Alphabetical List of Musical Instruments – T
From the traditional Tabla hand drum of India to the ancient Greek Tzouras lute, learn more about the instruments of the world.
Classification Note:
Chordophones produce sound primarily by the vibration of strings. Idiophone generate sound through the vibration of the instrument’s body itself, without the use of strings, membranes, or external air columns. Membranophones produce sound through the vibration of a stretched membrane. Aerophones create sound by vibrating air within the instrument.
Tabla
The tabla is a pair of Indian classical drums, consisting of a smaller, higher-pitched drum called the tabla and a larger, bass drum called bayan. The drums are played with the hands, producing a wide range of rhythmic patterns, central to Indian classical music. Classified as membranophones, these instruments originate from the Indian subcontinent, with a history dating back to the 18th century. The tabla is widely used in genres like traditional Pakistan and Hindustani classical music
Tabor
The tabor is a small, double-headed rope-tension drum from England, often played with one hand while the other hand plays a pipe or fife. This membranophone produces sharp, rhythmic sounds and is typically used in traditional English folk music. The tabor has medieval origins, dating back to the 13th century, and continues to be popular in historical reenactments and folk performances.
Taegum
The Taegum is a long transverse bamboo flute from Korea, known for its rich, resonant sound. This aerophone is played by blowing across the mouthpiece and covering the finger holes to create different pitches, often used in traditional Korean court and folk music. The Taegum has a history dating back to the Silla Dynasty (7th century), and it remains an essential instrument in Korean classical and contemporary music.
Taepyeongso
The taepyeongso is a traditional Korean double-reed wind instrument, characterized by its conical wooden body and a brass bell at the end. Played by blowing through a reed, the taepyeongso produces a bright, piercing sound. Classified as an aerophone, it originated in the Korean Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392). It is commonly played in folk music, military processions, and traditional Korean ceremonies.
Taganing
The Taganing is a set of five tuned barrel drums from Sumatra, Indonesia, used in traditional Batak Toba music. These membranophones are played with sticks, each drum producing a different pitch to create complex rhythms. The Taganing has been part of Indonesian musical traditions for centuries and is typically used in ceremonial and ritualistic music.
Tahitahi
The Tahitahi are small flutes made from wood, gourd, or bamboo, originating from Madagascar. These aerophones are played by blowing into the mouthpiece and covering the finger holes to produce melodies, commonly used in Malagasy folk music. The Tahitahi has been part of Madagascar’s musical heritage for generations, often used in traditional ceremonies and storytelling.
Taiko
Taiko refers to a variety of Japanese drums, typically large and barrel-shaped, played with sticks to produce powerful, resonant sounds. These membranophones are used in traditional Japanese music, including festival music, religious ceremonies, and modern taiko drumming ensembles. The use of taiko drums dates back over a thousand years, and they remain a vital part of Japanese cultural and musical practices.
Takare
The Takare is a one-string fiddle of the Lomwe people from Mozambique, also known as the tagare. This chordophone is played by bowing the single string, producing a deep, resonant tone, used primarily in traditional Lomwe music. The Takare has been part of Mozambican culture for centuries, often used in rituals and folk performances.
Takebue
The Takebue is a bamboo transverse flute from Japan, also known as shinobue, used in traditional Japanese music. This aerophone is played by blowing across the mouthpiece and covering the finger holes to create different pitches, commonly heard in festivals and folk music. The Takebue has been a part of Japanese musical culture for centuries, particularly in Noh and Kabuki theater music.
Talharpa
The Talharpa is a bowed lyre from medieval Northern Europe, which gained popularity in Estonia’s archipelago in the 12th century. This chordophone is played by bowing the strings, producing haunting, resonant tones, often used in traditional Estonian and Finnish folk music. The Talharpa is experiencing a revival today, with musicians incorporating it into both historical and contemporary music genres.
Talking drum
The Talking drum is a West African hourglass-shaped pressure drum with variable pitch, used to mimic speech patterns. This membranophone is played by squeezing the drum under the arm while striking it with a curved stick, creating a wide range of tones. The Talking drum has been a central part of West African music for centuries, particularly in the storytelling and ceremonial music of the Yoruba, Wolof, and Mandinka peoples.
Tama
The Tama is a small hourglass-shaped talking drum used by the Wolof, Mandinka, and Serer people of West Africa. This membranophone is played by squeezing the drum under the arm while striking it with a stick, producing tones that can mimic speech. The Tama has been part of West African musical traditions for centuries, often used in griot performances and traditional ceremonies.
Tambin
The Tambin is a three-hole side-blown flute of the Fula people of West Africa, made from a conical vine. This aerophone is played by blowing across the mouthpiece and covering the finger holes to produce melodic tunes, commonly used in traditional Fula music. The Tambin has been part of West African music for generations, particularly in pastoral and ceremonial contexts.
Tambor
Tambor is the Spanish term for “drum,” referring to a variety of drum types used across Spanish-speaking cultures. These membranophones can vary in size and shape and are played by striking the drumhead with hands or sticks. Tambors are integral to many Latin American music genres, including folk, traditional, and popular music, and have been in use for centuries.
