Alphabetical List of Instruments – S
From the traditional Sabar from the Philippines to the modern day Synthesizer, 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.
Sabar
The Sabar is a set of five to seven drums carved from solid mahogany, used in Wolof orchestras from Senegal. Musicians play it with a combination of sticks and hands, producing a lively and complex rhythm. This instrument is classified as a membranophone and has been a part of West African culture for centuries, primarily used in traditional music and dance.
Sabaro
The Sabaro is a long and narrow drum carved from mango or mahogany wood, originating from the Mandinka people of West Africa. Played by hand or with sticks, it produces deep, resonant sounds typical of traditional Mandinka ceremonies. This membranophone has ancient roots, dating back centuries, and is integral to West African music traditions.
Sac de gemecs
The Sac de gemecs, meaning “bag of moans,” is a Catalan bagpipe from Spain, also known by other names like buna, coixinera, or gaita. It is an aerophone played by blowing air into the bag and pressing it to force air through the pipes. This instrument dates back to medieval times and is used in Catalan folk music.
Säckpipa
The Säckpipa is a traditional Swedish bagpipe, an aerophone played by blowing air into a bag and using pressure to create sound through melody and drone pipes. Its use in Swedish folk music dates back to the medieval period, but it experienced a revival in the 20th century after nearly disappearing.
Sadev
The Sadev is a monochord zither with a gourd resonator, originating from Cambodia. As a chordophone, it is played by plucking its single string, producing a haunting, resonant tone. This instrument is ancient, used in Cambodian traditional music for generations, particularly in rural settings.
Sakara
The Sakara is a shallow, circular drum made of ceramic with a goatskin head, originating from the Yoruba people of Nigeria. It is a membranophone played with a stick, producing sharp, rhythmic beats that are central to Yoruba traditional music and ceremonies. The Sakara has been in use for centuries in West African culture.
Säkkipilli
The Säkkipilli is a Finnish bagpipe, an aerophone revived in the late 20th century after nearly disappearing. It is played by blowing air into a bag and controlling the flow to produce music, mainly used in Finnish folk music. Historically, it was a common instrument in Finland before its decline in the 19th century.
Salamuri
The Salamuri is a Georgian shepherd’s flute, an aerophone traditionally made of wood and played by blowing air into it while covering holes to produce melodies. It has ancient origins in the Caucasus region and is typically used in Georgian folk music, especially in pastoral settings.
Sälgflöjt
The Sälgflöjt is a willow flute from Sweden, classified as an aerophone. Musicians play it by blowing across the open end, with pitch variations created by covering and uncovering finger holes. It has been a part of Swedish folk music for centuries, often associated with pastoral and rustic melodies.
Saliamiya
The Saliamiya is a three-holed flute made from cane, originating from Egypt. As an aerophone, it is played by blowing air through the top and covering the holes to change pitch, producing sounds characteristic of traditional Egyptian music. This instrument has ancient roots in Egyptian culture.
Sampho
The Sampho is a small barrel drum made from hollowed-out wood with two calfskin heads, originating from Southeast Asia. It is a membranophone played with both hands, producing rhythms essential to traditional Cambodian and Laotian music, particularly in ceremonial contexts. This instrument has a long history in the region.
Sanduku
The Sanduku is a string bass instrument with a tea-chest resonator from Zanzibar, Tanzania. As a chordophone, it is played by plucking the strings, creating deep, resonant tones typical of Zanzibari and East African music. This instrument has been a part of local musical traditions for several centuries.
Sanduri
The Sanduri, also known as the santouri, is a hammered dulcimer from Greece, classified as a chordophone. Musicians play it by striking the strings with small hammers, producing melodic and rhythmic patterns. It has been used in Greek folk and classical music for centuries, with origins dating back to the Byzantine era.
Sanfona
The Sanfona refers to two instruments: the hurdy-gurdy in Portugal and the accordion in Brazil. Both are aerophones; the hurdy-gurdy is played by turning a crank, while the accordion is played by pressing keys and buttons while squeezing bellows. These instruments are used in traditional and folk music in their respective regions, with the hurdy-gurdy dating back to medieval Europe and the accordion to the early 19th century.
Sanshin
The Sanshin is a long-necked lute from Okinawa, Japan, classified as a chordophone. It is played by plucking the strings with a plectrum, producing a soft, melodic sound central to Okinawan folk and classical music. This instrument has been in use for several centuries, originating in the Ryukyu Kingdom.
