List of Music Instrument Names in English

Author at PW
April 24, 2025
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List of Music Instrument Names in English:- Have you ever thought about the names of the musical instruments that make the songs we enjoy? Every sound we hear in music comes from an instrument. These instruments have different names, shapes, and sounds. Some are old and traditional, like the Sitar, Ektara, and Shehnai, while others, like the Bugle, Accordion, and Bongo drums are popular in many parts of the world. 

Learning music instrument names helps us understand how music is made. It is also helpful for students because it builds their knowledge, increases their interest in music, and helps them learn about different cultures. Many schools now include music in their lessons, and knowing the names of instruments makes learning more fun. In this article, we will look at musical instruments names with pictures, and talk about some interesting ones like the Gu-zheng, Harp, Harmonium, Oboe, Maracas, and Cymbal. 

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List of Music Instrument Names in English

Whether it's the gentle strum of a guitar or the beat of a drum, every instrument adds something special. In this list of music instrument names in English, you’ll find names of common and traditional instruments used around the world.

Instrument Name

Instrument Name

Instrument Name

Instrument Name

Accordion

Banjo

Bass guitar

Bassoon

Bass drum

Bell

Bongo drums

Bugle

Celesta

Cello

Clarinet

Clap box

Comet

Conga drums

Cornet

Cymbal

Damru

Dholak

Drum pad

Drums

Electric guitar

Electronic drums

Ektara

Euphonium

Flute

French horn

Gong

Gramophone

Guitar

Gu-zheng

Harmonica

Harmonium

Harp

Keyboard

Lute

Maracas

Marimba

Mouth organ

Mridangam

Oud

Oboe

Piano

Piccolo

Pipe organ

Pungi

Sarangi

Sarod

Saxophone

Shehnai

Sitar

Snare drum

Spinet

Tabla

Tambourine

Triangle

Trombone

Trumpet

Tuba

Tubular chimes

Ukulele

Veena

Violin

Xylophone

Yueqin

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Types of Musical Instruments Names

Music is made using different instruments, and each type uniquely creates sound. From strings to drums, keyboards to wind instruments, each group has its own charm. Let's explore the musical instruments' names by their type and see how they work:- 

String Musical Instruments Names

These instruments make sound when their strings are plucked, bowed, or struck. They are often used in both classical and modern music. Here are some common string musical instrument names:

Violin

Guitar

Cello

Harp

Veena

Sitar

Viola

Mandolin

Banjo

Ukulele

Lute

 

Percussion Musical Instruments Names

Percussion instruments make sound when they are hit, shaken, or scraped. They are great for rhythm and energy. Some popular percussion musical instrument names include:

Drums

Mridangam

Tabla

Xylophone

Snare drum

Cymbal

Triangle

Bass drum

Maracas

Chimes

Tambourine

Timpani

Marimba

     

Keyboard Musical Instruments Names

These instruments are played by pressing keys. Some use air, some use strings, and some are electronic. Common keyboard musical instrument names are:

Piano

Harmonium

Celeste

Pipe Organ

Accordion

Claviola

Harpsichord

Organ

Synthesiser

Harmonica

   

Brass/Wind Musical Instruments Names

These instruments create sound when air is blown into them. They are loud, powerful, and often used in bands and orchestras. Examples of brass and wind musical instruments names:

Flute

Trumpet

Saxophone

Mouth Organ

Piccolo

Trombone

French Horn

Tuba

Euphonium

Cornet

Oboe

Clarinet

Bassoon

     

Indian Musical Instruments Names

India has many special instruments that are used in classical, folk, and devotional music. These instruments are rich in tradition and sound. Here’s a list of Indian musical instrument names:

Sitar

Tabla

Flute (Bansuri)

Veena

Harmonium

Sarod

Santoor

Dholak

Shehnai

Mridangam

Ghatam

Tanpura

Esraj

Pakhawaj

Ektara

Jal Tarang

Sarangi

Dilruba

Tumbi

Nadaswaram

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10 Musical Instrument Names

1. Guitar

The guitar is one of the most loved musical instruments across the world. It has six strings and can be played by strumming or plucking. Guitars are used in many music styles like pop, rock, classical, jazz, and even Bollywood songs. They are found in music classes, bands, and stage shows. Whether it’s an acoustic or electric guitar, it is always included in the list of music instrument for beginners and professionals. Among the 10 musical instrument name lists, the guitar is a top favourite for learners.