Tambora
The Tambora is a two-headed drum used in various Latin American music styles, including merengue from the Dominican Republic and cumbia from Colombia. This membranophone is played with hands or sticks, producing rhythmic patterns that drive the music. The Tambora has been part of Caribbean and South American musical traditions for centuries, particularly in dance music.
Tambor con charchillos
The Tambor con charchillos is a snare drum with vibrating cactus spines underneath, used in Peru. This unique membranophone is played by striking the drumhead with sticks, producing a distinctive buzzing sound, often used in traditional Peruvian folk music. The Tambor con charchillos has deep roots in Andean culture, reflecting the region’s indigenous musical heritage.
Tamboril
The Tamboril is a double-headed rope tension drum played with drumsticks, commonly found in Spain. This membranophone produces sharp, rhythmic sounds, often used in traditional Spanish folk music and festivals. The Tamboril has been part of Spanish musical traditions for centuries, particularly in processions and rural celebrations.
Tamborim
The Tamborim is a small frame drum from Brazil, played with a stick to produce sharp, high-pitched rhythms. This membranophone is commonly used in samba and other Brazilian music genres, providing a driving rhythmic pulse. The Tamborim has been a staple of Brazilian music for centuries, particularly in carnival and street performances.
Tambourine
The Tambourine is a percussion instrument formed by a circular frame with jingles or cymbals, often covered with a flat, stretched skin. This idiophone/membranophone hybrid is played by shaking or striking it with the hands, producing rhythmic patterns, and is widely used in various music genres worldwide. The tambourine has ancient origins and remains popular in classical, folk, and popular music.
Tambura
The Tambura is a long-necked, fretted lute used in various regions, including Bulgaria, Croatia, and India. This chordophone is played by plucking the strings with a plectrum, producing harmonic drones or melodic lines, depending on the regional variation. The Tambura has been part of European and Indian musical traditions for centuries, used in both folk and classical music.
Tamburello
The Tamburello is a tambourine with jingles from southern Italy, traditionally used in folk music. This idiophone/membranophone is played by shaking or striking it with the hands, producing rhythmic patterns that accompany traditional Italian dances like the tarantella. The Tamburello has been part of Italian musical culture for centuries, particularly in rural and festive settings.
Tamburitza
The Tamburitza is a long-necked lute, also known as tamburica, from Croatia, Bosnia, and Serbia. This chordophone is played by plucking the strings with a plectrum, producing bright, melodic tones typical of traditional Balkan music. The Tamburitza has been part of Balkan musical traditions for centuries, often used in folk ensembles and social gatherings.
Tammorra
The Tammorra is a large tambourine with a drumhead made of dried sheep or goat skin, commonly found in southern Italy. This membranophone/idiophone hybrid is played by striking the drumhead with the hands and shaking the jingles, often used in traditional Italian folk music and festivals. The Tammorra has been part of Italian musical traditions for centuries, particularly in the Campania region.
Tam Thap Luc
Tam Thap Luc is the Vietnamese version of the hammered dulcimer, introduced to Vietnam during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). This chordophone is played by striking the strings with small mallets, producing melodic, resonant tones used in traditional Vietnamese music. The Tam Thap Luc has been part of Vietnamese musical culture for centuries, often used in classical and folk music.
Tanbur
The Tanbur is a general term for various long-necked fretted lutes of the Middle East and Central Asia, including regions like Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Iran. This chordophone is played by plucking or strumming the strings with a plectrum, producing resonant tones central to traditional Middle Eastern music. The Tanbur has ancient origins, with a history spanning several millennia, and remains a key instrument in Persian and Central Asian classical music.
Tanpura
The Tanpura is a long-necked stringed traditional instrument from India. This chordophone has four to six strings that are plucked continuously to produce a harmonic drone that supports the melody in a performance. The Tanpura is typically made of wood with a gourd resonator, and its strings are tuned to specific notes that resonate with the raga being performed. Originating several centuries ago, the Tanpura remains an essential instrument in both Hindustani and Carnatic music traditions,.
Tantan
The Tantan is a single-headed bass drum from Brazil, used in samba and other Afro-Brazilian music genres. This membranophone is played by striking the drumhead with hands or sticks, producing deep, resonant tones that form the rhythmic foundation of the music. The Tantan has been part of Brazilian musical traditions for centuries, particularly in carnival and street music.
Tapan
The Tapan is a Bulgarian and Macedonian double-headed barrel drum, 50 to 60cm in diameter, traditionally used in Balkan music. This membranophone is played with a large beater on one side and a thin stick on the other, producing a deep bass tone and sharp counter-rhythms. The Tapan has been part of Balkan musical traditions for centuries, often used in folk dances and celebrations.
Tar
The Tar is a lute that is widespread in Turkey, Azerbaijan, Iran, and the Caucasus, featuring a double-bowl shape and a long neck. This chordophone is played by plucking the strings with a plectrum, producing intricate melodic lines typical of Middle Eastern and Central Asian music. The Tar has been part of these regions’ musical traditions for centuries, particularly in classical and folk music.
