Instruments Starting with C
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From the traditional Cabasa from South America to the percussion Cymbals. Learn more about the instruments of the world.
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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.
Cabasa
The Cabasa is a South American rattle consisting of a stainless steel cylinder wrapped with metal ball chains. Musicians play it by holding the handle and shaking or scraping the chains against the cylinder, producing a rhythmic sound. This idiophone originates from Brazil and is used in various genres of Latin American music, particularly in samba and bossa nova, with roots tracing back to the 20th century.
Cabrette
The Cabrette is a French bagpipe from the Auvergne region, also known as Cabreta. It features a bag made from animal skin and a chanter for melody, played by inflating the bag and pressing to force air through the reed. Classified as an aerophone, the Cabrette has been part of French folk music since the 19th century, often used in traditional dance music.
Cadenas
Cadenas refers to chains used as a percussion instrument in Spain. These iron chains are typically shaken or struck rhythmically to produce a clinking sound. As an idiophone, Cadenas have been used in Spanish folk music for centuries, particularly in processions and ritualistic music.
Caixa
The Caixa is a drum from Portugal and Brazil, similar to a snare drum, featuring springs on the bottom that create a buzzing vibration when struck. It is played with sticks, producing a sharp, snappy sound. This membranophone has been part of Portuguese and Brazilian music for several centuries, particularly in marching bands, samba, and other folk genres.
Caixeta
The Caixeta is a wood block percussion instrument found in Portugal and Brazil. Played by striking the block with a mallet, it produces a sharp, wooden tone. This idiophone is commonly used in traditional and folk music in both countries, with roots that likely trace back several centuries.
Caja
The Caja is a snare drum used in Spain and Spanish-speaking America, similar to the Caixa but typically larger. It is played by striking the drumhead with sticks, producing a sharp, rattling sound. This membranophone has been used in Spanish and Latin American music for centuries, especially in military, processional, and folk music.
Cajita
The Cajita, meaning “small box” in Spanish, is a trapezoidal wooden box from Peru. Musicians play it by opening and closing the lid with one hand while striking the box with a stick in the other hand. This idiophone originated from the collection boxes used in Catholic churches and has been part of Afro-Peruvian music since the 19th century.
Cajón
The Cajón is a box drum from Peru and Cuba, traditionally made from a hollowed wooden box originally used to store fish or fruit. The player sits on the box and strikes the front surface with their hands to produce a deep, resonant sound. This idiophone, dating back to the 18th century, is central to Afro-Peruvian music and has also become essential in modern flamenco and other contemporary genres.
Calabash
The Calabash is a percussion instrument made from the dried hollow shell of a gourd, used either as a rattle or a bass drum in West Africa. It is played by shaking or striking the shell with hands or sticks. Classified as an idiophone, the Calabash has been used in African music for centuries, particularly in traditional and ceremonial music.
Campana
The Campana is a bell used as a percussion instrument in Spanish-speaking countries. It is typically struck with a wooden stick to produce a clear, resonant tone. This idiophone has ancient roots and is used in various musical traditions, including Latin American folk and religious music.
Cañaveira
The Cañaveira is a cane with a slit in the middle, originating from Galicia, Spain. It is held tightly and struck rhythmically on the lower half to produce a clapping sound. As an idiophone, this instrument has been part of Galician folk music for centuries, often used in traditional dances and celebrations.
Cannada
The Cannada is a Sardinian metallic container, originally used by shepherds as a substitute for the guitar. It is struck or shaken to produce a percussive sound. This idiophone has been part of Sardinian folk music for centuries, particularly in rural and pastoral contexts.
Cántaro
The Cántaro is a drum made from a clay pitcher, used in Spain. It is played by striking the pitcher with hands or sticks, producing a resonant, hollow sound. This idiophone has been used in Spanish folk music for centuries, particularly in traditional and rural settings.
Caña rajada
The Caña Rajada is a slit reed made from cane, used in traditional Andalusian folk music in Spain. It is played by blowing air through the reed, producing a soft, buzzing sound. This aerophone has ancient roots in Andalusian music, often used in flamenco and other folk genres.
Caña de agua
The Caña de Agua, also known as a rain stick, is a South American instrument made from a hollowed cane filled with seeds or small stones. It is played by inverting the stick, allowing the contents to fall and produce a sound resembling falling rain. This idiophone has been used in South American music for centuries, particularly in ritual and folk music.