Sansula
The Sansula is an enhanced version of the kalimba, developed by Peter Hokema in Germany. It is a chordophone played by plucking metal tines over a small frame drum, producing resonant, soothing tones. This modern instrument, created in the late 20th century, is used in contemporary and world music.
Santoor
The Santoor is a zither with a hundred strings, originating from India and classified as a chordophone. It is played by striking the strings with small hammers, producing delicate, resonant sounds. The Santoor has ancient origins, with references dating back to the Vedic period, and it is commonly used in Indian classical and folk music.
Sanxian
The Sanxian is a long-necked lute with three strings and a small snake-covered head, originating from China. This chordophone is played by plucking the strings, producing sounds that are central to Chinese tradiional folk and classical music. The Sanxian has a history dating back over a thousand years.
Sanza
The Sanza, also known as a thumb piano, is a traditional instrument from Congo and other parts of Central and East Africa. It is a lamellophone played by plucking metal tines with the thumbs, producing melodic and rhythmic tones. This instrument has been used in African music for centuries, particularly in folk traditions.
Sao Ba Nguoi
The Sao Ba Nguoi is an original instrument created by the Canada-based traditional Vietnamese music ensemble Khac Chi. It combines three flutes into one instrument, allowing three players to perform on it simultaneously. Classified as an aerophone, it is a modern invention used in contemporary Vietnamese music.
Sao Dai
The Sao Dai is a long flute invented by the Vietnamese music ensemble Khac Chi. As an aerophone, it is played by blowing air across the mouthpiece, producing a range of melodic tones. This modern instrument is used in contemporary Vietnamese musical performances.
Sao Meo
The Sao Meo is a traditional flute of the H’mong people in Vietnam, classified as an aerophone. It is played by blowing into the instrument, producing melodic tunes typical of H’mong folk music. This instrument has ancient roots in H’mong culture, often used in ceremonies and storytelling.
Sao Tre
The Sao Tre is a long transverse bamboo flute from Vietnam, an aerophone played by blowing across the hole at one end. It produces melodious tunes used in Vietnamese traditional music, particularly in rural and folk settings. The Sao Tre has been a part of Vietnamese culture for centuries.
Sao Truc
The Sao Truc, also known as sow trook, is a small transverse bamboo flute from Vietnam. It is an aerophone played by blowing across the mouthpiece and covering finger holes to change pitch. This instrument is central to Vietnamese classical and folk music and has been in use for centuries.
Sape
The Sape is a boat-shaped lute from Sarawak, Malaysia, classified as a chordophone. It is played by plucking the strings, producing melodic tones used in the traditional music of the Orang Ulu people in Borneo. The Sape has been a significant part of local culture for centuries, often used in rituals and celebrations.
Sarangi
The Sarangi is a bowed string instrument with a rectangular body, traditionally made from a single block of tun wood, and is the most common in North Indian classical music. It is played with a bow, with the musician pressing the strings with the cuticles of the fingers. This chordophone originates from India and has been in use since the 13th century, particularly in Hindustani classical and tradional folk music.
Sarod
The Sarod is a short-necked, unfretted lute made from teak wood, with a skin-covered body and a polished metal fingerboard. It is played with a plectrum, and the musician slides their fingers along the metal fingerboard while plucking the strings. This chordophone, originating from India, has roots tracing back to the rabab, dating back to the 16th century. It is central to Hindustani traditional classical music.
Sartenes
The Sartenes, meaning frying pans in Spanish, are used as a traditional percussion instrument in Spain. These idiophones are struck with sticks or mallets to create metallic, rhythmic sounds. They have been used in Spanish folk music for centuries, particularly in festive and ceremonial contexts.
Sarune
The Sarune is a wooden shawm from Sumatra, Indonesia, resembling an oboe with a conical body. It is an aerophone played by blowing through a double reed to produce a rich, penetrating sound. This instrument has been used in Sumatran traditional music for several centuries, particularly in ceremonies and rituals.
Sarune bolon
The Sarune bolon is a double-reed wooden shawm from Sumatra, Indonesia, larger than the standard Sarune. Played similarly by blowing through a reed, it produces deeper, more resonant tones. This aerophone is used in traditional Sumatran music, particularly in ceremonial and ensemble settings.
Sarune etek
The Sarune etek is a small shawm from Sumatra, Indonesia, with a shorter body and higher pitch than the Sarune bolon. It is an aerophone played by blowing into a reed mouthpiece, producing high-pitched, sharp tones used in traditional Sumatran music, especially in village celebrations.
