Top 20 Musical Instruments
musical instruments, tuba, hang, trombone, contrabassoon, bass clarinet, harp, theremin, viola, trumpet, bagpipes, didgeridoo, harmonica, cello, violin, bass guitar, saxophone, synthesizer, piano, drums, electric guitar, world music, instrument history, music genres, musical innovation,
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for cool, widely learned or otherwise interesting musical instruments. However, we’ll be omitting instruments that are the only one of their kind, a la the Marble Machine.
How low can you go? Pretty darn low if we’re talking about a tuba, a brass instrument that possesses a deep and resonant range. Often engaging in a supportive role, the tuba wasn’t an instrument commonly found within an orchestra pit until around the 19th century. Tuba players can find themselves bolstering the bass frequencies of other orchestral instruments, such as woodwinds. Additionally, the tuba’s own rumbling tones can often evoke feelings of doom, dread or impending danger, both within traditional orchestra incorporations, as well as within the parameters of modern jazz groups.
One may be tempted to refer to a hang as a “hang drum,” but the inventors of this comparatively recent instrument have stressed their preference for just plain hang. The hang is related to the family of steel drums that have permeated music from Trinidad and Tobago for decades. This doesn’t only come down to the uniquely evocative sounds that emerge from the hang when struck, but also their physical construction. Performers can also get other sounds from a hang by sliding their hands across its surface, or by using rolling mallets to achieve sustained notes similar to that of a singing bowl.
Brass instruments such as the trombone can be found in everything from old school orchestras to some of the hippest jazz ensembles around town. Marching bands also frequently make use of this long, sliding instrument to create lower-registered tones alongside other brass accompaniment. Elsewhere, famed musicians such as Wayne Henderson and Raul de Souza have incorporated their trombones into everything from jazz-rock and soul to fiery funk. Basically, what we’re saying is that the trombone is anything but stuffy or old fashioned. It all depends upon how you’d like to play it!
Move over tuba, the contrabassoon actually gets even lower than that famed bit o’ brass, which is seriously impressive for this member of the woodwind family. The sound of a contrabassoon is deep and satisfyingly rich, although its higher register doesn’t possess the same amount of resonant power. This means a contrabassoon could potentially be drowned out within an orchestra setting, but its usefulness within an ensemble remains unquestioned. Its rumbling, low buzz can work within a similar thematic space as a tuba, creating tension and counterpoint against brighter and more optimistic sounds.
The diversity of this woodwind instrument is seriously impressive. Bass clarinets can be found within everything from traditional orchestras and jazz groups to rock of both the classic and modern variety. The Beatles famously made use of the bass clarinet on their song, “It’s All Too Much,” while Paramore utilized a session bass clarinetist to lay down some playing on their track, “Figure 8.” Meanwhile, the instrument’s four octave range lends them an ability to vacillate between sounds and moods. That said, the world of classical music hasn’t historically seen many pieces composed specifically for bass clarinet, but who knows? Maybe that will change some day.
We tend to all have this very specific stereotype that pops into our heads whenever harps are mentioned, right? That image of celestial sounds of angels, playing their harps up there in heaven. The reality of this instrument is very different, of course, and it isn’t only within the confines of religion that harps can be explored. Dorothy Ashby famously countered stodgy traditionalism when she released her “Afro-Harping” LP in 1968. This album, alongside her 1970 work, “The Rubáiyát of Dorothy Ashby,” pushed her instrument into the realms of jazz as a lead instrument. The results were both electrifying and enduring, since her forward-thinking and progressive approach to the harp would influence hip-hop and sample culture in the modern day.
The next instrument on our list is another one that feels immediately evocative of a specific mood and space. The sound of a theremin is very specific, a distinctively creepy sound that we usually associate with old school horror and science fiction movies. It’s also something of a pioneer within the world of electronic instruments, such as the moog synthesizer or Clavivox. Watching a thereminist is particularly cool, as they make use of the instruments antennae by guiding their hands around, above and in-between. The theremin was of particular use during the golden age of radio, since it was able to add texture to plays and radio dramas with the greatest of ease.