Capachos
Capachos are maracas containing capacho seeds, used in the llanero music of Colombia and Venezuela. They are played by shaking, producing a rhythmic rattling sound. These idiophones have been part of llanero music for generations, contributing to the traditional sounds of the plains regions.
Caracachá
The Caracachá is a type of maraca made from a small gourd filled with small stones, originating from Brazil. It is played by shaking, producing a rhythmic rattling sound. This idiophone is commonly used in Brazilian folk and popular music, with roots in Afro-Brazilian traditions.
Caracalho
The Caracalho is a bamboo scraper used by the També Indians in Brazil. It is played by scraping a stick across the notches, producing a percussive, rhythmic sound. This idiophone has been part of Brazilian indigenous music for centuries, often used in traditional rituals and ceremonies.
Caracol marinho
The Caracol Marinho is a horn made from a conch shell, used in Brazil. It is played by blowing air into the shell, producing a deep, resonant sound. This aerophone has ancient origins and is used in various traditional and ceremonial music forms in Brazil.
Caracola
The Caracola is a wind instrument made from a sea shell, known as a conch shell in Spanish-speaking countries. It is played by blowing air into the shell, producing a deep, resonant tone. This aerophone has been used for centuries in various cultures for communication, ritual, and music, particularly in coastal regions.
Carajillo
The Carajillo is a small clapper used in Spain. It is played by striking the two halves together, producing a sharp, percussive sound. This idiophone has been part of Spanish folk music for centuries, often used in traditional dances and celebrations.
Carapacho de jicotea
The Carapacho de Jicotea is a sea turtle shell used as a percussion instrument in Cuba. It is played by striking the shell with sticks, producing a hollow, resonant sound. This idiophone has been used in Afro-Cuban music for centuries, particularly in traditional and ritual music.
Carnatic flute
The Carnatic Flute is an 8-hole bamboo flute used in South Indian classical music, known as Carnatic music. It is played by blowing air across the top hole and covering the finger holes to produce different notes. This aerophone has been an integral part of South Indian music since the late 19th century, often used in concerts and classical performances.
Cáscara
The Cáscara refers to the shell or sides of the timbales, used as a percussion instrument. It is played by striking the metal sides with sticks, producing a sharp, metallic sound. This idiophone is commonly used in Afro-Cuban music, particularly in salsa and other Latin dance genres.
Cáscara de coco
The Cáscara de Coco is a coconut shell used as a percussion instrument, typically in Afro-Cuban music. It is played by striking the shell with sticks or hands, producing a sharp, resonant sound. This idiophone has been used for centuries in Caribbean music, often in traditional and folk genres.
Castanets
Castanets are percussion instruments composed of two concave wooden halves tied together with string, commonly used in Spanish music. They are played by inserting the thumb through the string and clapping the two halves together with the fingers. Classified as idiophones, castanets have been used in Spanish and Latin American music for centuries, especially in flamenco and traditional dances.
Castañetas
Castañetas are the Galician version of castanets, used in traditional Galician music. Played similarly to castanets, they produce a rhythmic clapping sound. These idiophones have been part of Galician folk music for centuries, often accompanying regional dances and celebrations.
Castanhetas
Castanhetas are Portuguese castanets, similar to the Spanish version but used in Portuguese traditional music. They are played by clapping the two halves together to produce a percussive sound. These idiophones have been part of Portuguese folk music for centuries, especially in dance and celebratory music.
Castanholas
Castanholas are another name for Portuguese castanets, used in traditional Portuguese music. Played in the same manner as castanets, they produce a rhythmic clapping sound. These idiophones have deep roots in Portuguese music, often used in folk and regional dances.
Castañuelas
Castañuelas are Spanish castanets, typically used in flamenco and other traditional Spanish music. They are played by clapping the two wooden halves together, producing a sharp, rhythmic sound. These idiophones have been an essential part of Spanish music for centuries, especially in dance and folk traditions.
Catacá
The Catacá are Brazilian wooden blocks used as percussion instruments. They are played by striking the blocks with mallets, producing a sharp, resonant sound. These idiophones have been part of Brazilian music for centuries, particularly in folk and traditional music.
