Alphabetical List of Instruments – H
From the traditional Hachi Buddhist cymbals to the Hyooshigi clappers of Japan, 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.
Hachi
Hachi are traditional Japanese cymbals used in Buddhist ceremonies. They are typically small, round, and made of metal, producing a resonant, meditative sound when struck together. Classified as idiophones under the Hornbostel–Sachs system, they originate from Japan and have been used in religious and spiritual contexts for centuries. These cymbals are integral to various forms of traditional Japanese religious music, particularly in Buddhist rituals.
Hackbräde
The Hackbräde is a Swedish hammered dulcimer, a large zither with numerous strings stretched over a trapezoidal soundboard, played with small hammers. It is classified as a chordophone in the Hornbostel–Sachs system and is played by striking the strings to produce melodic tunes. Originating from Sweden, this instrument dates back to medieval times and is commonly used in folk and traditional Swedish music.
Haegum
The Haegum is a Korean two-stringed spiked fiddle with a slender neck and a small resonating body. Musicians play it by bowing the strings with a horsehair bow while the instrument is held upright. It is classified as a chordophone under the Hornbostel–Sachs system. The Haegum has been a part of Korean music for centuries, appearing in various sizes and used in both traditional court music and modern Korean orchestral compositions.
Häjedalspipa
The Häjedalspipa is a Swedish wooden flute, traditionally made from wood and known for its clear, sweet tone. It is played by blowing air into the flute and covering or uncovering the finger holes to produce different notes. This instrument is classified as an aerophone in the Hornbostel–Sachs system. Originating from Sweden, particularly from the region of Härjedalen, it has been used in Swedish folk music for several centuries.
Halam
The Halam is a Senegalese plucked lute, also known by names like kontingo, xalam, ngoni, and koni, depending on the region. It typically features a small, rounded body made of wood and animal skin, with several strings that are plucked to produce sound. Classified as a chordophone in the Hornbostel–Sachs system, the Halam is one of West Africa’s oldest string instruments and is closely associated with traditional griot music, where it serves both as an accompaniment and a solo instrument.
Hammered Dulcimer
The Hammered Dulcimer is a large zither with many pairs of strings stretched over a trapezoidal soundboard, played by striking the strings with small hammers. It is classified as a chordophone under the Hornbostel–Sachs system. This instrument has roots in the British Isles and North America and has been in use since medieval times. The hammered dulcimer is commonly found in folk music, especially in Irish and American Appalachian traditions.
Hardanger Fiddle
The Hardanger Fiddle, or hardingfele, is a small Norwegian fiddle with four main strings and additional sympathetic strings that resonate under the fingerboard. It is played with a bow, and the performer often uses double stops to create a drone effect. Classified as a chordophone, this instrument originated in Norway around 1700 and is particularly popular in the folk music of western and central Norway. It is considered Norway’s national instrument.
Härjedalspipa
The Härjedalspipa is a traditional Swedish wooden whistle, similar in appearance to a small flute. It is played by blowing air through the mouthpiece and using finger holes to change pitches. Classified as an aerophone, it hails from northwest Sweden, particularly the Härjedalen region, and has been used in Swedish folk music for many centuries.
Harmonica
The Harmonica is a small, rectangular free reed instrument, often formed by a block of 10 or more double-sided reeds that are mouth-blown. It is played by blowing or drawing air through the holes to produce different notes, with the pitch altered by the player’s breath and mouth position. Classified as an aerophone, the harmonica originated in Europe in the early 19th century and is widely used in various genres, including blues, folk, and classical music.
Harmonium
The Harmonium is a small, portable, bellow-blown reed organ commonly used in Indian and Pakistani music. Musicians play it by pressing keys on a keyboard with one hand while pumping air through the bellows with the other. Classified as an aerophone, the harmonium has been widely used since its introduction to India in the 19th century, becoming a staple in classical, devotional, and folk music across South Asia.
