15 Popular Musical Instruments and Why They’re Cool to Play
Are you having trouble deciding what to play? With so many popular musical instruments available to choose from, it can be hard to make the decision where to start. The truth is, there’s no wrong musical instrument to play, as playing any type of music on any type of instrument is not only fun, but stress relieving, community building and life enriching. The bottom line here: playing music is cool! Here’s a little inspiration to help you decide.
1. Piano
Whether playing a simple melody with one finger or elaborate harmonies with two hands, while also controlling rhythm and dynamics with your physical touch on the keys and the foot pedals, you cannot deny the piano’s versatility. No matter where your musical interests lie, playing piano will always offer infinite ways to express them. If you choose to play the piano, you will have the world at your fingertips, literally!
Cool factor: Look at how this guy pulls people in and connects. His masterful use of dynamics evokes emotion from the people watching him play. Plus, it’s so cool how he is playing in an open and public space.
2. Guitar
You can never go wrong if you play the guitar. Think about it. Even as a beginner, you can learn four or five chords which will immediately open up a never-ending song list. You can take an acoustic guitar with you everywhere you go, or you can plug your electric guitar in for sheer power. Whether your dream is to be a rock star, to play complex jazz runs, or to strum a few songs at the campfire, playing guitar is the ultimate way of playing any genre, anywhere.
Cool factor: This video of the Quarantined Quartet is fantastic. The family that plays together, stays together! Their musicality, precision timing, and percussive slapping show how music can help you make the best of a bad situation with family and friends (i.e., a quarantine).
3. Violin
When you play the violin, you hold a powerfully expressive instrument. The violin can be used for any genre of music, and people connect to it for many reasons. One reason is that it sounds so much like the human voice. You may be drawn to this instrument due to its implied prestige (think first chair of an orchestra), or for its humbler role in folk or bluegrass music. Regardless, if you play violin, or fiddle, you will undoubtedly deliver soulful sounds of music.
Cool factor: Zotov’s video exhibits how relaxing, yet current, violin music can be; it’s proof that violins have a place in every genre. He plays with incredible ease.
4. Drums
When you play drums, you’re providing the heartbeat of the music because you’re controlling the rhythm yet bringing the music to life. Without a doubt, drumming is the most dynamic instrument. Not to mention, drumming is an incredible workout!
Cool factor: Intense! That is some amazing drumming … the accuracy, the timing — wow.
5. Flute
Playing the flute is an incredibly expressive talent. When there’s a flute playing, it feels like a particularly magical nuance being added to the music. You can’t discuss a flute without also giving the musician a lot of credit for their incredible breath control and dexterity. It’s amazing, and versatile (think Jethro Tull!).
Cool factor: She is well on her way to (Jethro Tull’s) “Aqualung”! Look it up!
6. Saxophone
Do you want to be the one who sets the mood? Then play the saxophone! Sax music is the ultimate in the smooth and soulful category. A saxophone has a place in absolutely any genre of music. It brings an added layer of expression like no other instrument can bring.
Cool factor: You just want to hang out with this guy! So effortless.
7. Trumpet
You will always be heard if you play the trumpet. It creates the most brilliantly clear and powerful blasts of sound of any instrument. The sound of a trumpet is so recognizable that the musician playing it will absolutely stand out in a crowd.
Cool factor: Her expressive skills and energy are breaking boundaries!
8. Trombone
The trombone makes some of the coolest sounds in music because of the slide. It gives the musician the ability to bend notes in a way that no other instrument does. Gliding between pitches intensifies the expressiveness of the music.
Cool factor: The energy between the players and the audience is so electric. The skills and the funky rhythms are inspiring to see with the addition of brass instruments to this music.
9. Clarinet
The clarinet is such a versatile woodwind instrument. When you play one, you have the ability to bring a smooth tone or to season the song with a light and bright sound. Having the ability to create a huge range of sounds allows you to bring your own unique spin to the music.
Cool factor: This energy is contagious! Here’s the proof that a clarinet adds so much to any genre of music.
10. Cello
You got to love a cello. The warm tones lend themselves to so many genres of music. It’s such a distinctive sound.
Cool factor: That was unreal! Who doesn't want to learn to play cello after seeing that?
11. Bass Guitar
The bass guitar … it has the least amount of strings yet produces so much emotion and creates the foundation of the song. When you play the bass guitar, you are one of the masters of creating the groove of a song. Also, there are some cool playing methods you can use to change up the sound, like slapping and walking bass lines.
Cool factor: Her skills are off the charts. She deserves to get every gig!
12. Keyboard/Synthesizer
When you play keys or synth, you can create infinite sounds and emotions. The added benefit is that your instrument is so portable.
Cool factor: That’s just cool, straight up. You can’t help but move to this groove.
13. Harp
When you play the harp, you get to create the coolest ethereal, dreamy sounds. Also, you’re one of very few who do play the harp. That in itself makes it pretty cool.
Cool factor: So sophisticated, dramatic and powerful. Stunning!
14. Harmonica
When you play the harmonica, you can have the most portable and versatile little instrument right in your pocket. Plus, learning the basics isn’t super difficult. Once you master those, you can move on to more challenging and complex music.
Cool factor: Impressive improvisation between the harmonica and guitar players. This was an unexpected and great performance.
15. Ukulele
When you play the ukulele, you can cheer everyone up! The ukulele is a relatively easy instrument to learn to play, yet you have the power to brighten up every song you play.
Cool factor: Tradition plugged-in! This musician is so skilled, and there seems to be a Van Halen nod in there, too.
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There you have it — 15 popular musical instruments played by many people all around the world. Now that you've checked out these awesome performances, which instrument are you inspired to play?
Learn More About the Music Products Industry
If you’re a student, educator or young professional who loves musical instruments and music gear, get connected to the music products industry with NAMM. A member association representing the companies and professionals that develop musical instruments, gear and technology, NAMM hosts the annual NAMM Show each January, where innovators reveal their latest products to the music industry. Learn more about The NAMM Show, including education sessions available for students and educators. You can also explore the benefits of NAMM membership.
About the Author
Mark Maxwell is the owner of Maxwell’s House of Music in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Born into the Maxwell family literally meant growing up in the music business in Louisville, KY, and Southern Indiana. Music is what Mark knows, from playing in bands his entire life, to being a nationally recognized leader in music advocacy, education and retail sales. Knowing that music can change lives for the better, Mark strives to be the “go to” resource for musicians and aspiring musicians all over the world.