Sarune fur
The Sarune fur is a bamboo shawm from Sumatra, Indonesia, characterized by its lightweight and piercing sound. As an aerophone, it is played by blowing into a reed mouthpiece and covering finger holes to produce different pitches. It is traditionally used in rural Sumatran music and has been part of local culture for centuries.
Satara
The Satara is a double flute from India and Pakistan, with one pipe providing a drone and the other a melodic line. It is an aerophone played by blowing into both pipes simultaneously, commonly used in folk music across the region. The Satara has a long history, with its use dating back several centuries in South Asian music.
Satar
The Satar is a long-necked bowed lute derived from the Persian setar, used by the Uyghur community in Western China. It features one metal playing string and several sympathetic strings, and is played with a bow. This chordophone, with roots in Persian music, has been part of Uyghur culture for many centuries and is central to their folk music.
Saung
The Saung is a lacquered arched harp from Myanmar, made of wood with a resonator covered by stretched deer skin, also known as the saung-gauk. It is a chordophone played by plucking its strings with fingers, creating a soft, resonant sound. This instrument has ancient origins, dating back to the Pyu era (2nd century BCE to 9th century CE), and is used in Burmese classical music.
Saz
The Saz is a family of long, thin-necked fretted lutes, played throughout Turkey, Iran, Armenia, and Central Asia. It is a chordophone, played by plucking the strings with a plectrum, producing bright, resonant tones used in various traditional and folk music genres. The Saz has been in use since at least the 16th century and comes in various forms, including the baglama and cura.
Scacciapensieri
The Scacciapensieri is an ancient Jew’s harp made out of iron, originating from Italy. It is a lamellophone played by placing the frame in the mouth and plucking the flexible metal tongue to create twangy, rhythmic sounds. This instrument has been used in Italian folk music for centuries, particularly in Sicily.
Scorriu
The Scorriu is an instrument created by Sardinian bandits, made from a cork cylinder with a dog skin membrane. It is an idiophone that, when rubbed, produces a loud screeching sound used to scare horses, enabling bandits to unseat riders. Known by other names such as moliaghe and orriu, this unique instrument has historical roots in Sardinian folk practices.
Scottish smallpipes
The Scottish smallpipes are a bellows-blown bagpipe from the Scottish Lowlands, softer in sound than the Highland pipes. As an aerophone, they are played by blowing air into the bag and pressing it to produce melodic tunes through the chanter and drones. These pipes have been used in Scottish folk music since at least the 18th century and are closely related to the Northumbrian smallpipes.
Scraper
A Scraper is a percussion instrument consisting of a rough, serrated surface made from materials like wood, bamboo, metal, stone, or plastic. It is an idiophone played by scraping the surface with a hard object, producing rhythmic, scratching sounds. This simple instrument has been used in various traditional music genres worldwide for centuries.
Se
The Se is a traditional Chinese plucked zither with 25–50 strings, each supported by moveable bridges along the body. It is a chordophone, played by plucking the strings with fingers or plectra to produce melodious and harmonic sounds. Originating from ancient China, it has been part of Chinese classical music for over two thousand years.
Sebi
The Sebi is a long, end-blown reed flute from Egypt, typically made from reed or bamboo. It is an aerophone, played by blowing air into the top end while covering finger holes to create different pitches. This ancient instrument has been part of Egyptian traditional music for millennia, particularly in rural and folk settings.
Segundo
The Segundo, meaning “second” in Spanish, is the middle drum in a set of three tumbadoras (congas) used in Afro-Cuban drumming. It is a membranophone, played by striking the drumhead with hands, producing rich, rhythmic tones essential to Cuban music genres like rumba and salsa. This instrument has been a staple in Afro-Cuban music since the 19th century.
Selingut
The Selingut is a nose flute from Sarawak, Malaysia, traditionally used to convey love messages. It is an aerophone, played by blowing air through the nose into the flute, producing soft, melodic tones. This instrument has been part of the local Dayak culture for centuries, often played during courtship rituals.
Senj
The Senj, also known as Sanj, Zang, or Chalab, is a metallic cymbal in the form of a bell, originating from Iran. It is an idiophone played by striking the cymbals together, producing a sharp, resonant sound. The Senj has ancient origins, used in Persian music and religious ceremonies for centuries.
Sentir
The Sentir, also known as Sintir or Guimbri, is a three-stringed long-necked bass lute with a body made from a single piece of wood, covered with camel skin. It is a chordophone, played by plucking the strings, creating deep, resonant tones central to Gnawa music in Morocco. This instrument has been part of North African musical traditions for centuries.