It’s time for the string section to get a little love, specifically for the viola. This relative of the violin can play melodic sections and beautiful harmonies with ease, but its usage isn’t reserved solely for classical composition. The strong sounds of the viola were adopted by musicians from the progressive and experimental sectors, including artists like Marillion and The Velvet Underground. These latter sounds came primarily from boosting the viola with a little electricity. This enabled musicians such as John Cale to get some brooding and unsettling drones from their violas, pushing beyond the instrument’s reputation for melody and into worlds of the avant-garde.
We really only need to reference a single name when it comes to somebody who revolutionized the trumpet: Miles. Davis. The jazz legend continually pushed the boundaries of brass with his uncompromising style. Davis’ reputation within his field moved from bop and modal jazz to the fiery fusion and jazz-rock of the 1970s. Efforts such as “Bitches Brew,” “In a Silent Way” and “On the Corner” demonstrated how Davis’ trumpet could cry and soar with the angels, just as easily as it got down with the devil. Beautiful melodies, discordant noises and quiet sadness can all be achieved with a trumpet, and it’s this versatility that makes this instrument so interesting.
You either love it or you hate it: the sound of the bagpipes. On one hand, there’s the cultural significance attached to bagpipes and the country of Scotland. We often hear them performed during parades or at official political ceremonies. Yet that sustained droning that emits from the bagpipes can tend to be disconcerting or annoying to some people. Perhaps it’s how the bagpipes sometimes show up during movie funeral scenes that have traditionally affected their modern stereotype. Or maybe it’s how the bagpipes have even been seen as “noise pollution” over the years, resulting in bans as recently as 2011, when they were excised from Rugby World events. Where do you stand?
It doesn't take long to pick out the sound of a didgeridoo from a musical crowd, thanks to its loud, droning sound and uniquely elongated shape. This wind instrument was first introduced by Aboriginal Australians as a tool closely tied in with their tribal culture, with the didgeridoo continuing to be closely associated with the country's musical heritage to this very day. Progressive musicians such as Kate Bush and pop group Jamiroquai have even utilized the didgeridoo in a modern rock format, thus proving its versatility across culture and genre.
The next instrument on our list has long been the chosen side arm accompaniment of blues men and folk heroes alike: the harmonica. Although this reed instrument, also known as a French harp or mouth organ, never really sees use as a song leader, its ability to drive home a memorable melody has proven useful for artists as varied as Bob Dylan and Billy Joel, whose classic "Piano Man" features a plaintive, melancholy harmonica in between the song's verses. It’s portable, easy to learn, and the perfect instrument to pull out when you just want to lay down a jam.
Whoever said that the cellos couldn't rock? Don't spout such nonsense to Finland's Apocalyptica, who have made a career out of electrifying audiences with their heavy metal cello antics. Apocalyptica aren't the only artists to break new ground when it comes to these classy string instruments, however, as evidenced by the avant-garde alternative act Rasputina, who combine the cello's roots in beautiful classical music and combine it with a dark, fresh and very cool sound all their own.
Sure, some might not think there's much "coolness" to be found within the humble violin, but one need only point out the infamous reputation of the classical outlaw Niccolo Paganini to uncover the true sinister origins behind this small stringed wonder. The Italian violinist and composer was rumored to have sold his soul to the devil in order to develop his demonically fast and precise fingering technique, while Paganini's amorous adventures with female admirers earned him gossip wherever he traveled. If you’re not a fan of the traditional sound of the violin, you better believe there is an electric counterpart.
We head next to the mighty rhythm section, where this lord of the low end holds down a steady beat to anchor any song. The bass guitar is a versatile instrument when placed in the proper hands, as it can hang back in the pocket or fly off the handle, depending on the musician's technique. The bass guitar is often seen as an instrument of groove, however, and saw some serious progression thanks to Paul McCartney of the Beatles, whose performance on the band's "Come Together" saw some serious innovation in terms of the bass guitar finally stepping out of the shadows and into the spotlight.
Nothing quite says slinky and sexy quite like the sensuous saxophone. This woodwind instrument was particularly popular in the 1980s, thanks to its prominent placement in such massive pop hits as George Michael's "Careless Whisper" and Billy Ocean's "Caribbean Queen." Elsewhere, the saxophone was put to good use in both R&B and rock, not to mention the classic big band sound of its deeper toned cousin, the baritone sax. Even Lady Gaga got into some sax action with her hit "The Edge of Glory," proving that this horn still has plenty of tooting to do.
