Discover the top world music instruments that will transport you to different cultures and musical traditions. From the mesmerizing sounds of the sitar to the rhythmic beats of the djembe, these instruments offer a unique and immersive musical experience. Explore the best world music instruments and unlock a world of diverse melodies and harmonies.
Discover the best world music instruments that will transport you to different cultures and create mesmerizing melodies. From the enchanting sound of the sitar to the rhythmic beats of the djembe, these instruments offer a unique experience for music enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in the rich tones of the didgeridoo or explore the intricate melodies of the kora. Whether you’re drawn to the haunting sounds of the pan flute or the vibrant energy of the salsa percussion, there is a world music instrument that will captivate your senses. Experience the harmonious blend of cultures through the oud or embrace the soulful tunes of the tabla. With a wide range of options available, you can embark on a musical journey like no other with these best world music instruments.
| # | Instrument | Origin | Playing Technique | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Didgeridoo | Australia | Circular Breathing | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | Sitar | India | Plucking | 9/10 |
| 3 | Bodhran | Ireland | Beating with a Stick | 8.8/10 |
| 4 | Djembe | West Africa | Hand Drumming | 8.5/10 |
| 5 | Kalimba | Africa | Thumb Piano | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | Tabla | India/Pakistan/Bangladesh/Nepal | Finger Drumming | 7.9/10 |
| 7 | Kora | West Africa (Mandinka) | Fingerpicking and Strumming | 7.5/10 |
| 8 | Pan Flute | Various (South America, Europe, Asia) | Breath Control | 7/10 |
| 9 | Hang Drum | Switzerland | Hand Drumming | 6.8/10 |
| 10 | Oud | Middle East | Fingerpicking and Strumming | 6.5/10 |
Table of Contents
Didgeridoo
- Australian Aboriginal instrument
- Long wooden tube
- Produces deep, resonant drone sounds
- Traditionally made from eucalyptus tree trunks
- Played by vibrating the lips into the mouthpiece
The didgeridoo is a unique wind instrument that originated in Australia. It is known for its distinctive deep, resonant drone sounds that can be heard for miles. Traditionally, didgeridoos are made from hollowed-out eucalyptus tree trunks and decorated with intricate designs. Playing the didgeridoo involves vibrating the lips into the mouthpiece while using circular breathing techniques to create a continuous sound.
The didgeridoo is believed to be one of the oldest musical instruments in the world, dating back thousands of years. Its mesmerizing sound and cultural significance make it a popular choice among world music enthusiasts.
Sitar
- Stringed instrument from India
- Features a long neck and a gourd-shaped body
- Has movable frets and sympathetic strings
- Played with a metal pick called a “mizrab”
- Produces rich, melodic tones
The sitar is a classical Indian instrument that is widely recognized for its unique and captivating sound. It has a long neck with movable frets and a resonating gourd-shaped body. The sitar also has sympathetic strings that resonate along with the main strings, adding depth and richness to the overall sound.
Playing the sitar requires skillful plucking and sliding of the strings, creating intricate melodies and embellishments. It is often used in Indian classical music and has gained popularity in various genres around the world.
Bodhran
- Irish frame drum
- Shallow wooden frame with a goatskin head
- Played with a wooden beater called a “tipper”
- Produces rhythmic beats and tones
- Commonly used in traditional Irish music
The bodhran is a traditional Irish drum that adds a rhythmic heartbeat to Irish music. It consists of a shallow wooden frame with a goatskin head stretched across one side. The bodhran is played by striking the head with a wooden beater called a tipper, creating various tones and rhythms.
The bodhran is an essential instrument in traditional Irish music sessions and is often played alongside fiddles, flutes, and other instruments. Its versatile sound and simple playing technique make it accessible to musicians of all skill levels.
Djembe
- West African drum
- Shaped like a goblet with a goatskin head
- Played with bare hands
- Produces a wide range of tones and dynamics
- Used in traditional African music and popular in world music
The djembe is a versatile hand drum that originated in West Africa. It has a goblet shape with a goatskin head that is stretched tightly over the top. The djembe is played by striking the head with bare hands, creating a wide range of tones and dynamics.
The djembe’s vibrant rhythms and infectious beats have made it popular not only in traditional African music but also in various genres around the world. Its powerful sound can be heard in both intimate gatherings and large-scale performances.
Kalimba
- African thumb piano
- Consists of metal tines attached to a wooden board
- Played by plucking the tines with thumbs
- Produces melodic and soothing tones
- Portable and easy to learn
The kalimba, also known as a thumb piano, is a small instrument that originated in Africa. It features metal tines of different lengths attached to a wooden board or resonator. The kalimba is played by plucking the tines with the thumbs, creating melodic and soothing tones.
Due to its compact size and simplicity, the kalimba is a popular instrument for beginners and travelers. Its enchanting sound has made it a favorite among musicians seeking a unique and portable musical experience.