Taragot
The Taragot is a traditional folk music shawm from Romania and Hungary, characterized by its reedy, piercing sound. This aerophone is played by blowing into the reed and covering the finger holes to produce different pitches, often used in traditional Eastern European music. The Taragot has been part of Romanian and Hungarian musical traditions for centuries, particularly in folk dances and celebrations.
Taralila
The Taralila is a hexagonal concertina from Madagascar, traditionally used in Malagasy folk music. This free-reed aerophone is played by pressing the buttons to open and close the bellows, producing melodic tones that accompany traditional dances and ceremonies. The Taralila has been part of Madagascar’s musical culture for generations, reflecting the island’s unique musical heritage.
Tarhu
The Tarhu is a spiked fiddle created by Australian luthier Peter Biffin in the 1980s, inspired by the Chinese erhu and Middle Eastern tar. This chordophone features a long thin neck, a small round body, and four strings, played with a bow to produce rich, resonant tones. The Tarhu has been used in various contemporary and traditional music settings, often associated with experimental and world music genres.
Tarka
The Tarka is an Andean wooden 6-hole flute with a mouthpiece, commonly found in Bolivia and Peru. This aerophone is played by blowing into the mouthpiece and covering the finger holes to produce melodic tunes, often used in traditional Andean music. The Tarka has been part of South American indigenous musical traditions for centuries, particularly in ceremonies and festivals.
Tarogato
The Tarogato is a single-reed instrument, 30-40cm long, originating from Hungary. This aerophone produces a warm, woody tone and is played by blowing into the mouthpiece and covering the finger holes to create different pitches, often used in traditional Hungarian folk music. The Tarogato has been part of Hungarian musical traditions for centuries, particularly in rural and pastoral music.
Tarrañolas
The Tarrañolas are Galician castanets made out of wood, slate, stone, or pork ribs, traditionally used in Spanish folk music. These idiophones are played by striking the pieces together, producing sharp, rhythmic clicks that accompany traditional dances like the muñeira. The Tarrañolas have been part of Galician musical traditions for centuries, particularly in regional festivals and celebrations.
Tavil
The Tavil is a barrel bass drum from Tamil Nadu, India, made out of jackfruit wood and used in traditional South Indian music. This membranophone is played with hands or sticks, producing deep, resonant tones that accompany classical and folk music, particularly in temple ceremonies. The Tavil has been part of Indian musical culture for centuries, often used in Carnatic music and religious processions.
Tawak
The Tawak is a large deep gong used by the Iban people of Sarawak, Malaysia, played in traditional gong ensembles. This idiophone is struck with padded beaters to produce resonant, metallic tones, often used in ritual and ceremonial music. The Tawak has been part of Malaysian Borneo’s musical traditions for centuries, particularly in communal gatherings and celebrations.
Tbal
The Tbal is a large North African side drum, also known as tbel, traditionally used in Moroccan and Mauritanian music. This membranophone is played by striking the drumhead with hands or sticks, producing deep, resonant tones often used in traditional ceremonies and celebrations. The Tbal has been part of North African musical traditions for centuries, particularly in Berber and Saharawi cultures.
Tebal
The Tebal is a Saharawi drum, about 60 centimeters in diameter, made from a dug-out wooden bowl and leather from a camel or goat. This membranophone is played by striking the drumhead with hands, producing a dry, deep sound used almost exclusively by women in Saharawi music. The Tebal has been part of Saharawi musical traditions for centuries, often used in social and ceremonial gatherings.
Teharden
The Teharden is a three-stringed Tuareg lute resembling instruments used by other African cultures, found in Mali and Algeria. This chordophone is played by plucking the strings, producing melodic tones that accompany traditional Tuareg music, often performed by men. The Teharden has been part of Tuareg musical traditions for centuries, particularly in storytelling and nomadic culture.
Tef
The Tef is a frame drum from Egypt and Turkey, used in traditional Middle Eastern music. This membranophone is played by striking the drumhead with hands, producing rhythmic patterns that accompany folk and classical music. The Tef has been part of Middle Eastern musical traditions for centuries, often used in religious and festive contexts.
Tejoletas
The Tejoletas are two independent wooden sticks held by the fingers and slapped against each other, similar to castanets, traditionally used in Spain. These idiophones are played by striking the sticks together, producing sharp, rhythmic clicks that accompany traditional Spanish music and dances. The Tejoletas have been part of Spanish musical traditions for centuries, particularly in regional folk music.
Tekerőlant
The Tekerőlant is a Hungarian hurdy-gurdy, also known as tekerő and nyenyere, used in traditional Hungarian music. This chordophone is played by turning a crank to rotate a wheel that bows the strings, while keys are pressed to change the pitch, producing continuous, melodic drones. The Tekerőlant has been part of Hungarian musical traditions for centuries, particularly in folk and dance music.
