65 Popular Musical Instruments Around the World

Music speaks a universal language, attracting hearts across cultures. You’ve likely wondered about the diverse instruments that create these enchanting sounds.

I get it – the world of musical instruments can seem vast and complex. But don’t worry! I’m here to guide you through this musical journey.

In this article, I’ll introduce you to 65 popular musical instruments from around the globe. You’ll discover their unique sounds, origins, and cultural significance.

We’ll explore instruments that have shaped music for centuries, from the familiar guitar to lesser-known gems like the didgeridoo.

By the end, you’ll have a newfound appreciation for the rich collection of global music and the instruments that bring it to life.

List of Must-Try Musical Instruments

1. Guitar

The guitar is a plucked string instrument that has become a cornerstone in many musical genres, from classical to rock. It is valued for its versatility and ease of use, making it one of the most popular instruments globally.

Invention Year & Origin: 16th Century, Spain
Invented By Whom: Antonio Torres Jurado (modern design)
Structure and Design: Typically has 6 strings, with a hollow wooden body for acoustic versions or a solid body for electric guitars.
How It’s Played: Played by plucking or strumming the strings with fingers or a pick.
Modern Popularity: The guitar is widely used in genres like rock, pop, and blues, with famous players such as Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton.

2. Piano

The piano is a string and percussion instrument, capable of producing both melody and harmony. Its wide range and dynamic versatility make it a central instrument in both classical and contemporary music.

Invention Year & Origin: Early 1700s, Italy
Invented By Whom: Bartolomeo Cristofori
Structure and Design: Features 88 keys connected to hammers that strike strings inside a wooden frame.
How It’s Played: Played by pressing keys that trigger the hammers to hit the strings.
Modern Popularity: The piano is popular in classical, jazz, and pop music, with virtuosos like Ludwig van Beethoven and Elton John.

3. Violin

The violin is a four-stringed instrument played with a bow, renowned for its expressive sound. It is a key instrument in classical music and orchestras but is also used in folk and contemporary music.

Invention Year & Origin: 16th Century, Italy
Invented By Whom: Andrea Amati
Structure and Design: A small, hollow wooden body with four strings stretched over a fingerboard.
How It’s Played: Played by drawing a bow across the strings or plucking them.
Modern Popularity: The violin remains central in classical music and has been adapted into genres like folk and jazz.

4. Drums

Drums are percussion instruments that produce sound by being struck with hands, sticks, or mallets. They are essential in nearly all music genres, providing rhythm and structure to compositions.

Invention Year & Origin: Ancient times, globally
Invented By Whom: Various cultures independently
Structure and Design: Consists of a membrane stretched over a shell, known as the drumhead, and can vary greatly in size and style.
How It’s Played: Played by striking the drumhead with hands or sticks.
Modern Popularity: Drums are fundamental in modern rock, jazz, and pop, with famous drummers like Ringo Starr and Buddy Rich.

5. Flute

The flute is a woodwind instrument that produces sound when air is blown across an opening. It is widely used in classical music and is one of the oldest known musical instruments.

Invention Year & Origin: Around 900 BC, globally
Invented By Whom: The modern flute design is credited to Theobald Boehm, who revolutionized its construction in the 19th century, although flutes in more primitive forms have existed since ancient times.
Structure and Design: A tube with holes that the player covers to produce different notes.
How It’s Played: Played by blowing air across a hole at the top and covering various finger holes to change pitch.
Modern Popularity: Popular in classical music, orchestras, and even jazz, with well-known flutists like James Galway.

6. Trumpet

The trumpet is a brass instrument known for its bright, bold sound. It is widely used in classical, jazz, and marching band settings, offering a high-pitched voice in orchestras and ensembles.

Invention Year & Origin: 1500 BC, Ancient Egypt (early forms); Modern trumpet in the 15th century, Europe
Invented By Whom: Heinrich Stölzel and Friedrich Blühmel developed the modern valve system in 1818.
Structure and Design: A brass tube with a flared bell and three valves that control pitch.
How It’s Played: Played by blowing air through closed lips to create a buzzing sound while pressing valves to change notes.
Modern Popularity: The trumpet is central to jazz, with famous players like Louis Armstrong and Miles Davis.