Caval
The Caval is a Bulgarian wind instrument, varying in length from 50 to 80 cm, with different tunings. It is played by blowing air into the flute and covering the finger holes to produce different notes. This aerophone has been used in Bulgarian folk music for centuries, often in pastoral and traditional contexts.
Cavaquinho
The Cavaquinho is a small four-stringed instrument from Portugal, also popular in Portuguese-speaking countries. It is played by strumming or plucking the strings, producing a bright, lively sound. This chordophone, dating back several centuries, is the predecessor of the Hawaiian ukulele and is widely used in Brazilian samba and Portuguese folk music.
Caxambú
The Caxambú is a barrel drum from Brazil, typically made of wood with a skin stretched over the top. It is played by striking the drumhead with hands or sticks, producing a deep, resonant sound. This membranophone has been used in Brazilian folk music for centuries, particularly in Afro-Brazilian religious and ceremonial music.
Caxixi
The Caxixi is a woven rattle with a gourd bottom, filled with dried seeds, originating from Brazil. It is played by shaking, producing a soft, percussive sound. This idiophone has been part of Brazilian music for centuries, particularly in capoeira and other Afro-Brazilian traditions.
Cejilla
The Cejilla is a device used on the flamenco guitar, similar to a capo, that can be moved along the neck to change the pitch of the strings. It allows the guitarist to play in different keys without changing finger positions. This accessory has been part of flamenco music for centuries, enabling greater versatility in performance.
Celempung
The Celempung is a large plucked zither used in Javanese gamelan music in Indonesia. It is played by plucking the strings with fingers, producing a resonant, melodic sound. This chordophone has been part of Indonesian music for centuries, particularly in court and ceremonial music.
Celesta
The Celesta is a keyboard percussion instrument that resembles a small upright piano but produces bell-like tones when played. It has metal plates struck by hammers connected to a keyboard, producing a soft, ethereal sound. Classified as an idiophone, the Celesta was invented in Paris in 1886 and has since become a staple in Western classical music, particularly in orchestras.
Cello
The Cello is a tenor instrument in the violin family, typically played upright between the knees. It is played by bowing or plucking the strings, producing deep, resonant tones. This chordophone has been a staple of Western classical music since its development in the 16th century, used in orchestras, chamber music, and solo performances.
Celtic Harp
The Celtic Harp is a small harp with 24 to 34 strings, around 1 meter tall, with a curved neck and pillar, used in Celtic music. It is played by plucking the strings with fingers, producing a soft, melodic sound. This chordophone has ancient roots in Celtic cultures and has been used in Irish, Scottish, and Welsh folk music for centuries.
Cembali
The Cembali refers to two instruments: the Italian harpsichord and small Italian cymbals. The harpsichord is a keyboard instrument where strings are plucked to produce sound, while the cymbals are struck together to create a sharp, metallic sound. Both idiophones have been part of Italian music for centuries, with the harpsichord playing a significant role in Baroque music.
Cencerro
The Cencerro is a Spanish and Spanish American cowbell, typically played by striking with a wooden stick. It produces a sharp, resonant tone and is often used in folk and dance music. This idiophone has been part of Spanish and Latin American music for centuries, particularly in rural and festive settings.
Centa
The Centa is a two-headed cylindrical stick drum from Indonesia, traditionally used in gamelan ensembles. It is played by striking both drumheads with sticks, producing rhythmic tones. This membranophone has been part of Indonesian music for centuries, often used in court and ceremonial music.
Cetvorka
The Cetvorka is a quadruple flute with four pipes, originating from Croatia. It is played by blowing air into the pipes and covering the finger holes to produce different notes. This aerophone has been part of Croatian folk music for centuries, often used in traditional and pastoral music.
Chabreta
The Chabreta is a French bagpipe from the Limousin region, similar to the Cabrette. It features a bag, a chanter, and drones, and is played by inflating the bag and pressing it to force air through the reeds. This aerophone has been part of French folk music for centuries, often used in traditional dances and ceremonies.
Chácaras
Chácaras are castanets from the Canary Islands in Spain, typically larger than traditional castanets. They are played by clapping the two wooden halves together, producing a sharp, rhythmic sound. These idiophones have been part of Canarian folk music for centuries, often used in traditional dances and festivals.