The next instrument on our list also rose to some serious prominence in the 1980s, but began to see proper implementation in the 1970s progressive rock boom. The synthesizer revolutionized the electronic music field when it was utilized by such forward thinking rock icons as Rush and Emerson, Lake & Palmer, while former Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman even drafted an entire concept album about King Arthur around the synthesizer. Meanwhile, Germany's Tangerine Dream managed to create entire worlds with the synthesizer's almost limitless potential for atmosphere and soundscapes, a notion which has been continued today with such modern electronic artists as Trent Reznor.
The classics never go out of style, as evidenced by the longevity of the mighty piano. If you think this instrument is just for classical music or soft, teary ballads, then think again, because the piano has long been a cornerstone in the gigantic castle wall which is rock 'n roll history. Whether it's the classical bombast of Mozart, Stevie Wonder's electrified funk, or the formative rock of Jerry Lee Lewis, few instruments have driven as many musicians to coolness as the piano. Want further proof? Just watch Tori Amos tickle those ivories, and be convinced that the piano is one massively cool instrument, indeed.
Everybody loves the drums, even your neighbors! There's just something primal and propulsive about this ultimate rhythmic instrument which makes it an icon of cool. Drums can be loud and boisterous or dizzyingly technical, but one thing's for sure: they're a profoundly physical instrument which demands a lifetime of dedication and dexterity to master. Fans may love to air guitar their favorite licks at concerts, but air drumming has to land at a close second, as evidenced by the legions of Neil Peart fans who would flock to every Rush concert for yet another glimpse of their drum god and rock icon.
There have been countless stories of rock 'n roll icons who grew up idolizing their favorite guitarists. It didn't matter if that guitarist was Eddie Van Halen, Lindsey Buckingham or Ani DiFranco, it was the allure and siren call of that seductive six string which brought them all together. The guitar is cool enough on its own but the addition of plugging it into an amp and cranking it to 11 just set the bar so much higher. Endlessly expressive, capable of an array of styles, tones, and sounds, and able to fit into any music genre, the electric guitar is a go-to tool of creation and there's nothing cooler than that.
Do you play an instrument? Which one? Let us know in the comments!
#20: Tuba
How low can you go? Pretty darn low if we’re talking about a tuba, a brass instrument that possesses a deep and resonant range. Often engaging in a supportive role, the tuba wasn’t an instrument commonly found within an orchestra pit until around the 19th century. Tuba players can find themselves bolstering the bass frequencies of other orchestral instruments, such as woodwinds. Additionally, the tuba’s own rumbling tones can often evoke feelings of doom, dread or impending danger, both within traditional orchestra incorporations, as well as within the parameters of modern jazz groups.
#19: Hang
One may be tempted to refer to a hang as a “hang drum,” but the inventors of this comparatively recent instrument have stressed their preference for just plain hang. The hang is related to the family of steel drums that have permeated music from Trinidad and Tobago for decades. This doesn’t only come down to the uniquely evocative sounds that emerge from the hang when struck, but also their physical construction. Performers can also get other sounds from a hang by sliding their hands across its surface, or by using rolling mallets to achieve sustained notes similar to that of a singing bowl.
#18: Trombone
Brass instruments such as the trombone can be found in everything from old school orchestras to some of the hippest jazz ensembles around town. Marching bands also frequently make use of this long, sliding instrument to create lower-registered tones alongside other brass accompaniment. Elsewhere, famed musicians such as Wayne Henderson and Raul de Souza have incorporated their trombones into everything from jazz-rock and soul to fiery funk. Basically, what we’re saying is that the trombone is anything but stuffy or old fashioned. It all depends upon how you’d like to play it!
#17: Contrabassoon
Move over tuba, the contrabassoon actually gets even lower than that famed bit o’ brass, which is seriously impressive for this member of the woodwind family. The sound of a contrabassoon is deep and satisfyingly rich, although its higher register doesn’t possess the same amount of resonant power. This means a contrabassoon could potentially be drowned out within an orchestra setting, but its usefulness within an ensemble remains unquestioned. Its rumbling, low buzz can work within a similar thematic space as a tuba, creating tension and counterpoint against brighter and more optimistic sounds.