Televi
The Televi consists of two small gourds filled with seeds, attached to each end of a string, used in Ghanaian music. This idiophone is played by shaking the string so that the gourds hit against the hands or each other, producing rhythmic rattling sounds. The Televi has been part of Ghanaian musical traditions for centuries, often used in traditional dances and ceremonies.
Telenn
The Telenn is a Breton harp from France, traditionally used in Breton folk music. This chordophone is played by plucking the strings with the fingers, producing melodic, resonant tones typical of Celtic music. The Telenn has been part of Breton musical traditions for centuries, particularly in folk and classical settings.
Temir komuz
The Temir komuz is an iron Jew’s harp from Kyrgyzstan, traditionally used in Kyrgyz folk music. This idiophone is played by plucking the reed while holding the instrument against the mouth, producing a twanging sound. The Temir komuz has been part of Kyrgyz musical traditions for centuries, often used in storytelling and folk performances.
Tenbur
The Tenbur is a Kurdish long-necked lute from eastern Anatolia, related to the Turkish saz. This chordophone is played by plucking the strings with a plectrum, producing melodic tones central to Kurdish folk and classical music. The Tenbur has been part of Kurdish musical traditions for centuries, often used in religious and social gatherings.
Teponaztli
The Teponaztli is a pre-Hispanic slit drum made out of hardwood, traditionally used in Mexico. This idiophone is played by striking the wooden surface with mallets, producing deep, resonant tones often used in ceremonial and ritual music. The Teponaztli has been part of Mexican indigenous musical traditions for centuries, particularly among the Aztec and Maya peoples.
Tetsu-zutsu
The Tetsu-zutsu is a bell made from metal pipes, traditionally used in Japanese music. This idiophone is played by striking the pipes with mallets, producing clear, resonant tones often used in religious and ceremonial contexts. The Tetsu-zutsu has been part of Japanese musical traditions for centuries, particularly in Shinto and Buddhist rituals.
Texoletas
The Texoletas are the Galician version of the tejoletas, traditionally used in Spanish folk music. These idiophones are played by striking two wooden sticks together, producing rhythmic clicks that accompany traditional dances and songs. The Texoletas have been part of Galician musical traditions for centuries, often used in regional festivals and celebrations.
Tham Thap Luc
Tham Thap Luc is the Vietnamese name for the hammered dulcimer, used in traditional Vietnamese music. This chordophone is played by striking the strings with small mallets, producing melodic, resonant tones often used in classical and folk music. The Tham Thap Luc has been part of Vietnamese musical culture for centuries, reflecting influences from Chinese musical traditions.
Thianou
The Thianou is a straw harp from Burkina Faso, traditionally used in West African music. This chordophone is played by plucking the strings with the fingers, producing melodic tones typical of traditional African music. The Thianou has been part of West African musical traditions for centuries, often used in ceremonies and storytelling.
Thimilai
The Thimilai is a hand drum used in coastal communities in Kerala, India, traditionally used in South Indian music. This membranophone is played by striking the drumhead with hands, producing rhythmic patterns typical of coastal folk music. The Thimilai has been part of Indian musical traditions for centuries, particularly in temple festivals and community gatherings.
Ti
The Ti is a bamboo or wooden horizontal flute, also known as dizi, used in Chinese music. This aerophone is played by blowing across the mouthpiece and covering the finger holes to produce melodic tunes, often used in classical and folk music. The Ti has been part of Chinese musical traditions for centuries, particularly in traditional opera and instrumental ensembles.
Tidinit
The Tidinit is a Saharawi instrument made of dug-out wood with a leather cover, similar to a four-stringed lute, used in Western Sahara. This chordophone is played by plucking the strings, producing melodic tones often used in traditional Saharawi music. The Tidinit has been part of Saharawi musical traditions for centuries, often used in storytelling and cultural expressions.
Timbal
The Timbal is a conical-shaped drum from the Bahia region of Brazil, played with both hands. This membranophone is used in traditional Afro-Brazilian music genres, particularly in samba and candomblé rituals. The Timbal has been part of Brazilian musical traditions for centuries, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Bahia.
Timbales
Timbales are a pair of shallow, single-headed, tunable drums with metal shells, often accompanied by a cowbell or cymbal, used in Latin music. These membranophones are played with sticks, producing sharp, rhythmic patterns typical of salsa, mambo, and Latin jazz. The Timbales originated in Cuba and have been part of Latin American music for over a century, popularized by musicians like Tito Puente.
Timbalitos
Timbalitos are a smaller version of timbales, tuned at higher pitches and often added to a set of four drums, used in Cuban music. These membranophones are played with sticks, producing bright, rhythmic patterns that complement the larger timbales. Timbalitos have been part of Cuban musical traditions for decades, particularly in salsa and Latin jazz ensembles.
Timbila
The Timbila is a traditional xylophone with resonators made from fruits of the masala tree, used in Mozambique. This idiophone is played by striking the wooden bars with mallets, producing melodic tunes central to traditional Chopi music. The Timbila has been part of Mozambican musical traditions for centuries, often used in ceremonies and communal celebrations.