Seke-seke
The Seke-seke, also known as ksink-ksink, is a metal rattle or “ears” that are attached to a jembe. It is an idiophone, played by shaking or striking, adding a shimmering, percussive sound to the drum’s rhythm. Originating from West Africa, it has been used in traditional music for centuries, particularly in drumming ensembles.
Seljefløyte
The Seljefløyte is a willow flute from Sweden and Norway, originally made from willow bark. This aerophone exists in two forms: an end-blown whistle flute and a side-blown flute, played by blowing air into the mouthpiece and covering holes to produce various pitches. It has been part of Scandinavian folk music for centuries, particularly during the spring when willow bark was easily harvested.
Selnien
The Selnien, also known as Selnyen, is a set of vertical cymbals used by Tibetan monks in Buddhist rites. This idiophone is played by striking the cymbals together, producing a resonant, meditative sound. The Selnien has been used in Tibetan religious ceremonies for centuries, integral to Buddhist rituals.
Senh Tien
The Senh Tien is a small handheld percussion instrument made from two pieces of flat wood, with the upper piece grooved to produce a rasping sound when rubbed by a small stick. This idiophone, also featuring small bells and jingles, is played by alternating between rasping, clapping, and jingling sounds. Originating from Vietnam, it is used in traditional Vietnamese music and performances, with roots in ancient cultural practices.
Sepik
The Sepik is one of the longest flutes in the world, made from bamboo, and originates from Kanengara in Papua New Guinea. This aerophone is played by blowing air into one end, producing deep, resonant tones. It is a traditional instrument with ancient roots, used in ceremonial music and rituals.
Serraggia
The Serraggia is an ancient one-string bowed instrument from Sardinia, Italy, traditionally used during carnival celebrations. Made from cane with a brass string, it is played by rubbing a horsehair bow along the string, producing a distinct, raspy sound. Classified as a chordophone, this instrument has been part of Sardinian culture for centuries.
Serunai
The Serunai is a one-stringed fiddle from the Iban people of Sarawak, Malaysia. Constructed from bamboo, wood, and animal skin, it is played with a bow, producing a haunting, melodic sound. This chordophone has been used in Iban traditional music for many generations, often in ceremonial and storytelling contexts.
Setar
The Setar is a Persian stringed instrument from the lute family, featuring 25 to 27 adjustable frets on a long neck. It is a chordophone played by plucking the strings with fingers or a plectrum, producing delicate, intricate melodies. Originating from Iran, this instrument has a history dating back to at least the 13th century and is central to Persian classical music.
Shaker
A Shaker is a percussion instrument consisting of a container filled with rattling objects such as seeds, beans, or pebbles. This idiophone is played by shaking the container, producing rhythmic sounds used in a variety of music genres worldwide. Shakers have been used for centuries in traditional and popular music.
Shakuhachi
The Shakuhachi is a traditional end-blown flute made from bamboo, though recent models may also be made from wood. It is an aerophone played by blowing into the top end, producing breathy, meditative tones. Originating from Japan, this instrument has been in use since at least the 8th century, commonly used in Japanese classical and Zen Buddhist music.
Shamisen
The Shamisen is a long-necked, fretless lute with three strings, played with a large plectrum called a bachi. It is a chordophone from Japan, known for its sharp, percussive sound and is central to various Japanese music genres, including folk, classical, and theater music. The Shamisen has been in use since the 16th century.
Shan Osi
The Shan Osi is a long drum from Burma (Myanmar), traditionally used in Burmese music. This membranophone is played by striking the drumhead with hands or sticks, producing deep, resonant rhythms. It has been part of Burmese musical traditions for centuries, especially in folk and ceremonial music.
Shanz
The Shanz, also known as Shudraga, is a three-stringed lute played with a plectrum, originating from Mongolia. It is a chordophone that produces bright, twangy sounds and is commonly used in Mongolian folk music. The Shanz has been an integral part of Mongolian culture for many centuries.
Shaoqin (韶琴)
The Shaoqin is a modern erhu variant with a wider range, invented by Chinese erhu virtuoso George Gao. This chordophone is played with a bow, producing a rich, expressive sound, used in Chinese classical and contemporary music. The Shaoqin is a recent development in the erhu family, reflecting innovations in traditional Chinese instruments.
