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Afghan traditional musical instruments have been an integral part of the country’s rich cultural heritage for centuries.
From the vibrant celebrations in villages to royal courts, these instruments have shaped the musical landscape of Afghanistan.
They tell the story of a diverse society, reflecting its history, values, and traditions. Even today, they continue to play a central role in Afghan music, bridging the past with modern sounds.
In this article we will explore a list of key Afghan traditional instruments, delving into how they are crafted, the unique ways they are played, and how prominent musicians have helped preserve and elevate these instruments in Afghan culture.
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Afghan String Instruments
Rubab
A short-necked lute, one of Afghanistan’s national instruments, known for its deep sound.
The Rubab (Rabab) is a traditional Afghan instrument that is considered one of the country’s national symbols. It is a string instrument with a short neck and a hollow body.
The body is typically made from a single piece of mulberry wood, while the strings are often made from gut or nylon. Its face is covered with animal skin, usually from a goat, which helps create a deep, resonant sound.
The Rubab has three melody strings, two or three drone strings, and several sympathetic strings that vibrate when it is played, adding to its rich tone.
The sound of the Rubab is warm, with deep bass notes and bright high tones. It is often used in Afghan folk music and classical performances. The instrument has roots in ancient Persia and Central Asia.
One of the most famous Rubab players was Ustad Mohammad Omar, who played a major role in popularizing the Rubab globally. He is remembered as a master of this beautiful instrument.
Read more facts about the Rubab instrument here.
Chardha
A string instrument used in traditional Afghan and Northern Pakistan music.
The Chardha, also known as the Hunza rabab, is a string instrument from Afghanistan and the Hunza district in northern Pakistan. It is a variant of the Afghan and Pamir rababs.
The instrument is carved from a single block of mulberry wood, with a shallow round body covered in goat skin. Its neck is wide and tapers at the end, often made from walnut wood, and it has decorative soundholes.
The Chardha typically has five main nylon strings and several thin metal resonance strings, which are tuned to provide a rich and layered sound.
The main strings are played with a thick plectrum, while the resonance strings enhance the instrument’s harmonic depth. The tuning is similar to the Afghan rabab, producing a deep, resonant tone.
Traditionally, the Chardha is used to accompany singing or for solo performances, playing a key role in local folk music.
Read more facts about the Chardha instrument here.
Dombra
A long-necked lute with two strings, common in Central Asian music.
The Dombra is a traditional long-necked string instrument from Central Asia, including Afghanistan.
It has two strings, which are typically made from gut or synthetic materials, and a hollow wooden body that amplifies the sound.
The neck is long and thin, with no frets, allowing the player to slide between notes smoothly. The body is made from lightweight wood, often mulberry or apricot wood, and the strings are plucked with the fingers.
The Dombra produces a bright, twangy sound that resonates well in open spaces. Its music often accompanies Afghan folk songs and dances, making it a key instrument in rural communities.
The Dombra has ancient origins, dating back over a thousand years, and it remains an important part of Afghan cultural music today.
Though it is a simple instrument, it carries deep cultural significance. Musicians like Afghan folk artists use the Dombra to preserve and share traditional stories through music.
Dutar
A traditional two-stringed instrument, often used in Afghan folk music.
The Dutar is a traditional string instrument found in Afghanistan and other parts of Central Asia. It has a long neck and typically two strings, though some modern versions may have more.
The body of the Dutar is made from wood, often mulberry, while the strings were originally made from silk but are now often nylon. The instrument has a soft, warm sound, producing gentle melodies.
Historically, the Dutar’s origins trace back to the Silk Road, where it became a popular instrument among nomadic and rural communities.
It plays a key role in Afghan folk music, accompanying both singers and dancers during festivals and gatherings.
The Dutar is especially significant in the northern regions of Afghanistan, such as Herat and Badakhshan.
Prominent musicians like Mohammad Rahim Khushnawaz are known for their mastery of the Dutar, preserving its role in Afghan culture.