Chalaparta
The Chalaparta is an ancient percussion instrument from the Basque Country and Navarra, made of planks of wood, stone, or steel bars. It is played by striking the planks with wooden or iron batons, creating rhythmic counterpoints between two players. This idiophone has been part of Basque music for centuries, often used in traditional celebrations and rituals.
Chalumeaux
The Chalumeaux is a predecessor of the modern clarinet, featuring a single reed and a cylindrical bore. It is played by blowing air through the reed and covering the finger holes to produce different notes. This aerophone was popular in Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries, used in early classical music.
Champara
The Champara are small metallic finger cymbals used in Kosovar Albanian music. They are played by striking the cymbals together with the fingers, producing a sharp, metallic sound. These idiophones have been part of Albanian folk music for centuries, often used in traditional dances and ceremonies.
Changi
The Changi is a six- or seven-stringed angular harp from Svaneti, in the Republic of Georgia. It is played by plucking the strings with the fingers, producing a soft, melodic sound. This chordophone has ancient roots in Georgian folk music, particularly in the mountainous regions of Svaneti.
Chanter
The Chanter is the reed pipe in a bagpipe, featuring finger holes for melody playing. It is played by pressing the bag to force air through the reed while covering the finger holes to produce different notes. This aerophone has been part of bagpipe music for centuries, used in various cultures across Europe and beyond.
Chanz
The Chanz is a long-necked spiked lute from Mongolia, featuring an oval wooden frame and snakeskin covering. It is played by striking or plucking the strings with a plectrum or fingers, producing a percussive, melodic sound. This chordophone has been part of Mongolian music for centuries, often used in traditional and folk music.
Chanza
The Chanza is a three-stringed, fretted lute from Mongolia, featuring a long neck and a flat oval body covered with snakeskin. It is played by plucking the strings with a plectrum or fingers, producing a rattling, melodic sound. This chordophone has ancient roots in Mongolian and Buryat music, often used as an accompanying instrument in traditional ensembles.
Chanzy
The Chanzy is a three-stringed Tuvan bowed string instrument, featuring a long neck and a resonating body. It is played by bowing the strings, producing a rich, resonant sound with a distinctive Tuvan timbre. This chordophone has been part of Tuvan music for centuries, often used in traditional and ceremonial music.
Chapei dang weng
The Chapei Dang Weng is a long-necked lute from Cambodia, featuring a resonating body and two or three strings. It is played by plucking the strings with fingers or a plectrum, producing a melodic sound. This chordophone has been part of Cambodian music for centuries, often used in traditional storytelling and folk music.
Charango
The Charango is a small, 10-stringed instrument from South America, traditionally made from the shell of an armadillo. It is played by strumming or plucking the strings, producing a bright, lively sound. This chordophone has been part of Andean music for centuries, particularly in Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador.
Chardha
The chardha is a traditional Afghan lute-like instrument with a long neck and a wooden resonating body. It is played by plucking its strings, creating resonant melodic tones. Classified as a chordophone, the chardha has a deep history in the region’s musical culture and is commonly used in Afghan traditional folk and classical music.
Chaturangui
The Chaturangui is a Hindustani adaptation of the slide guitar, featuring six primary strings, four supporting strings, two drone strings, and twelve sympathetic strings. It is played by sliding a metal bar across the strings to produce resonant, melodic tones. This chordophone was developed in the 20th century and is used in Indian classical music, particularly in the Hindustani tradition.
Chékere
The Chékere is a beaded gourd instrument of African origin, commonly used in Cuban music. It is played by shaking the gourd, producing a rhythmic rattling sound as the beads strike the surface. This idiophone has been part of Afro-Cuban music for centuries, particularly in religious and ceremonial music.
Chekwa
The Chekwa is a bagpipe from Biskra, Algeria, featuring a bag made of animal skin and two reed pipes. It is played by inflating the bag and pressing it to force air through the reeds, producing a continuous melody and drone. This aerophone was created in the early 20th century and has been part of Algerian folk music since.
Chenda
The Chenda is a drum from the state of Kerala in India, made from a hollow wooden cylinder with a skin stretched over the top. It is played with two sticks, producing a loud, resonant sound. This membranophone has been part of South Indian music for centuries, particularly in temple rituals and traditional dance performances.