Shawm
The Shawm is a double-reed woodwind instrument, considered a predecessor of the modern clarinet. It is an aerophone, played by blowing air into the reed and covering holes to produce a loud, penetrating sound. The Shawm has its origins in medieval Europe and was widely used in Renaissance and early Baroque music.
Shekere
The Shekere is a Nigerian calabash shaker embroidered with beads that produce a rattling sound when the instrument is shaken. It is an idiophone, commonly used in West African and Afro-Cuban music, where it is also known as chékere or sekere. The Shekere has been used in African music traditions for centuries, particularly in Yoruba ceremonies.
Shehnai
The Shenai, also known as shahnai, is a South Asian shawm found throughout India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. It is an aerophone played by blowing into a double reed, producing a piercing, resonant sound, often associated with weddings and processions in North India. The Shenai has been part of South Asian musical traditions for centuries and is believed to bring good luck.
Sheng
The Sheng consists of a bundle of 17 to 36 vertical bamboo pipes seated on a small wind chamber. This aerophone is played by blowing into the mouthpiece while covering holes on the pipes to produce harmonies, making it a central instrument in Chinese traditional and classical music. The Sheng has been in use for over 3,000 years and is one of the oldest Chinese instruments.
Shevi
The Shevi, also known as shvi, is an end-blown shepherd’s fipple flute made of apricot wood, boxwood, ebony, or bamboo, measuring about 30 centimeters in length. This aerophone is played solo or in ensembles, producing clear, melodic tones, and is traditionally used in Armenian folk music. The Shevi has been part of Armenian culture for many centuries.
Shime daiko
The Shime daiko is a small double-headed drum from Japan, typically rope-tuned to adjust its pitch. This membranophone is played with sticks, producing sharp, precise beats used in traditional Japanese music, particularly in theater and ceremonial contexts. The Shime daiko has been a part of Japanese music for centuries.
Shinobue
The Shinobue is a high-pitched transverse bamboo flute from Japan, known for its bright, clear sound. It is an aerophone played by blowing across the top of the instrument while covering finger holes to produce different pitches. The Shinobue has been used in Japanese folk and classical music for centuries, often in festival and dance music.
Shiqin
The Shiqin is a stone xylophone from southern China, with slabs of stone arranged to produce musical notes when struck. This idiophone is played by striking the stone slabs with mallets, producing resonant, bell-like tones. The Shiqin has ancient roots in Chinese music, particularly in ritual and ceremonial contexts.
Sho
The Sho is a traditional Japanese mouth organ consisting of 17 bamboo pipes inserted into a cup-shaped wind chest. This aerophone is played by blowing into the mouthpiece and covering holes to produce chordal sounds, used in Gagaku, the ancient court music of Japan. The Sho has been in use for over a thousand years in Japanese classical music.
Shoor
The Shoor is a long flute used by the Turkic community living in the Altai region of Russia. It is an aerophone that produces sounds reminiscent of natural phenomena, such as rain, wind, and bird songs, and is used to communicate with nature. The Shoor has been part of Turkic musical traditions for centuries, particularly in spiritual and pastoral music.
Shuang Guan
The Shuang Guan is a small double-reed wind instrument from China, resembling a miniature oboe. It is an aerophone played by blowing into the reed to produce a sharp, reedy sound, used in traditional Chinese music. The Shuang Guan has been a part of Chinese musical culture for centuries.
Shurle
The Shurle, also known as šurle, is an Istrian reed instrument with two chanters, consisting of two separate pipes of wood connected at the top. It is an aerophone played by blowing into the reed, producing dual melodies or harmonies, used in Croatian folk music. The Shurle has been part of Istrian and Croatian music traditions for centuries.
Shuye
The Shuye is a leaf whistle from China, typically made from a single leaf or a piece of thin material. It is an aerophone played by placing the leaf between the lips and blowing to produce a high-pitched, whistling sound. The Shuye has been used in Chinese folk music for generations, often in playful or pastoral settings.
Sicu
The Sicu, also known as siku or zampoña, is an Andean double-row panpipe available in various sizes. This aerophone is played by blowing across the top of the pipes, producing rich, harmonic tones, and is central to traditional music in Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile. The Sicu has ancient origins, dating back to pre-Columbian civilizations.
Siyotanka
The Siyotanka, also known as the Lakota courting flute, is an end-blown flute traditionally used by the Lakota people of North America. This aerophone is played by blowing air into one end and covering finger holes to produce melodic tones, often used in courtship and ceremonial music. The Siyotanka has been part of Native American culture for centuries.