Timbrel
The Timbrel is a tambourine with jingles, traditionally used in Latvia and other cultures worldwide. This idiophone/membranophone hybrid is played by shaking or striking it with the hands, producing rhythmic patterns that accompany folk and religious music. The Timbrel has ancient origins and remains popular in various music genres, particularly in Eastern European and Middle Eastern cultures.
Timple
The Timple is a small guitar with 5 nylon strings from the Canary Islands, similar to the cavaquinho and ukulele. This chordophone is played by strumming or plucking the strings, producing bright, melodic tones typical of Canarian folk music. The Timple has been part of Canarian musical traditions for centuries, often used in traditional dances and celebrations.
Tindé
The Tindé is a Tuareg drum played exclusively by women, made from a small wooden mortar covered with goatskin. This membranophone is played by striking the drumhead with hands, producing rhythmic patterns that accompany Tuareg music, often accompanied by singing and clapping. The Tindé has been part of Tuareg musical traditions for centuries, particularly in social and ceremonial gatherings.
Tin-whistle
The Tin-whistle is a six-hole whistle made from tin plate, also known as pennywhistle, traditionally used in Irish music. This aerophone is played by blowing into the mouthpiece and covering the finger holes to produce melodic tunes, often used in traditional Irish folk music. The Tin-whistle has been part of Irish musical traditions for centuries, particularly in dance music and folk songs.
Tiompán
The Tiompán is an ancient Irish stringed instrument, recently used to describe the hammered dulcimer. This chordophone is played by striking the strings with small mallets, producing melodic, resonant tones used in traditional Irish music. The Tiompán has been part of Irish musical traditions for centuries, reflecting the island’s rich cultural heritage.
Tiple
The Tiple is a small stringed instrument derived from the guitar family, used in Puerto Rico and other parts of Latin America. This chordophone is played by strumming or plucking the strings, producing bright, melodic tones typical of Latin American folk music. The Tiple has been part of Latin American musical traditions for centuries, particularly in rural and campesino music.
Tischharfe
The Tischharfe is a table zither made out of mahogany and maple wood, traditionally used in Germany. This chordophone can be plucked or bowed, producing melodic tunes typical of traditional German folk music. The Tischharfe has been part of German musical traditions for centuries, often used in domestic music-making and folk performances.
Ti-tze
The Ti-tze is a transverse bamboo flute, also known as dizi, used in Chinese music. This aerophone is played by blowing across the mouthpiece and covering the finger holes to produce melodic tunes, often used in classical and folk music. The Ti-tze has been part of Chinese musical traditions for centuries, particularly in traditional opera and instrumental ensembles.
Tlapitzalli
The Tlapitzalli is a small pre-Hispanic clay flute, sometimes shaped like a snake, traditionally used in Mexico. This aerophone is played by blowing into the mouthpiece and covering the finger holes to produce melodic tunes, often used in ceremonial and ritual music. The Tlapitzalli has been part of Mexican indigenous musical traditions for centuries, particularly among the Aztec and Maya peoples.
Toere
The Toere is a slit log drum made from hollowed-out milo wood, played with one stick, traditionally used in Tahiti. This idiophone is struck with a stick to produce sharp, rhythmic patterns, often used in traditional Tahitian music and dance. The Toere has been part of Polynesian musical traditions for centuries, particularly in communal and ceremonial settings.
Tof
The Tof is a frame drum without jingles, also known as toph, timbrel, or tabret, traditionally used in Israel. This membranophone is played by striking the drumhead with hands, producing rhythmic patterns that accompany religious and folk music. The Tof has ancient origins and remains part of Jewish musical traditions, particularly in religious ceremonies.
Toke
The Toke is a canoe-shaped iron bell held in the palm of the hand and struck with an iron beater, traditionally used in Ghana. This idiophone is played by striking the bell with a beater, producing resonant, metallic tones that accompany traditional Ghanaian music. The Toke has been part of West African musical traditions for centuries, often used in ceremonial and communal gatherings.
Tololoche
The Tololoche is a 3-4 string bass guitar used in Mexican regional music, particularly in norteño and conjunto music. This chordophone is played by plucking the strings, producing deep, resonant bass lines that underpin the music. The Tololoche has been part of Mexican musical traditions for centuries, particularly in rural and folk music.
Tömör khuur
The Tömör khuur is a Mongolian mouth harp made out of metal, traditionally used in Mongolian music. This idiophone is played by plucking the reed while holding the instrument against the mouth, producing a twanging sound. The Tömör khuur has been part of Mongolian musical traditions for centuries, often used in storytelling and folk performances.
Tombak
The Tombak is an Iranian goblet drum named after the two basic sounds it produces – the deep “tom” and the bright “bak.” This membranophone is played by striking the drumhead with hands, producing intricate rhythms that are central to Persian classical music. The Tombak has been part of Iranian musical traditions for centuries, often used as the primary percussion instrument in classical performances.