Cheng
The Cheng is a Chinese instrument, which can refer to either the smallest and highest-pitched of Chinese zithers or a Chinese gong. The zither is played by plucking the strings, while the gong is struck with a mallet to produce a resonant tone. Both idiophones have ancient roots in Chinese music, used in both classical and ceremonial music.
Chhing
The Chhing are Cambodian finger cymbals, typically made of brass or bronze. They are played by striking the cymbals together, producing a sharp, metallic sound. These idiophones have been part of Cambodian music for centuries, often used in traditional dance and religious ceremonies.
Chico
The Chico is an Afro-Uruguayan candombe drum, smaller in size and typically higher-pitched. It is played by striking the drumhead with sticks or hands, producing sharp, rhythmic tones. This membranophone has been part of Uruguayan music for centuries, particularly in candombe, a genre with African roots.
Chichas
Chichas are shakers from Colombia, typically made from gourds filled with seeds or small stones. They are played by shaking, producing a rhythmic rattling sound. These idiophones have been part of Colombian music for centuries, particularly in traditional and folk genres.
Chieuve
The Chieuve is a bagpipe from the Berry region of France, similar to other French bagpipes. It features a bag, chanter, and drones, and is played by inflating the bag and pressing it to force air through the reeds. This aerophone has been part of French folk music for centuries, often used in traditional dances and ceremonies.
Chwago
The Chwago is a large barrel drum from Korea, hung vertically in a simple frame. It is played with sticks, producing deep, resonant tones that are central to traditional Korean music. This membranophone has been part of Korean music for centuries, often used in court and ceremonial music.
Cifteli
The Cifteli is a plucked string instrument from Albania, featuring a long neck and two strings, related to the saz. It is played by strumming or plucking the strings, producing a bright, resonant sound. This chordophone has been part of Albanian folk music for centuries, particularly in weddings and traditional celebrations.
Chigovia
The Chigovia is a wind instrument similar to the ocarina, originating from Mozambique. It is played by blowing air into the instrument and covering the finger holes to produce different notes. This aerophone has been part of Mozambican music for centuries, often used in traditional and folk music.
Chicahuaztli
The Chicahuaztli is a Nahuatl rain stick from Mexico, typically made from a hollowed-out wooden tube filled with seeds or small stones. It is played by inverting the stick, allowing the contents to fall and produce a sound resembling falling rain. This idiophone has ancient roots in Mesoamerican cultures, often used in rituals and traditional music.
Chiflo
The Chiflo is a three-hole flute from Aragon, Spain, traditionally made from wood. It is played by blowing air into the flute and covering the holes to produce different notes. This aerophone has been part of Aragonese folk music for centuries, often used in traditional dances and celebrations.
Chililihtli
The Chililihtli is a large Pre-Hispanic flute from Mexico, typically made from wood or clay. It is played by blowing air into the flute and covering the finger holes to produce different notes. This aerophone has ancient roots in Mesoamerican cultures, often used in rituals and traditional music.
Chimta
The Chimta is a percussion instrument from India, consisting of a long metal strip with jingles attached. It is played by striking the strip together, producing a sharp, metallic sound. This idiophone has been part of Indian music for centuries, often used in folk and religious music.
Ch’in
The Ch’in is a long, narrow zither from China, traditionally considered the most honored of Chinese instruments. It is played by plucking the strings with fingers, producing a soft, melodic sound. This chordophone has been part of Chinese music for thousands of years, often used in classical and scholarly music.
Chin Chin
The Chin Chin is a four-string lute with an aluminum body from China, typically used in modern Chinese music. It is played by plucking the strings with fingers or a plectrum, producing a bright, metallic sound. This chordophone has been part of Chinese music for decades, often used in contemporary and experimental genres.
Ching
The Ching are Cambodian finger cymbals, similar to the Chhing, used in traditional music. They are played by striking the cymbals together, producing a sharp, metallic sound. These idiophones have been part of Cambodian music for centuries, often used in traditional dance and religious ceremonies.
Ching-hu
The Ching-hu is the smallest of Chinese bowed lutes, featuring a resonating body and two strings. It is played by bowing the strings, producing a high-pitched, melodic sound. This chordophone has been part of Chinese music for centuries, often used in classical and folk music.
Chitarra batente
The Chitarra Batente is a guitar from Calabria in southern Italy, also known as the Renaissance guitar. It typically has four or five metal strings and is played by strumming or plucking the strings with fingers or a plectrum. This chordophone has been part of Italian folk music for centuries, particularly in southern regions.