2. Drums

Drums are important in almost every type of music. They create the beat or rhythm, which helps other instruments stay in time. Drums come in different types, like bass drums, snare drums, and electronic drums. They are used in rock bands, classical music, school parades, and cultural events. When you look at music instrument names, drums are always there because of their powerful sound and energy.

3. Piano

The piano is a large keyboard instrument with white and black keys. It is used in Western classical music, film scores, and modern songs. It helps students learn musical notes, hand coordination, and rhythm. From solo shows to background music in movies, pianos are seen everywhere. In any musical instruments names with pictures guide, the piano is listed as one of the most graceful and helpful instruments to learn.

 4. Accordion

The accordion is a special instrument played by pressing keys and expanding or squeezing a bellows part in the centre. It is popular in folk music from Europe and Latin America. It adds a lively and rich sound to music. In many music schools and all music instrument name charts, the accordion is noted for its unique sound and fun style of playing.

5. Tabla

The tabla is a classical Indian instrument made up of two drums. One drum is bigger and deeper, and the other is smaller with a sharper sound. It is mostly used in Indian classical and devotional music like bhajans and qawwalis. It takes a lot of practice to play well, but it teaches rhythm and timing perfectly. Among the 10 musical instrument name used in India, tabla is an important one for cultural learning.

 6. Trumpet

The trumpet is a brass instrument that makes loud and bright sounds. It is played by blowing air through the lips into a mouthpiece and pressing keys. Trumpets are used in classical music, military bands, and jazz. They are part of the list of music instrument known for their strong and clear sound. You’ll often see them in marching bands and parades too.

7. Violin

 

Violin is a small string instrument held under the chin and played with a bow. It is a major part of Western classical music but is also used in Indian music. Violins are great for teaching pitch, melody, and emotion in music. They are included in every music instrument names chart for students learning to play in orchestras or solo.

8. Harmonium

Harmonium is a keyboard instrument found mostly in Indian music. It works by pumping air while pressing keys. Harmoniums are widely used in devotional music, classical songs, and light Indian music. They are often used in schools, temples, and music classes. In every all music instrument name list in India, the harmonium is always included.

9. Bongo Drums

Bongo drums are two small drums attached together, played using hands. They are easy to play and have a cheerful, lively sound. These drums are popular in Latin and African music and are often used in music classrooms and workshops. When talking about fun and easy-to-learn instruments, bongo drums often come up in the 10 musical instrument name list for kids and beginners.

10. Flute

Flute is a wind instrument that is played by blowing air across a hole. It can be made from wood, bamboo, or metal. The flute makes a soft, sweet sound and is used in classical music, folk songs, and even film music. It is easy to carry and often taught in schools. It’s also a top pick in the musical instruments names with pictures for learners who like soft and gentle music.

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Music Instrument Names FAQs

1. What are the 10 musical instrument names every student should know?
The top 10 commonly known instruments are: Piano, Guitar, Violin, Drums, Flute, Tabla, Sitar, Harmonium, Trumpet, and Saxophone. These are often found in any basic list of music instrument.

2. Why is it important to learn music instrument names?
Knowing the names helps students recognise different sounds, understand how music works, and makes learning music more fun and structured.

3. Are all musical instrument names the same in every country?
No. Some instruments have local or traditional names. For example, the Indian musical instruments names like Tabla or Sitar are different from Western ones like Violin or Piano.

4. How can I teach children about music instrument names?

You can use picture flashcards, play instrument sounds, and create fun games or quizzes using an all music instrument name list.

5. What are the four main types of musical instruments?
Musical instruments are usually grouped into these types: String, Percussion, Wind/Brass, and Keyboard. Each type produces sound differently.

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