7. Saxophone

The saxophone is a woodwind instrument, though made of brass, known for its smooth, versatile sound. It is popular in jazz, classical, and even rock music.

Invention Year & Origin: 1840s, Belgium
Invented By Whom: Adolphe Sax
Structure and Design: Made of brass with a single-reed mouthpiece and a conical body.
How It’s Played: Played by blowing air through the reed while pressing keys to change the pitch.
Modern Popularity: The saxophone is key to jazz music, with renowned players like John Coltrane and Charlie Parker.

8. Clarinet

The clarinet is a woodwind instrument known for its wide range of notes and expressive tone, making it vital in classical, jazz, and marching bands.

Invention Year & Origin: Early 18th century, Germany
Invented By Whom: Johann Christoph Denner
Structure and Design: A cylindrical tube with a single-reed mouthpiece and several keys.
How It’s Played: Played by blowing air through a single reed and pressing keys to alter the pitch.
Modern Popularity: Widely used in classical orchestras and jazz ensembles, with famous players like Benny Goodman.

9. Cello

The cello is a string instrument, part of the violin family, known for its deep, rich sound. It is a key instrument in classical music, particularly in orchestras and chamber music.

Invention Year & Origin: 16th Century, Italy
Invented By Whom: Andrea Amati (credited with early designs)
Structure and Design: A large, hollow wooden body with four strings and a bow.
How It’s Played: Played with a bow drawn across the strings or by plucking the strings.
Modern Popularity: The cello is central to classical music, with renowned cellists like Yo-Yo Ma.

10. Trombone

The trombone is a brass instrument known for its distinct slide mechanism, which changes the pitch. It is prominent in classical, jazz, and brass band music.

Invention Year & Origin: 15th Century, Burgundy (modern form)
Invented By Whom: Likely developed by early instrument makers in the Burgundian region
Structure and Design: A long brass tube with a slide mechanism instead of valves.
How It’s Played: Played by blowing through a mouthpiece while moving the slide to change the pitch.
Modern Popularity: Widely used in jazz and classical music, with famous players like J.J. Johnson.

11. Harp

The harp is a stringed instrument known for its soothing, ethereal sound. It has a rich history in classical music and is often associated with heavenly or angelic music.

Invention Year & Origin: Around 3500 BC, Ancient Sumer
Invented By Whom: Various ancient civilizations, particularly in the Near East
Structure and Design: A large triangular frame with multiple strings of varying lengths.
How It’s Played: Played by plucking the strings with the fingers.
Modern Popularity: The harp is widely used in classical music, folk music, and even some modern genres, with renowned players like Harpo Marx.

12. Ukulele

The ukulele is a small, four-stringed instrument originating from Hawaii. Its bright, cheerful sound makes it a popular choice for both beginners and professional musicians.

Invention Year & Origin: 19th Century, Hawaii
Invented By Whom: Portuguese immigrants
Structure and Design: A small wooden body with four nylon or gut strings.
How It’s Played: Played by strumming or plucking the strings with fingers or a pick.
Modern Popularity: The ukulele has seen a resurgence in popular music, with artists like Israel Kamakawiwoʻole and Jason Mraz bringing it to global attention.

13. Banjo

The banjo is a stringed instrument closely associated with American folk and bluegrass music. Its bright, twangy sound is instantly recognizable.

Invention Year & Origin: 18th Century, United States
Invented By Whom: Based on instruments brought by enslaved Africans to the Americas
Structure and Design: A round body with a drum-like head and four or five strings.
How It’s Played: Played by plucking or strumming the strings with fingers or a pick.
Modern Popularity: The banjo remains a cornerstone of American folk and bluegrass, with players like Earl Scruggs popularizing its use.

14. Accordion

The accordion is a free-reed instrument known for its distinctive bellows-driven sound. It is a staple in many folk traditions, including those of Europe and Latin America.