Chitarrone
The Chitarrone is a Renaissance-era bass lute from Italy, featuring a long neck and a deep, resonant body. It is played by plucking the strings with fingers or a plectrum, producing a rich, melodic sound. This chordophone was popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, often used in early Baroque music.
Chirimía
The Chirimía is a wind instrument found in Spain and Spanish-speaking America, similar to an oboe. It is played by blowing air through the reed and covering the finger holes to produce different notes. This aerophone has been part of Spanish and Latin American music for centuries, often used in traditional and religious music.
Chiwo
The Chiwo is a three-stringed bowed instrument from the Hani community of Yunnan, China. It is played by bowing the strings, producing a soft, melodic sound. This chordophone has been part of Hani music for centuries, often used in traditional and folk music.
Chocalho
The Chocalho is an Angolan shaker, typically made from metal cans filled with rocks, sand, or other materials. It is played by shaking, producing a rhythmic rattling sound. This idiophone has been part of Angolan music for centuries, often used in traditional and folk music.
Ch’ojok
The Ch’ojok is a grass flute made from blades of grass, traditionally used in Korea. It is played by blowing air across the grass to produce a soft, whistling sound. This aerophone has been part of Korean music for centuries, often used in pastoral and traditional music.
Cholaho
The Cholaho is a large tube shaker from Brazil, typically made of metal and filled with small pellets. It is played by shaking, producing a rhythmic rattling sound. This idiophone has been part of Brazilian music for centuries, often used in traditional and folk music.
Chonguri
The Chonguri is a long four-stringed fretted lute from western Georgia, played by plucking the strings with fingers. Three of the strings are fingered while the fourth is a drone string. This chordophone has been part of Georgian music for centuries, particularly in the regions of Samegrelo, Abkhazia, and Guria.
Cho’or
The Cho’or is an end-blown flute from Kyrgyzstan, typically made from wood or bamboo. It is played by blowing air into the flute and covering the finger holes to produce different notes. This aerophone has been part of Kyrgyz music for centuries, often used in traditional and pastoral music.
Chu
The Chu is a Burmese jingle, typically made from metal and used as a percussion instrument. It is played by shaking or striking, producing a sharp, jingling sound. This idiophone has been part of Burmese music for centuries, often used in traditional and ceremonial music.
Chüeh-hu
The Chüeh-hu is a Chinese bowed lute with a fingerboard, typically made of wood with two strings. It is played by bowing the strings, producing a soft, melodic sound. This chordophone has been part of Chinese music for centuries, often used in classical and folk music.
Chulluchullos
The Chulluchullos are percussion instruments from Bolivia, made from dozens of flattened tin can covers. They are played by striking the covers together, producing a sharp, metallic sound. These idiophones have been part of Bolivian music for centuries, often used in traditional and folk music.
Chum Nhac
The Chum Nhac is a small Vietnamese modern bell tree, used to produce percussion effects. It is played by striking the bells with a mallet, producing a series of melodic tones. This idiophone is a modern addition to Vietnamese music, often used in contemporary and experimental genres.
Chunggum
The Chunggum is a medium-sized bamboo flute from Korea, traditionally used in court and classical music. It is played by blowing air into the flute and covering the finger holes to produce different notes. This aerophone has been part of Korean music for centuries, often used in traditional and ceremonial music.
Chuniri
The Chuniri is a bowed, three-stringed fiddle instrument from Svaneti, Racha, and other regions of the Republic of Georgia. It is played by bowing the strings, producing a rich, resonant sound. This chordophone has been part of Georgian music for centuries, often used in traditional and folk music.
Ciaramella
The Ciaramella is a double-reed instrument from Italy, similar to an oboe, with 7 to 8 holes. It is played by blowing air through the reed and covering the holes to produce different notes. This aerophone has been part of Italian folk music for centuries, often used in traditional and religious music.
Cifte
The Cifte is a double-reed pipe from Turkey, featuring two parallel pipes. It is played by blowing air through the reeds and covering the finger holes to produce melodic tones. This aerophone has been part of Turkish music for centuries, often used in folk and traditional music.
