamboo flute that holds a special place in both Indian classical and folk music traditions.
- Harmonium – A portable keyboard instrument commonly used in devotional and classical Indian music.
- Santoor – A hammered dulcimer with multiple strings, prominently used in Kashmiri and Indian classical music.
- Veena – A traditional South Indian string instrument known for its rich and vibrant sound.
- Mridangam – A classical percussion instrument that plays a central role in South Indian Carnatic music.
- Dholak – A two-headed drum often used in Indian folk music, celebrations, and traditional gatherings.
- Tanpura – A string instrument that provides a harmonic drone, essential for Indian classical music performances.
GK Question Test on Musical Instruments
1. Which of the following is a string instrument?
a) Flute
b) Tabla
c) Sitar
d) Drums
Answer: c) Sitar
2. The tabla is primarily used in which type of music?
a) Western classical
b) Indian classical
c) Jazz
d) Rock
Answer: b) Indian classical
3. Which instrument is known for producing a harmonic drone in Indian classical music?
a) Veena
b) Tanpura
c) Sarod
d) Santoor
Answer: b) Tanpura
4. What type of instrument is a flute?
a) Percussion
b) Wind
c) String
d) Brass
Answer: b) Wind
5. The piano belongs to which category of musical instruments?
a) String
b) Percussion
c) Keyboard
d) Wind
Answer: c) Keyboard
6. Which instrument is also called a hammered dulcimer?
a) Santoor
b) Harmonium
c) Dholak
d) Xylophone
Answer: a) Santoor
7. The saxophone is classified as which type of instrument?
a) Brass
b) String
c) Woodwind
d) Percussion
Answer: c) Woodwind
8. What is the primary material used to make a bansuri (Indian flute)?
a) Metal
b) Wood
c) Bamboo
d) Plastic
Answer: c) Bamboo
9. Which of these is a percussion instrument?
a) Guitar
b) Mridangam
c) Violin
d) Flute
Answer: b) Mridangam
10. The harmonium is most commonly used in which type of Indian music?
a) Jazz
b) Rock
c) Devotional
d) Electronic
Answer: c) Devotional
Different Musical Instruments Names and Information
- Musical instruments come in a wide variety, ranging from small and portable instruments to larger, hand-played ones.
- These instruments are categorized based on their construction, the type of sound they produce, and the techniques used to play them.
- Broadly, there are four primary categories of instruments: String, Brass/Woodwind, Percussion, and Keyboards.
- Music has been an integral part of Indian culture since ancient times, and India has been the birthplace of many iconic instruments that hold historical and cultural significance.
- In conclusion, musical instruments form a vast and fascinating domain, offering endless opportunities to explore, learn, and practice across multiple disciplines and traditions.
Musical Instruments Names FAQs
What is the name of all music instruments?
There are over 1,500 musical instruments; some popular ones include guitar, piano, flute, tabla, and saxophone. Check a detailed musical instruments names list for more.
What are 72 stringed instruments?
The 72 stringed instruments refer to a collection of global string instruments like sitar, veena, harp, guitar, and cello, commonly found in a music instruments names list.
What is the top 10 hardest instrument?
The top 10 hardest instruments include violin, piano, oboe, drums, sitar, French horn, bagpipes, accordion, tabla, and flute, often featured in indian musical instruments pictures with names and global lists.
What are the 5 types of instruments?
The 5 types of instruments are string, percussion, wind, brass, and keyboard, classified by their sound production.
Which instrument has 100 strings?
The santoor, an Indian instrument, has 100 strings and is a prominent example from old music instruments names.
What is the 78 stringed instrument?
The Guzheng, a traditional Chinese zither, is a 78-stringed instrument included in many musical instruments names lists.
What musical instrument of 10 is the most popular?
The guitar is among the top 10 most popular instruments, frequently appearing in a music instruments names list.
What are 5 keyboard instruments?
5 keyboard instruments are piano, harmonium, organ, synthesizer, and accordion, often shown in indian musical instruments pictures with names.
What is the oldest known musical instrument?
The flute is the oldest, dating back over 40,000 years, found in old music instruments names lists.
Which Indian musical instrument is played with a bow?
The sarangi is a bowed instrument found in indian musical instruments pictures with names.
What instrument is commonly used in Indian classical music?
The sitar is a staple in Indian classical music and featured in every musical instruments names list