Invention Year & Origin: 1822, Germany
Invented By Whom: Friedrich Buschmann
Structure and Design: A box-shaped instrument with a keyboard or buttons on one side and bellows in the center.
How It’s Played: Played by pressing keys or buttons while expanding and compressing the bellows.
Modern Popularity: The accordion remains popular in folk music worldwide, with iconic players like Astor Piazzolla in tango music.

15. Double Bass

The double bass is the largest and lowest-pitched instrument in the string family. It is fundamental in both orchestral and jazz music, providing deep bass tones.

Invention Year & Origin: 16th Century, Italy
Invented By Whom: Likely derived from the viola da gamba family
Structure and Design: A large wooden body with four (sometimes five) strings.
How It’s Played: Played with a bow or plucked with the fingers.
Modern Popularity: The double bass is central to both classical orchestras and jazz ensembles, with renowned players like Charles Mingus and Edgar Meyer.

16. Tuba

The tuba is the largest brass instrument, producing deep, resonant sounds. It provides the bass foundation in orchestras, brass bands, and military bands.

Invention Year & Origin: 1835, Germany
Invented By Whom: Johann Gottfried Moritz and Wilhelm Friedrich Wieprecht
Structure and Design: A large, coiled brass tube with a wide bell and valves.
How It’s Played: Played by blowing through a mouthpiece and pressing valves to change pitch.
Modern Popularity: The tuba is a staple in symphonic bands and jazz, with prominent players like Roger Bobo.

17. Xylophone

The xylophone is a percussion instrument made of wooden bars, each producing a different pitch when struck. It is used in both classical music and world music traditions.

Invention Year & Origin: Ancient, Africa and Asia
Invented By Whom: Various ancient cultures
Structure and Design: A series of wooden bars of varying lengths, arranged like a keyboard, with resonators beneath.
How It’s Played: Played by striking the wooden bars with mallets.
Modern Popularity: Widely used in classical music and educational settings, with notable composers like Béla Bartók incorporating it into symphonic works.

18. Tambourine

The tambourine is a small percussion instrument with jingles attached to the frame. Its simple yet effective sound makes it popular in folk, pop, and orchestral music.

Invention Year & Origin: Ancient, Mesopotamia and Egypt
Invented By Whom: Various ancient cultures
Structure and Design: A circular frame with small metal jingles attached.
How It’s Played: Played by shaking or striking the frame with the hand.
Modern Popularity: The tambourine is used in various music genres, from orchestral compositions to pop music, with notable appearances in bands like The Monkees.

19. Harmonica

The harmonica is a free-reed wind instrument commonly used in blues, folk, and country music. Its compact size and soulful sound make it a favorite for both amateurs and professionals.

Invention Year & Origin: Early 19th Century, Germany
Invented By Whom: Christian Friedrich Ludwig Buschmann
Structure and Design: A small, rectangular instrument with multiple reeds housed in chambers.
How It’s Played: Played by blowing air into or drawing air out of the holes, which vibrates the reeds.
Modern Popularity: The harmonica remains a key instrument in blues and folk music, with legendary players like Bob Dylan and Little Walter.

20. Oboe

The oboe is a double-reed woodwind instrument known for its clear, penetrating sound. It is prominent in orchestras, particularly in classical and baroque music.

Invention Year & Origin: 17th Century, France
Invented By Whom: Jean Hotteterre and Michel Philidor
Structure and Design: A slender wooden tube with a double reed at the top.
How It’s Played: Played by blowing air through the double reed while covering and uncovering finger holes.
Modern Popularity: The oboe remains central in orchestral music, with notable players like Heinz Holliger.

21. Bass Guitar

The bass guitar is a stringed instrument that provides the low-end foundation in rock, jazz, funk, and pop music. It is essential for driving rhythm and harmony in a wide range of music genres.

Invention Year & Origin: 1930s, United States
Invented By Whom: Paul Tutmarc (first electric bass); Leo Fender (modern electric bass)
Structure and Design: Typically has four strings and a solid body, played through an amplifier.
How It’s Played: Played by plucking or slapping the strings with fingers or a pick.
Modern Popularity: The bass guitar is crucial in modern music, with famous players like Jaco Pastorius and Flea.