#16: Bass Clarinet
The diversity of this woodwind instrument is seriously impressive. Bass clarinets can be found within everything from traditional orchestras and jazz groups to rock of both the classic and modern variety. The Beatles famously made use of the bass clarinet on their song, “It’s All Too Much,” while Paramore utilized a session bass clarinetist to lay down some playing on their track, “Figure 8.” Meanwhile, the instrument’s four octave range lends them an ability to vacillate between sounds and moods. That said, the world of classical music hasn’t historically seen many pieces composed specifically for bass clarinet, but who knows? Maybe that will change some day.
#15: Harp
We tend to all have this very specific stereotype that pops into our heads whenever harps are mentioned, right? That image of celestial sounds of angels, playing their harps up there in heaven. The reality of this instrument is very different, of course, and it isn’t only within the confines of religion that harps can be explored. Dorothy Ashby famously countered stodgy traditionalism when she released her “Afro-Harping” LP in 1968. This album, alongside her 1970 work, “The Rubáiyát of Dorothy Ashby,” pushed her instrument into the realms of jazz as a lead instrument. The results were both electrifying and enduring, since her forward-thinking and progressive approach to the harp would influence hip-hop and sample culture in the modern day.
#14: Theremin
The next instrument on our list is another one that feels immediately evocative of a specific mood and space. The sound of a theremin is very specific, a distinctively creepy sound that we usually associate with old school horror and science fiction movies. It’s also something of a pioneer within the world of electronic instruments, such as the moog synthesizer or Clavivox. Watching a thereminist is particularly cool, as they make use of the instruments antennae by guiding their hands around, above and in-between. The theremin was of particular use during the golden age of radio, since it was able to add texture to plays and radio dramas with the greatest of ease.
#13: Viola
It’s time for the string section to get a little love, specifically for the viola. This relative of the violin can play melodic sections and beautiful harmonies with ease, but its usage isn’t reserved solely for classical composition. The strong sounds of the viola were adopted by musicians from the progressive and experimental sectors, including artists like Marillion and The Velvet Underground. These latter sounds came primarily from boosting the viola with a little electricity. This enabled musicians such as John Cale to get some brooding and unsettling drones from their violas, pushing beyond the instrument’s reputation for melody and into worlds of the avant-garde.
#12: Trumpet
We really only need to reference a single name when it comes to somebody who revolutionized the trumpet: Miles. Davis. The jazz legend continually pushed the boundaries of brass with his uncompromising style. Davis’ reputation within his field moved from bop and modal jazz to the fiery fusion and jazz-rock of the 1970s. Efforts such as “Bitches Brew,” “In a Silent Way” and “On the Corner” demonstrated how Davis’ trumpet could cry and soar with the angels, just as easily as it got down with the devil. Beautiful melodies, discordant noises and quiet sadness can all be achieved with a trumpet, and it’s this versatility that makes this instrument so interesting.
#11: Bagpipes
You either love it or you hate it: the sound of the bagpipes. On one hand, there’s the cultural significance attached to bagpipes and the country of Scotland. We often hear them performed during parades or at official political ceremonies. Yet that sustained droning that emits from the bagpipes can tend to be disconcerting or annoying to some people. Perhaps it’s how the bagpipes sometimes show up during movie funeral scenes that have traditionally affected their modern stereotype. Or maybe it’s how the bagpipes have even been seen as “noise pollution” over the years, resulting in bans as recently as 2011, when they were excised from Rugby World events. Where do you stand?
#10: Didgeridoo
It doesn't take long to pick out the sound of a didgeridoo from a musical crowd, thanks to its loud, droning sound and uniquely elongated shape. This wind instrument was first introduced by Aboriginal Australians as a tool closely tied in with their tribal culture, with the didgeridoo continuing to be closely associated with the country's musical heritage to this very day. Progressive musicians such as Kate Bush and pop group Jamiroquai have even utilized the didgeridoo in a modern rock format, thus proving its versatility across culture and genre.
#9: Harmonica
The next instrument on our list has long been the chosen side arm accompaniment of blues men and folk heroes alike: the harmonica. Although this reed instrument, also known as a French harp or mouth organ, never really sees use as a song leader, its ability to drive home a memorable melody has proven useful for artists as varied as Bob Dylan and Billy Joel, whose classic "Piano Man" features a plaintive, melancholy harmonica in between the song's verses. It’s portable, easy to learn, and the perfect instrument to pull out when you just want to lay down a jam.