Ton Dhar
The Ton Dhar is a small Tibetan wooden drum used in Buddhist rituals, shaped like an hourglass with two pieces of string attached to small round strikers. This membranophone is played by turning the drum rapidly, causing the strikers to hit the drumheads alternately, producing a rhythmic sound. The Ton Dhar has been part of Tibetan religious practices for centuries, often used in meditation and ritual ceremonies.
Tonbak
The Tonbak is another name for the Tombak, an Iranian goblet drum used in Persian classical music. This membranophone is played by striking the drumhead with hands, producing rhythmic patterns that are central to Iranian musical traditions. The Tonbak has been part of Persian culture for centuries, often used in classical and folk music.
Tongling
The Tongling is a small bronze bell from China, traditionally used in religious and ceremonial music. This idiophone is played by striking the bell with a mallet, producing clear, resonant tones often used in temples and ritual settings. The Tongling has been part of Chinese musical traditions for centuries, particularly in Buddhist and Taoist practices.
Ton Patala
The Ton Patala is an iron xylophone from Myanmar, traditionally used in Burmese music. This idiophone is played by striking the metal bars with mallets, producing melodic, resonant tones that are central to Burmese classical music. The Ton Patala has been part of Myanmar’s musical traditions for centuries, often used in royal and religious ceremonies.
Topan
The Topan is a Balkan drum covered at each open end with stretched leather, also known as tupan. This membranophone is played by striking the drumhead with hands or sticks, producing deep, resonant tones typical of Balkan folk music. The Topan has been part of Balkan musical traditions for centuries, particularly in Macedonia and Bulgaria.
Topshuur
The Topshuur is a long-necked two or three-string lute played by the Altai Urianghais, the Altais, and the Tuvans of Asia. This chordophone is played by plucking the strings, producing melodic tunes that accompany traditional tales and songs. The Topshuur has been part of Central Asian musical traditions for centuries, often used in storytelling and ritual music.
Torupill
The Torupill is an Estonian bagpipe, traditionally used in Estonian folk music. This aerophone is played by blowing air into the bag and squeezing it to produce continuous melodic tones, often used in traditional dances and celebrations. The Torupill has been part of Estonian musical traditions for centuries, reflecting the country’s rich folk heritage.
Totodzi
The Totodzi is a small open-bottom barrel drum used as a master drum in Ghanaian music. This membranophone is played by striking the drumhead with hands or sticks, producing rhythmic patterns that drive the music. The Totodzi has been part of Ghanaian musical traditions for centuries, particularly in traditional dances and ceremonies.
Tovshuur
The Tovshuur is a Mongolian lute, similar to the Topshuur, traditionally used in Mongolian music. This chordophone is played by plucking the strings, producing melodic tunes that accompany traditional Mongolian songs and stories. The Tovshuur has been part of Mongolian musical traditions for centuries, particularly in pastoral and nomadic cultures.
Tramporgel
The Tramporgel is a harmonium or pump organ from Sweden, traditionally used in Swedish folk music. This free-reed aerophone is played by pumping air through the reeds and pressing the keys to produce melodic tunes. The Tramporgel has been part of Swedish musical traditions for centuries, often used in church and folk settings.
Tres
The Tres is a three-stringed guitar from the Spanish Caribbean, popular in Cuba and Puerto Rico. This chordophone is played by strumming or plucking the strings, producing bright, rhythmic tones typical of Cuban son and Puerto Rican jíbaro music. The Tres has been part of Caribbean musical traditions for centuries, particularly in rural and popular music.
Treshchokti
The Treshchokti is a clapper used in traditional Russian music, producing sharp, percussive sounds. This idiophone is played by striking the wooden pieces together, often used to accompany folk dances and songs. The Treshchokti has been part of Russian musical traditions for centuries, particularly in rural and festive settings.
Triangle
The Triangle is a percussion instrument made of a rod of steel bent into the shape of a triangle, open at one corner. This idiophone is played by striking it with a metal rod, producing clear, ringing tones often used in classical and folk music. The Triangle has been part of Western musical traditions for centuries, often used in orchestral and ensemble settings.
Trideksnis
The Trideksnis is a bell tree with a wooden handle and three layers of bells made of copper or brass, traditionally used in Latvia. This idiophone is played by shaking it as a rattle or striking it against the palm of the hand, producing a jingling sound. The Trideksnis has been part of Latvian musical traditions for centuries, often used in folk dances and ceremonies.
Trikitixa
The Trikitixa is a Basque diatonic accordion, traditionally used in Basque folk music. This free-reed aerophone is played by pressing the buttons and squeezing the bellows, producing melodic tunes that accompany traditional Basque dances and songs. The Trikitixa has been part of Basque musical traditions for centuries, reflecting the region’s unique cultural heritage.
Triple harp
The Triple harp is a traditional harp from Wales, featuring three rows of strings. This chordophone is played by plucking the strings with the fingers, producing melodic, resonant tones typical of Welsh folk and classical music. The Triple harp has been part of Welsh musical traditions for centuries, particularly in harp ensembles and solo performances.