Harp
The Harp is a plucked string instrument with strings stretched across a triangular frame, known for its gentle, resonant sound. It is played by plucking the strings with the fingers, with each string corresponding to a different pitch. Classified as a chordophone, the harp has ancient origins in Mesopotamia and Egypt and has been used in various forms across many cultures, particularly in classical, Celtic, and folk music.
Harpe
The Harpe is a traditional Norwegian harp, a smaller and more ancient form of the modern symphonic harp, with origins dating back to the Middle Ages. It is played by plucking the strings with the fingers, producing a delicate sound. Classified as a chordophone, the Norwegian harp was particularly prominent in Østerdalen and has seen a revival in recent decades, used primarily in folk music.
Harpsichord
The Harpsichord is a keyboard instrument with strings that are plucked by quills or leather points when the keys are pressed. It is classified as a chordophone and was a popular instrument in Europe from the Renaissance until the early 19th century. The harpsichord was widely used in Baroque and Classical music, often in concertos, chamber music, and as a solo instrument.
Hasapi
The Hasapi is a two-stringed mandolin from Sumatra, Indonesia, traditionally used in the music of the Batak people. It is plucked with the fingers, and its sound is resonant and melodic. Classified as a chordophone, the Hasapi has been part of Sumatran musical traditions for centuries, particularly in ceremonial and ritual music.
Hayashi-bue
The Hayashi-bue is a bamboo transverse flute from Japan, typically used in traditional Japanese music and ceremonies. It is played by blowing across the mouthpiece and using finger holes to vary the pitch. Classified as an aerophone, this flute has been part of Japanese musical culture for centuries, often used in gagaku (court music) and other traditional ensembles.
Highland Pipes
Highland Pipes are Scottish bagpipes known for their powerful, resonant sound and are traditionally played standing in pipe bands. The instrument consists of a chanter with eight holes and two tenor drones, and a bass drone, which are played by blowing into a bag that supplies air to the pipes. Classified as aerophones, Highland Pipes have been a symbol of Scottish culture for centuries, widely used in military, ceremonial, and folk music.
Hejjuj
The Hejjuj, also known as the guimbri, sintir, or sentir, is a Gnawan lute from North Africa. It has a wooden body and is plucked to produce deep, rhythmic sounds. Classified as a chordophone, the hejjuj is central to Gnawa music, a spiritual and ceremonial music tradition in Morocco and Algeria that dates back several centuries.
Hira-daiko
The Hira-daiko is a flat Japanese drum, wider than it is deep, often used in traditional Japanese music and ceremonies. It is played by striking the drumhead with sticks, producing a deep, resonant sound. Classified as a membranophone, the hira-daiko is an ancient instrument that has been used in religious and festive contexts in Japan for centuries.
Hne
The Hne is a Burmese double-reed oboe, known for its loud, piercing sound. It is played by blowing through a reed, with the musician covering and uncovering finger holes to change pitches. Classified as an aerophone, the hne has been an integral part of Burmese traditional music for centuries, commonly used in ensembles for ceremonies and theater performances.
Hojeok
The Hojeok is a traditional Korean double-reed oboe, cylindrical in form, with seven finger holes. It is played by blowing through the reed and manipulating the finger holes to create different pitches, producing a loud and penetrating sound. Classified as an aerophone, the hojeok has been used in Korean traditional music for centuries, particularly in royal court music and military bands.
Horagai
The Horagai is a large shell used as a trumpet-type instrument in Japan, particularly in Buddhist rituals and samurai signaling. It is blown through a mouthpiece to produce a deep, resonant sound. Classified as an aerophone, the horagai has been used in Japan for over a thousand years, serving both religious and military purposes.
Hosho
The Hosho is a Zimbabwean shaker, typically made from gourds filled with seeds or stones. It is played by shaking rhythmically to produce a percussive sound that is integral to Zimbabwean traditional music. Classified as an idiophone, the hosho has been used in Shona music for centuries, particularly in ceremonial and dance contexts.