Cimbalom
The Cimbalom is a box zither from Hungary, featuring forty-eight strings stretched over a large sounding board and struck with small hammers. It is played by striking the strings with the hammers, producing a bright, resonant sound. This chordophone has been part of Hungarian music for centuries, often used in folk and classical music.
Cirrampala
The Cirrampala is a wooden stick with a rope tied to it, used in Colombian music. It is played by vibrating the rope with fingers while using the mouth as a resonance box, producing a rhythmic sound. This idiophone has been part of Colombian folk music for centuries, often used in traditional and pastoral music.
Cistro
The Cistro is a Spanish cittern, a fretted string instrument similar to a mandolin. It is played by plucking the strings with a pick, producing a bright, resonant sound. This chordophone has been part of Spanish music for centuries, often used in traditional and folk music.
Citara
The Citara is a zither found in Spain and Latvia, featuring a series of strings stretched over a flat body. It is played by plucking the strings with fingers or a plectrum, producing melodic tones. This chordophone has been part of European music for centuries, often used in folk and traditional music.
Cittern
The Cittern is a fretted string instrument similar to a mandolin, featuring 10 strings in 5 courses. It is played by plucking the strings with a pick, producing a bright, resonant sound. This chordophone has been part of European music since the Renaissance, often used in folk and early classical music.
Clapper
The Clapper is a percussion instrument formed by two or more elements joined together and struck to make a percussive sound. It is played by clapping the elements together, producing a sharp, rhythmic sound. This idiophone has been part of global music traditions for centuries, often used in folk and traditional music.
Clarinet
The Clarinet is a single-reed cylindrical wind instrument, typically made of wood or plastic. It is played by blowing air through the reed and pressing the keys to produce different notes. This aerophone has been part of Western classical music since the 18th century, often used in orchestras, jazz, and solo performances.
Clarsach
The Clarsach is a Scottish folk harp, featuring 25 to 34 strings and a small, portable frame. It is played by plucking the strings with fingers, producing a soft, melodic sound. This chordophone has been part of Scottish music for centuries, often used in traditional and folk music.
Claves
Claves are two round, polished wooden sticks from Cuba, used as a percussion instrument. They are played by striking the sticks together, producing a sharp, resonant sound. These idiophones have been part of Cuban music for centuries, particularly in Afro-Cuban and Latin American music.
Clavichord
The Clavichord is a rectangular keyboard instrument developed in Renaissance Europe, where strings are struck by small metal blades. It is played by pressing the keys, producing a soft, intimate sound. This chordophone was popular from the 15th to the 18th centuries, often used in practice and composition.
Claviola
The Claviola, also known as the key bagpipe, is an unusual free-reed instrument invented in the 1960s by German instrument maker Ernst Zacharias. It is played by pressing the keys while blowing air through the mouthpiece, producing a range of melodic tones. This aerophone has been used in contemporary and experimental music since its invention.
Cobsa
The Cobsa is a short-necked, pear-shaped lute from Romania, featuring four or five strings. It is played by plucking the strings with fingers or a plectrum, producing a resonant, melodic sound. This chordophone has been part of Romanian music for centuries, often used in traditional and folk music.
Cobza
The Cobza is a short-necked lute from Moldova, related to the Cobsa and derived from the kopuz. It features a pear-shaped body and is played by plucking the strings with fingers or a plectrum. This chordophone has been part of Moldovan music for centuries, often used in traditional and folk music.
Coco
The Coco is a South American wooden block used as a percussion instrument, typically in Brazilian and Afro-Brazilian music. It is played by striking the block with a stick, producing a sharp, resonant sound. This idiophone has been part of South American music for centuries, often used in folk and traditional genres.
Concertina
The Concertina is a small accordion-like instrument from England, typically hexagonal in shape and featuring buttons for each note. It is played by pressing the buttons while expanding and compressing the bellows, producing a range of melodic tones. This free-reed aerophone has been part of British and Irish folk music since the 19th century.
Conga
The Conga is a barrel drum from Cuba, traditionally made from a hollowed log with a nailed-on skin. It is played by striking the drumhead with hands, producing deep, resonant tones. This membranophone has African origins and has been central to Cuban music for centuries, particularly in genres like salsa and son.
Contra
The Contra is a Transylvanian three-stringed viola from Romania, typically used in folk music. It is played by bowing or plucking the strings, producing a deep, resonant sound. This chordophone has been part of Romanian music for centuries, often used in traditional ensembles and dances.