The instrument is often associated with storytelling and traditional ballads.
Ghijak
A bowed string instrument, similar to a fiddle, played in folk music.
The Ghijak is a traditional Afghan string instrument played with a bow, similar to a violin.
It has a round body made from a wooden bowl, typically covered with animal skin to create a resonating surface.
The neck is long and thin, with two or more metal strings stretched across it. Some versions have additional sympathetic strings that vibrate as the main strings are played, adding a rich, layered sound.
The sound of the Ghijak is often described as haunting and melancholic, making it ideal for traditional Afghan folk music and classical performances.
Its tones are deep and resonate beautifully in smaller settings.
The instrument originates from Central Asia and has been a vital part of Afghan musical culture for centuries.
It’s commonly used in weddings and cultural celebrations. Some prominent Afghan musicians, like Ustad Rahim Khushnawaz, are known for their mastery of the Ghijak, helping to preserve its cultural significance.
Kafir harp
A traditional harp-like instrument from the Kafir regions of Afghanistan.
The Kafir harp (Waji) is a traditional stringed instrument from Afghanistan, particularly from the Kafir regions. It is similar in design to a small harp or lyre, featuring a wooden frame with strings stretched vertically across it.
The body is often made from wood, while the strings can be crafted from materials like gut or modern synthetic fibers. The instrument is played by plucking the strings with fingers, producing soft, melodic sounds that are often gentle and soothing.
Historically, the Kafir harp has roots in the ancient traditions of Afghanistan’s non-Islamic tribal communities, where it was used in spiritual and ceremonial music.
Its sound is deeply connected to the cultural practices of those tribes, offering a reflective and calm tone that complements storytelling and ritual performances.
While not widely known outside these regions, the Kafir harp holds cultural significance in preserving the folk traditions of the Kafir people. There are few documented players, but it remains a symbol of Afghanistan’s rich musical diversity.
Qobuz
A traditional Afghan bowed string instrument, known for its deep cultural significance in folk and classical music.
The Qobuz (Kobyz) is a traditional Afghan string instrument with deep cultural roots.
With a long neck and a rounded body typically made from mulberry wood the strings are made from sheep gut or nylon.
The instrument is played with a bow, much like a violin, and produces a warm, resonant sound that can range from soft and haunting to vibrant and lively.
Originating from Central Asia, the Qobuz has been used for centuries in Afghan folk and classical music, often accompanying storytelling and ceremonial events. Its sound is integral to the soulful and reflective nature of Afghan musical traditions.
Notable musicians like Ustad Mohammad Omar, a master of Afghan instruments, have helped preserve its significance in both traditional and contemporary Afghan music.
Afghan Percussion Instruments
Dholak
A two-headed hand drum, popular in South Asian folk music, used for rhythm.
The Dholak is a traditional hand drum with two heads, commonly used in South Asian music, including Afghan folk music. It is barrel-shaped and typically made from wood, with the drumheads stretched over each end.
The two sides of the Dholak produce different sounds: one side has a deeper tone, and the other is higher-pitched. The drumheads are often made from animal hide, though modern versions may use synthetic materials.
The drum is played by striking with the hands, with the player sitting or standing while holding the Dholak horizontally.
The Dholak has a warm, resonant sound that provides a steady rhythm in many types of music. In Afghanistan, it is an important part of traditional celebrations, weddings, and folk music performances.
Its origins trace back to India and the surrounding regions, where it was used in both classical and folk settings.
Significant musicians who have used the Dholak include folk performers from Afghanistan and India.
Read more facts about the Dholak instrument here.
Dohol
A large barrel-shaped drum played with sticks, typically for celebrations.
The Dohol is a large, barrel-shaped drum used in Afghan music, particularly during festive occasions like weddings and celebrations.
This instrument is typically made from wood for the drum’s body, while its drumheads are made from animal hide, such as goat or cow skin. The skin is stretched tightly over both ends of the drum, which produces deep, resonant sounds when struck.