22. Synthesizer

The synthesizer is an electronic instrument that produces a wide range of sounds by generating electrical signals that are converted into sound. It revolutionized modern music, particularly in electronic, pop, and experimental genres.

Invention Year & Origin: 1950s, United States
Invented By Whom: RCA (early models), Robert Moog (commercial version)
Structure and Design: An electronic device with keys, knobs, and sliders to manipulate sound waves.
How It’s Played: Played by pressing keys to generate electronic tones and manipulating parameters to change the sound.
Modern Popularity: Synthesizers are essential in electronic music and pop, with pioneers like Kraftwerk and modern artists like Daft Punk using them extensively.

23. French Horn

The French horn is a brass instrument known for its warm, mellow tone. It is a key instrument in orchestras and brass ensembles, often used for both melody and harmony.

Invention Year & Origin: 17th Century, France and Germany
Invented By Whom: Developed from hunting horns, refined by Heinrich Stölzel and Friedrich Blühmel
Structure and Design: A long brass tube coiled into a circular shape, with valves to control pitch.
How It’s Played: Played by blowing air through a mouthpiece while pressing valves and adjusting hand position in the bell.
Modern Popularity: The French horn is widely used in classical music and film scores, with famous players like Dennis Brain.

24. Bagpipes

Bagpipes are a woodwind instrument that uses enclosed reeds fed by air from a bag. They are most commonly associated with Scottish and Irish music, but variations exist worldwide.

Invention Year & Origin: Ancient Europe and the Middle East
Invented By Whom: Various ancient cultures
Structure and Design: A bag, multiple pipes (including a chanter and drones), and reeds.
How It’s Played: Played by blowing air into the bag and pressing it to force air through the reeds.
Modern Popularity: Bagpipes remain iconic in Scottish and Celtic music traditions, often played at ceremonies and parades.

25. Maracas

Maracas are percussion instruments often used in Latin American music. Their distinctive shaking sound, commonly heard in salsa and other dance genres, adds a rhythmic pulse.

Invention Year & Origin: Pre-Columbian times, Latin America
Invented By Whom: Indigenous people of Latin America
Structure and Design: Hollowed-out gourds or shells filled with seeds or small stones attached to handles.
How It’s Played: Played by shaking the maracas to produce a rhythmic sound.
Modern Popularity: Maracas are popular in Latin American music, particularly in salsa, samba, and other dance genres.

List of Remaining Musical Instruments to Try

26. Sitar
27. Didgeridoo
28. Djembe
29. Tabla
30. Congas
31. Bongos
32. Lute
33. Mandolin
34. Koto
35. Zither
36. Pan Flute
37. Dulcimer
38. Baglama
39. Marimba
40. Vibraphone
41. Castanets
42. Kalimba
43. Oud
44. Erhu
45. Balalaika
46. Guzheng
47. Shakuhachi
48. Sarangi
49. Bandoneon
50. Bassoon
51. Piccolo
52. Viola
53. Melodica
54. French Horn
55. Theremin
56. Hurdy-Gurdy
57. Timpani
58. Steel Drum
59. Cajón
60. Lyre
61. Clavichord
62. Hang Drum
63. Mellotron
64. Santoor
65. Mbira

Conclusion

As we wrap up our musical tour, I hope you’ve enjoyed exploring these interesting instruments from across the globe.

Each one tells a unique story, reflecting the culture and history of its origin. From the guitar’s soulful strings to the erhu’s haunting tones, these instruments showcase the incredible diversity of human creativity.

Why does this matter? Understanding different musical instruments helps us appreciate the rich cultural heritage of our world. It opens our ears and minds to new sounds and experiences.

What’s next? I encourage you to dive deeper into the instruments that caught your attention. Try listening to music featuring these instruments, or even consider learning to play one yourself.

Who knows? You might discover a new passion or gain a deeper connection to a culture that interests you.

Feel free to share your favorite instruments or experiences in the comments below!