Controller
A Controller is a MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) synthesizer with a piano keyboard, used to control other synthesizers that lack a keyboard. It is played by pressing the keys, which send digital signals to produce sound from connected tone generators. This electronic instrument has been used in modern music since the 1980s, particularly in electronic and pop music.
Cornas de cabra
The Cornas de Cabra is a goat horn instrument from Spain, traditionally used by shepherds. It is played by blowing air into the horn, producing a deep, resonant sound. This aerophone has been part of Galician folk music for centuries, often used for signaling and traditional ceremonies.
Cornemuse
The Cornemuse is a French bagpipe from the Bourbonnais region, featuring a chanter, small drone, and large drone. It is played by inflating the bag and pressing it to force air through the reeds, producing a continuous melody and drone. This aerophone has been part of French folk music for centuries, often used in traditional dances and ceremonies.
Corneta china
The Corneta China is a Chinese bugle, also known as the Trompeta China, used in Cuban comparsas during carnival. It is played by blowing air through the reed and covering the finger holes to produce different notes. This aerophone has been part of Cuban carnival music for decades, adding a distinctive sound to festive parades.
Cromorno
The Cromorno is a Spanish crumhorn, a reed instrument with a curved body and a narrow bore. It is played by blowing air through the reed and covering the finger holes to produce different notes. This aerophone was popular in Europe during the Renaissance, often used in consort music.
Crumhorn
The Crumhorn is a medieval European reed instrument with a curved body and a narrow bore. It is played by blowing air through the reed and covering the finger holes to produce different notes. This aerophone was popular in Europe during the Renaissance, often used in early music ensembles.
Crwth
The Crwth is an old-style Welsh harp, featuring a rectangular body and six strings. It is played by bowing or plucking the strings, producing a soft, resonant sound. This chordophone has been part of Welsh music for centuries, often used in traditional and folk music.
Cuatro
The Cuatro is a family of four-stringed guitar instruments found throughout Latin America, derived from the Spanish guitar. It is played by strumming or plucking the strings, producing a bright, lively sound. This chordophone has been part of Latin American music for centuries, with regional variations in countries like Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela.
Cucharas
Cucharas are spoons used as percussion instruments in traditional Spanish and Cuban music. They are played by striking the spoons together, producing a sharp, percussive sound. These idiophones have been part of Spanish and Cuban music for centuries, often used in folk and dance music.
Cugenao
The Cugenao is a leaf reed from China, typically made from a single leaf. It is played by holding the leaf between the lips and blowing air across it to produce a vibrating sound. This aerophone has been part of Chinese folk music for centuries, often used in rural and traditional contexts.
Cuica
The Cuica is a friction drum from Brazil, featuring a stick attached to the middle of the drumhead. It is played by rubbing the stick with a damp cloth or cotton, causing the drumhead to vibrate and produce a “squeaking” sound. This membranophone has African origins and has been central to Brazilian music for centuries, particularly in samba and carnival music.
Cümbüs
The Cümbüs is a Turkish ud shaped like an American banjo, featuring a metal body and a long neck. It is played by plucking the strings with a plectrum or fingers, producing a bright, metallic sound. This chordophone was developed in the early 20th century and is used in Turkish folk and popular music.
Cununú
The Cununú is a hollowed tree trunk drum from Colombia, featuring a leather drumhead. It is played by striking the drumhead with hands, producing deep, resonant tones. This membranophone has been part of Colombian music for centuries, often used in traditional and folk music.
Cupa-cupa
The Cupa-cupa is a friction drum used in traditional folk music from southern Italy, also known by various regional names. It is played by rubbing a stick or other object against the drumhead, producing a deep, resonant sound. This membranophone has been part of Italian folk music for centuries, often used in rural and pastoral contexts.
Cura
The Cura is the smallest member of the saz family, about 75 cm long, originating from Turkey. It is played by plucking the strings with fingers or a plectrum, producing a bright, lively sound. This chordophone has been part of Turkish music for centuries, often used in folk and traditional music.
Cymbal
The Cymbal is a round, concave brass disk used as a percussion instrument, typically in drum sets and marching bands. It is played by striking the disk with a stick or by striking two cymbals together, producing a metallic, crashing sound. This idiophone has been part of global music traditions for centuries, used in both classical and popular music.