The Dohol is played with two sticks, one thick and one thin, to create varying tones—one side provides a booming bass sound, while the other creates a sharper tone.
This drum has ancient roots in Persian and South Asian musical traditions and has become a staple in Afghan folk music.
In Afghan culture, the Dohol is essential in providing rhythm for traditional dances and is often played alongside other instruments.
Although not linked to any one musician, it is a community-centered instrument that brings people together during celebrations and rituals.
Mangey
A hand percussion instrument, used in folk and ceremonial music.
The Mangey is a traditional Afghan percussion instrument, mainly used in folk and ceremonial music.
It is a hand-held drum, often made from wood and animal hide. The body of the Mangey is typically shaped like a barrel or cylinder, providing a sturdy base for its resonating sound.
The drumhead, stretched tightly over the top, is usually made from goat or cow skin, giving it a warm, rich tone.
When played, the Mangey produces deep, rhythmic beats, and the musician controls the sound by using their palms and fingers. The beats can be fast or slow, depending on the style of music.
The Mangey originates from the rural regions of Afghanistan, where it plays an important role in traditional celebrations and ceremonies, including weddings and cultural festivals. While it is not widely associated with famous musicians, it is cherished in Afghan folk music for keeping the rhythm and adding depth to performances.
Tabla
A pair of hand drums, widely used in classical and folk music of South Asia.
The tabla is a set of two hand-played drums widely used in Afghan and South Asian music.
It consists of two drums: the dayan (right drum) and the bayan (left drum). The dayan is smaller, made from hardwood, and has a higher pitch.
The bayan is larger, made from metal or clay, and produces deeper, bass tones. Each drum has a central black spot made from a mixture of metal powder, rice paste, and other ingredients, which helps produce the tabla’s distinctive sound.
The tabla’s sound is a combination of high, crisp strikes and deep, resonant tones. It is played with fingers and palms, allowing musicians to create complex rhythms. The instrument likely originated from India but is used in Afghanistan for classical and folk music performances.
In Afghan culture, the tabla often accompanies instruments like the rubab. Notable tabla players include Ustad Zakir Hussain, who helped popularize the instrument worldwide.
Read more facts about the Tabla instrument here.
Zerbaghali
A goblet-shaped drum, played with fingers and palms, commonly used in Afghan music.
The Zerbaghali is a traditional Afghan percussion instrument shaped like a goblet.
It is usually made from clay or wood, with its body often decorated in intricate designs. The top of the instrument is covered with animal skin, such as goat or cowhide, stretched tightly to create the drumhead.
Players use their fingers and palms to strike the drum, producing a range of sounds depending on the force and position of the hits. Its tone can vary from deep, bass-like beats to sharp, high-pitched slaps.
The instrument has its roots in Central Asia and has been used for centuries in Afghan folk music, particularly in celebrations, festivals, and traditional gatherings.
It plays a key role in accompanying other instruments, providing rhythmic patterns. Though not as internationally recognized as other drums like the tabla, the Zerbaghali holds a strong cultural significance in Afghan music.
Afghan Wind Instruments
Zurna
A double-reed wind instrument, producing a loud and piercing sound, used in traditional Afghan ceremonies.
The zurna is a traditional wind instrument, commonly used in Afghan music, especially during weddings and celebrations.
It is made from a hollow wooden tube, usually crafted from apricot or plum wood. The zurna has a double reed at the top, which vibrates when blown into, producing a loud and sharp sound. Its tone is often high-pitched and piercing, making it ideal for outdoor performances.
The instrument is believed to have originated in Central Asia and spread across the Middle East and South Asia, becoming an important part of Afghan musical culture. The zurna typically plays melodies that accompany festive dances and important social events.
In Afghan music, the zurna is often paired with drums like the dohol to create an energetic atmosphere.
While the zurna is played by various folk musicians, its use in Afghan cultural music has maintained its importance, keeping traditional sounds alive. Although not as famous as other Afghan instruments, it is essential in many regional celebrations.