Tro khmer
The Tro khmer is a three-string bowed instrument from Cambodia, with a body made from coconut covered with snakeskin. This chordophone is played by bowing the strings, producing melodic tunes often used in traditional Cambodian music. The Tro khmer has been part of Cambodian musical traditions for centuries, particularly in classical and folk music.
Trombita
The Trombita is a long horn, up to 6 meters long, originally used for signaling and communication among shepherds in Slovakia. This aerophone is played by blowing into the mouthpiece, producing powerful, resonant tones often used in traditional Slovak music. The Trombita has been part of Slovak musical traditions for centuries, often used in pastoral and ceremonial contexts.
Trompa
The Trompa is a Jew’s harp, also known as arpa de boca and guimbarda, traditionally used in Spain. This idiophone is played by plucking the reed while holding the instrument against the mouth, producing a twanging sound often used in folk music. The Trompa has been part of Spanish musical traditions for centuries, often used in rural and popular music.
Trompe
The Trompe is a Jew’s harp used by the Mapuche Indians in Chile, traditionally used in Mapuche music. This idiophone is played by plucking the reed while holding the instrument against the mouth, producing a twanging sound typical of Mapuche cultural expressions. The Trompe has been part of Mapuche musical traditions for centuries, often used in rituals and storytelling.
Trompeta china
The Trompeta china is a reeded trumpet of Chinese origin, brought to Havana, Cuba, during colonial times and played during carnival. This aerophone is played by blowing into the reed and covering the finger holes to produce sharp, reedy tones often used in Cuban street music. The Trompeta china has been part of Cuban musical traditions for centuries, particularly in carnival celebrations.
Trstenice
The Trstenice is a shepherd’s pan flute with the longest reed in the middle, also known as Croatian panpipe or orglica. This aerophone is played by blowing across the top of the reeds, producing melodic tunes often used in traditional Croatian music. The Trstenice has been part of Croatian musical traditions for centuries, particularly in pastoral and rural settings.
Trunfa
The Trunfa is a Sardinian Jew’s harp, traditionally used in Italian folk music. This idiophone is played by plucking the reed while holding the instrument against the mouth, producing a twanging sound typical of Sardinian music. The Trunfa has been part of Sardinian musical traditions for centuries, often used in rural and festive settings.
T’rung
The T’rung is a suspended bamboo xylophone, native to the Jarai people of south central Vietnam. This idiophone is played by striking the bamboo pipes with small sticks, producing melodic, resonant tones often used in traditional Vietnamese music. The T’rung has been part of Vietnamese musical traditions for centuries, particularly in folk and ceremonial music.
Tsambal
The Tsambal is a small hammered dulcimer, also known as sambal, traditionally used in Romania. This chordophone is played by striking the strings with small mallets, producing melodic tunes often used in traditional Romanian music. The Tsambal has been part of Romanian musical traditions for centuries, particularly in folk and dance music.
Tsambuna
The Tsambuna is a double-chantered bagpipe with no drone and a goatskin bag, common in the Greek islands. This aerophone is played by blowing air into the bag and squeezing it to produce continuous melodic tones, often used in traditional Greek music. The Tsambuna has been part of Greek musical traditions for centuries, particularly in island and folk music.
Tsimbl
The Tsimbl is a cimbalom in Yiddish, traditionally used in Eastern European Jewish music. This chordophone is played by striking the strings with small mallets, producing melodic, resonant tones often used in klezmer and folk music. The Tsimbl has been part of Jewish musical traditions for centuries, particularly in Eastern Europe.
Tsugaru shamisen
The Tsugaru shamisen is a three-string, long-necked, fretless lute from Japan, originally from the Tsugaru district in Aomori Prefecture. This chordophone is played with a large pick called a bachi, producing powerful, resonant tones often used in Japanese folk and classical music. The Tsugaru shamisen has been part of Japanese musical traditions for centuries, particularly in folk and regional music.
Tsuzumi
The Tsuzumi is an hourglass-shaped drum with two heads, fastened by rope, traditionally used in Japan. This membranophone is played by striking the drumheads with hands, producing rhythmic patterns often used in Noh and Kabuki theater music. The Tsuzumi has been part of Japanese musical traditions for centuries, particularly in classical and theatrical settings.
Ttun-ttun
The Ttun-ttun is a hand-held Basque and Navarran dulcimer consisting of a long resonant block of wood with six strings. This chordophone is played by striking the strings with a wooden bow, producing harmonic and rhythmic drones typical of traditional Basque music. The Ttun-ttun has been part of Basque musical traditions for centuries, particularly in rural and festive settings.
Tuba
The Tuba is the lowest-pitched brass instrument, often used in Western classical and military music. This aerophone is played by buzzing the lips into a large mouthpiece and pressing valves to change the pitch, producing deep, resonant tones. The Tuba has been part of Western musical traditions for over a century, particularly in orchestras and brass bands.
Tubular bells
The Tubular bells are vertical metal tubes hanging from a frame that produce bell sounds, commonly used in Western classical orchestral music. This idiophone is played by striking the tubes with mallets, producing clear, resonant tones often used in symphonic and cinematic music. The Tubular bells have been part of Western musical traditions for over a century, often used in orchestral and choral settings.
