List of Music Instrument Names in English

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.
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 |
Must Buy, Kids Activity Books!
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 |
Also Check, Kids Reading Books
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.
Read More: Dry Fruit Names in English
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.