#8: Cello
Whoever said that the cellos couldn't rock? Don't spout such nonsense to Finland's Apocalyptica, who have made a career out of electrifying audiences with their heavy metal cello antics. Apocalyptica aren't the only artists to break new ground when it comes to these classy string instruments, however, as evidenced by the avant-garde alternative act Rasputina, who combine the cello's roots in beautiful classical music and combine it with a dark, fresh and very cool sound all their own.
#7: Violin
Sure, some might not think there's much "coolness" to be found within the humble violin, but one need only point out the infamous reputation of the classical outlaw Niccolo Paganini to uncover the true sinister origins behind this small stringed wonder. The Italian violinist and composer was rumored to have sold his soul to the devil in order to develop his demonically fast and precise fingering technique, while Paganini's amorous adventures with female admirers earned him gossip wherever he traveled. If you’re not a fan of the traditional sound of the violin, you better believe there is an electric counterpart.
#6: Bass Guitar
We head next to the mighty rhythm section, where this lord of the low end holds down a steady beat to anchor any song. The bass guitar is a versatile instrument when placed in the proper hands, as it can hang back in the pocket or fly off the handle, depending on the musician's technique. The bass guitar is often seen as an instrument of groove, however, and saw some serious progression thanks to Paul McCartney of the Beatles, whose performance on the band's "Come Together" saw some serious innovation in terms of the bass guitar finally stepping out of the shadows and into the spotlight.
#5: Saxophone
Nothing quite says slinky and sexy quite like the sensuous saxophone. This woodwind instrument was particularly popular in the 1980s, thanks to its prominent placement in such massive pop hits as George Michael's "Careless Whisper" and Billy Ocean's "Caribbean Queen." Elsewhere, the saxophone was put to good use in both R&B and rock, not to mention the classic big band sound of its deeper toned cousin, the baritone sax. Even Lady Gaga got into some sax action with her hit "The Edge of Glory," proving that this horn still has plenty of tooting to do.
#4: Synthesizer
The next instrument on our list also rose to some serious prominence in the 1980s, but began to see proper implementation in the 1970s progressive rock boom. The synthesizer revolutionized the electronic music field when it was utilized by such forward thinking rock icons as Rush and Emerson, Lake & Palmer, while former Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman even drafted an entire concept album about King Arthur around the synthesizer. Meanwhile, Germany's Tangerine Dream managed to create entire worlds with the synthesizer's almost limitless potential for atmosphere and soundscapes, a notion which has been continued today with such modern electronic artists as Trent Reznor.
#3: Piano
The classics never go out of style, as evidenced by the longevity of the mighty piano. If you think this instrument is just for classical music or soft, teary ballads, then think again, because the piano has long been a cornerstone in the gigantic castle wall which is rock 'n roll history. Whether it's the classical bombast of Mozart, Stevie Wonder's electrified funk, or the formative rock of Jerry Lee Lewis, few instruments have driven as many musicians to coolness as the piano. Want further proof? Just watch Tori Amos tickle those ivories, and be convinced that the piano is one massively cool instrument, indeed.
#2: Drums
Everybody loves the drums, even your neighbors! There's just something primal and propulsive about this ultimate rhythmic instrument which makes it an icon of cool. Drums can be loud and boisterous or dizzyingly technical, but one thing's for sure: they're a profoundly physical instrument which demands a lifetime of dedication and dexterity to master. Fans may love to air guitar their favorite licks at concerts, but air drumming has to land at a close second, as evidenced by the legions of Neil Peart fans who would flock to every Rush concert for yet another glimpse of their drum god and rock icon.
#1: Electric Guitar
There have been countless stories of rock 'n roll icons who grew up idolizing their favorite guitarists. It didn't matter if that guitarist was Eddie Van Halen, Lindsey Buckingham or Ani DiFranco, it was the allure and siren call of that seductive six string which brought them all together. The guitar is cool enough on its own but the addition of plugging it into an amp and cranking it to 11 just set the bar so much higher. Endlessly expressive, capable of an array of styles, tones, and sounds, and able to fit into any music genre, the electric guitar is a go-to tool of creation and there's nothing cooler than that.
Do you play an instrument? Which one? Let us know in the comments!
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