Tugangay
The Tugangay is a Filipino bamboo buzzer, also known as batu-tu is and devil chaser, traditionally used in Filipino music. This idiophone is played by shaking or striking the bamboo tubes, producing buzzing sounds often used in rituals and ceremonies. The Tugangay has been part of Filipino musical traditions for centuries, particularly in indigenous and folk music.
Tulum
The Tulum is a double-chanter polyphonic bagpipe from Turkey, also known as guda in Lazuri. This aerophone is played by blowing air into the bag and squeezing it to produce continuous melodic tones, often used in traditional Turkish music. The Tulum has been part of Turkish musical traditions for centuries, particularly in regional and folk music.
Tumbadora
The Tumbadora is a set of two or more vertical barrel drums, about 120 cm long, also known as conga drums, traditionally used in Cuban music. This membranophone is played by striking the drumheads with hands, producing rhythmic patterns that drive Cuban genres like son, salsa, and rumba. The Tumbadora has been part of Cuban musical traditions for centuries, particularly in Afro-Cuban music.
Tumbi
The Tumbi is a small single-stringed instrument from the Punjab region, used in traditional folk music and bhangra. This chordophone is played by plucking the string, producing a bright, rhythmic sound that is central to Punjabi music. The Tumbi has been part of Punjabi musical traditions for centuries, particularly in rural and festive music.
Tungur
The Tungur is a Siberian frame drum traditionally used in shamanic rituals and ceremonies. This membranophone is played by striking the drumhead with a beater, producing deep, resonant tones often used in spiritual practices. The Tungur has been part of Siberian musical traditions for centuries, particularly in indigenous and shamanic cultures.
Tuohitorvi
The Tuohitorvi is a Karelian wooden trumpet traditionally used in Finnish and Russian music. This aerophone is played by blowing into the mouthpiece, producing powerful, resonant tones often used in folk and pastoral music. The Tuohitorvi has been part of Karelian musical traditions for centuries, particularly in rural and ceremonial settings.
Tusselfloyte
The Tusselfloyte is a wooden flute from Norway, traditionally used in Norwegian folk music. This aerophone is played by blowing across the mouthpiece and covering the finger holes to produce melodic tunes, often used in traditional dances and celebrations. The Tusselfloyte has been part of Norwegian musical traditions for centuries, particularly in rural and festive settings.
Twienshins
The Twienshins are Kpanlogo hand drums from Ghana, traditionally used in Ghanaian music. These membranophones are played by striking the drumheads with hands, producing rhythmic patterns that accompany traditional dances and songs. The Twienshins have been part of Ghanaian musical traditions for centuries, particularly in social and ceremonial gatherings.
Txalaparta
The Txalaparta is the Basque spelling of the chalaparta, an ancient Basque and Navarran percussion instrument. This idiophone is made of one or more planks of wood, stone, or steel bars, played by striking the planks with batons, producing rhythmic patterns. The Txalaparta has been part of Basque musical traditions for centuries, particularly in rural and festive settings.
Txanbela
The Txanbela is the Basque spelling of the chanbela, a double-reed instrument traditionally used in Spanish music. This aerophone is played by blowing into the reed and covering the finger holes to produce melodic tunes, often used in traditional Basque music. The Txanbela has been part of Basque musical traditions for centuries, particularly in folk and ceremonial music.
Txirula
The Txirula is the Basque spelling of the chirula, a small wooden flute with a metal mouthpiece traditionally used in Basque music. This aerophone is played by blowing into the mouthpiece and covering the finger holes to produce melodic tunes, often used in traditional dances and celebrations. The Txirula has been part of Basque musical traditions for centuries, particularly in rural and festive settings.
Txistu
The Txistu is the Basque spelling of the chistu, a traditional flute with three finger holes and a metal mouthpiece. This aerophone is played by blowing into the mouthpiece and covering the finger holes to produce melodic tunes, often used in traditional Basque music. The Txistu has been part of Basque musical traditions for centuries, particularly in folk and ceremonial music.
Tyling
The Tyling is a Tibetan flute from eastern Tibet, traditionally used in Tibetan music. This aerophone is played by blowing across the mouthpiece and covering the finger holes to produce melodic tunes, often used in religious and ceremonial contexts. The Tyling has been part of Tibetan musical traditions for centuries, particularly in Buddhist rituals and practices.
Tzicahuiztli
The Tzicahuiztli is a pre-Hispanic scraper made from human bones, traditionally used in Mexico. This idiophone is played by scraping the bone surface with a stick, producing rhythmic patterns often used in ceremonial and ritual music. The Tzicahuiztli has been part of Mexican indigenous musical traditions for centuries, particularly among the Aztec and Maya peoples.
Tzouras
The Tzouras is a long-necked lute from Greece, traditionally used in Greek folk music. This chordophone is played by plucking the strings with a plectrum, producing bright, melodic tones typical of rebetiko and traditional Greek music. The Tzouras has been part of Greek musical traditions for centuries, often used in rural and urban folk music.