Tabla
- Indian percussion instrument
- Consists of two drums: the “dayan” and the “bayan”
- Dayan is smaller and produces higher-pitched sounds
- Bayan is larger and produces deeper tones
- Played with fingers and palms
The tabla is a pair of drums that are commonly used in classical Indian music. It consists of two drums: the smaller drum called the dayan and the larger drum called the bayan. The dayan produces higher-pitched sounds, while the bayan produces deeper tones.
The tabla is played by striking the drums with fingers and palms, creating intricate rhythms and patterns. It requires precise hand movements and coordination to produce the desired sounds. The tabla is not only a rhythmic instrument but also capable of expressing melodic phrases.
Kora
- West African string instrument
- Resembles a large harp or lute
- Features a gourd resonator and a long neck with strings
- Played by plucking the strings with thumbs and fingers
- Produces melodic and enchanting tones
The kora is a mesmerizing string instrument that originated in West Africa. It has a large harp-like body made from a gourd and a long neck with strings. The kora is played by plucking the strings with both thumbs and fingers, creating intricate melodies and rhythms.
The kora’s enchanting sound has captivated listeners around the world. It is often associated with storytelling and griot traditions, where musicians use the instrument to accompany oral history and cultural narratives.
Pan Flute
- Wind instrument made of multiple pipes
- Pipes are arranged in a curved shape
- Played by blowing across the open ends of the pipes
- Produces haunting and ethereal tones
- Used in various folk music traditions worldwide
The pan flute, also known as the panpipes, is an ancient wind instrument that consists of multiple pipes of different lengths. The pipes are arranged in a curved shape, with each pipe producing a different note. The pan flute is played by blowing across the open ends of the pipes, creating haunting and ethereal tones.
The pan flute is found in various folk music traditions around the world, including South America, Europe, and Asia. Its distinct sound adds a touch of mystique to any musical composition.
Hang Drum
- Handcrafted metal percussion instrument
- Resembles a UFO or a flying saucer
- Consists of two hemispheres with tuned notes
- Played by striking the notes with hands or fingers
- Produces resonant and soothing sounds
The hang drum, also known as the hang or handpan, is a unique percussion instrument that was invented in Switzerland. It has a distinctive UFO-like shape, with two hemispheres and tuned notes around the rim. The hang drum is played by striking the notes with hands or fingers, creating resonant and soothing sounds.
The hang drum’s ethereal tones and meditative qualities have made it popular in spiritual and healing practices. Its mesmerizing sound invites listeners to relax and embark on a musical journey.
Oud
- Stringed instrument from the Middle East
- Resembles a small guitar or lute
- Has a deep bowl-shaped body and a short neck
- Played with a plectrum or fingers
- Produces rich, melancholic tones
The oud is a traditional stringed instrument commonly found in Middle Eastern music. It resembles a small guitar or lute, with a deep bowl-shaped body and a short neck. The oud is played by plucking the strings with either a plectrum or fingers, creating rich and melancholic tones.
The oud’s haunting sound has made it an integral part of Middle Eastern music for centuries. Its expressive nature allows musicians to convey deep emotions and tell stories through their melodies.
What are the best world music instruments?
When it comes to world music instruments, there are several that stand out for their unique sounds and cultural significance. Some of the best world music instruments include the didgeridoo, a traditional Australian Aboriginal instrument known for its deep, resonant tones; the sitar, a stringed instrument from India with a distinctive sound; and the djembe, a West African drum that produces a wide range of tones and is often used in communal settings.
What makes these instruments special?
What makes these instruments special is not only their distinct sounds but also their rich cultural heritage. Each instrument carries centuries of tradition and history, representing the musical expressions of different cultures around the world. They have been used in various rituals, ceremonies, and performances, allowing people to connect with their roots and express themselves through music.
How can I learn to play these instruments?
If you’re interested in learning to play these world music instruments, there are several options available. You can seek out local music schools or instructors who specialize in teaching these instruments. Online tutorials and instructional videos can also be helpful resources. Additionally, immersing yourself in the music and culture associated with these instruments can provide valuable insights and inspiration as you embark on your musical journey.
String Instruments
String instruments are an essential part of world music. They include instruments such as the guitar, violin, sitar, and kora. These instruments produce beautiful melodies and are used in various genres of music around the world.
Percussion Instruments
Percussion instruments add rhythm and energy to world music. Some popular percussion instruments include the djembe, tabla, cajon, and bongo drums. These instruments create captivating beats and are often the backbone of many traditional and contemporary musical styles.
Wind Instruments
Wind instruments play a significant role in world music, providing melodic and harmonic elements. Instruments like the flute, saxophone, didgeridoo, and duduk are widely used across different cultures. They produce unique sounds that add depth and character to musical compositions.