Hsiao
The Hsiao is a traditional Chinese vertical bamboo flute, known for its mellow, soft tones. It is played by blowing into the mouthpiece and covering the finger holes to change pitches. Classified as an aerophone, the hsiao has been part of Chinese music since ancient times and is commonly used in both solo and ensemble performances, especially in traditional and classical music.
Hu
The Hu is a Chinese bowed lute, similar to a small violin, with a resonating body and a neck attached to two strings. It is played by bowing the strings, producing a rich, melodic sound. Classified as a chordophone, the hu has been used in Chinese music for centuries, especially in traditional ensembles and operatic performances.
Huada
Huada are Chilean maracas, which are percussion instruments made from gourds filled with seeds or pebbles. They are played by shaking them rhythmically to produce a rattling sound. Classified as idiophones, huada have been used in Chilean folk music for centuries, particularly in dances and festive occasions.
Huapanguera
The Huapanguera is a 9-string Mexican guitar from the La Huasteca region, used to accompany the son huapango dance and song. It is played by strumming or plucking the strings, producing a deep, resonant sound. Classified as a chordophone, the huapanguera has been central to Mexican folk music for many centuries, especially in the traditional music of northern Mexico.
Hu-ch’in
The Hu-ch’in is one of the most widely used Chinese bowed lutes, typically featuring two strings and a small resonating body. It is played by bowing the strings, creating a rich, melodic tone. Classified as a chordophone, the hu-ch’in has a long history in Chinese music, dating back to around 140 B.C., and is commonly used in traditional Chinese ensembles and operas.
Hulusi
The Hulusi is a Chinese wind instrument featuring a gourd with bamboo pipes, one of which is played while the others serve as drones. It is played by blowing into the gourd and covering finger holes to produce a melodic sound. Classified as an aerophone, the hulusi has been used in Chinese folk music for centuries, particularly in the music of the Dai people in Yunnan province.
Huluxiao
The Huluxiao is a Chinese gourd flute similar to the Hulusi, featuring a gourd body and bamboo pipes. It is played by blowing into the gourd and covering the finger holes to produce music. Classified as an aerophone, the huluxiao has been used in Chinese folk music, particularly in southern China, for centuries.
Hummel
The Hummel is a Dutch/Flemish instrument of the dulcimer family, featuring strings stretched over a soundboard. It is played by striking or plucking the strings with hammers or fingers. Classified as a chordophone, the hummel has been used in European folk music since the medieval period, particularly in the Low Countries.
Huntsi
The Huntsi is a Siberian Inuit hand drum, traditionally made from animal skin stretched over a wooden frame. It is played by striking the skin with a beater to produce a deep, resonant sound. Classified as a membranophone, the huntsi has been used in Siberian Inuit music for centuries, especially in rituals and ceremonies.
Huqin
The Huqin is a family of traditional Chinese fiddles, including the erhu, jinghu, and gaohu, typically featuring two strings and a small resonating body. They are played by bowing the strings to produce a melodic tone. Classified as chordophones, huqin instruments have been integral to traditional Chinese music since their introduction around 140 B.C., widely used in both traditional and modern Chinese music.
Hurdy Gurdy
The Hurdy Gurdy is a European string instrument in which a wheel turned by a hand crank vibrates the strings, with pitches varied by pressing keys. It is classified as a chordophone and has been widely used across Europe since the medieval period. The hurdy gurdy is popular in folk music, especially in France and Spain, and has a unique, droning sound.
Hyang-p’iri
The Hyang-p’iri is a Korean shawm with a cylindrical shape and seven finger holes, producing a loud and reedy sound. It is played by blowing through the reed and using the finger holes to alter the pitch. Classified as an aerophone, the hyang-p’iri has been used in Korean traditional music for centuries, particularly in court music and folk ensembles.
Hyooshigi
The Hyooshigi are Japanese wooden blocks used as clappers, struck together at the tips to create a sharp, percussive sound. Classified as idiophones, hyooshigi are often used in traditional Japanese theater, rituals, and ceremonies to signal the start or end of a performance or event, and they have been part of Japanese culture for centuries.