Sihu
The Sihu is a bowed instrument made from hardwood, with a soundbox covered with python, cow, or sheep skin, originating from China. This chordophone is played with a bow, producing rich, deep tones, and is used in Chinese folk and classical music. The Sihu has been used in Chinese music for many centuries, particularly in regional folk traditions.
Sikadraha
The Sikadraha is a long piece of bamboo with transverse ridges cut into it, played by scraping with a stick. This idiophone, originating from Madagascar, produces rhythmic, rasping sounds and is used in traditional Malagasy music. The Sikadraha has been part of the island’s musical traditions for many generations.
Sil
The Sil is a Tibetan cymbal used in Buddhist rituals, typically made of bronze or brass. It is an idiophone, played by striking the two cymbals together, producing a resonant, ringing sound that accompanies chants and prayers. This instrument has been integral to Tibetan Buddhist practices for centuries, providing rhythmic support in meditation and ceremonial music.
Silverbasharpa
The Silverbasharpa is a two-row nyckelharpa with a silver-wrapped gut string, originating from Sweden. This chordophone is played by bowing the strings while pressing keys to change the pitch, producing a rich, resonant sound typical of Scandinavian folk music. The nyckelharpa has been a part of Swedish culture for several hundred years, and the Silverbasharpa variant is known for its enhanced tonal quality.
Simsimiyya
The Simsimiyya is an ancient five-stringed lyre from the Middle East, traditionally made with a wooden body covered with stretched goat or camel skin. This chordophone is plucked with fingers or a plectrum, producing a bright, melodic sound used in folk and Sufi music. The Simsimiyya has ancient roots, with modern popularity peaking in the 1930s in Egypt, particularly in the folk traditions of Port Said.
Sinding
The Sinding is a harp from West Africa, featuring five strings made of hemp and a resonating body made from a calabash covered with goat skin. This chordophone is played by plucking the strings, often with an attached tin rattle that adds a percussive element to its sound. The Sinding has been used in West African music for centuries, especially in traditional and ceremonial contexts.
Sitar
The Sitar is an Indian classical string instrument with 13 sympathetic strings and 6-7 melody strings, featuring a large resonant body made from a gourd base. It is a chordophone played by plucking the strings with a plectrum, producing rich, complex tones used in tradtional Hindustani classical music. The Sitar has a history dating back to the 13th century and is one of the most iconic instruments in Indian music.
Sitolotolo
The Sitolotolo is a Jew’s harp from Swaziland, typically made from metal or bamboo. This lamellophone is played by placing the frame against the mouth and plucking the flexible tongue to produce a resonant, twangy sound. The Sitolotolo has been part of Swazi traditional music for generations, often used in folk and ceremonial contexts.
Sixian
The Sixian, also known as the moon guitar or yueqin, is a circular-shaped lute with a short neck and three or four strings, originating from China. This chordophone is played by plucking the strings with a plectrum, producing bright, melodic tones used in Chinese opera and folk music. The Sixian has been part of Chinese musical traditions for centuries, with its roots dating back to the Han Dynasty.
Siyari
The Siyari is a woven rattle of the Frafra people from northern Ghana, made from the fiber of the gang tree and a calabash. This idiophone is shaken to produce rhythmic, percussive sounds, typically used in traditional Frafra music and ceremonies. The Siyari has been an integral part of Ghanaian cultural practices for many generations.
Skalmeja
The Skalmeja is a Swedish shawm, a double-reed woodwind instrument with a conical body. This aerophone is played by blowing air into the reed and covering finger holes to produce loud, piercing sounds. The Skalmeja has medieval origins and was widely used in Swedish and European folk and ceremonial music.
Skor arak
The Skor arak is a Cambodian frame drum with a shallow, circular body. This membranophone is played by striking the drumhead with hands or sticks, producing rhythmic beats used in traditional Cambodian music, especially in religious and ceremonial contexts. The Skor arak has been part of Cambodian culture for centuries.
Skor thom
The Skor thom is a large barrel-type bass drum from Cambodia, traditionally used in ensemble music. This membranophone is played with sticks, producing deep, resonant tones that provide the rhythmic foundation in Cambodian classical and folk music. The Skor thom has been used in Cambodian music for hundreds of years, particularly in court and religious ceremonies.
Skratji
The Skratji is a bass drum with a cymbal on top, played horizontally on a stand and used in kaseko music from Suriname. This combination membranophone-idiophone is played by striking both the drum and cymbal, producing a rhythmic and metallic sound. The Skratji has been part of Surinamese music since the 20th century, particularly in dance and festive music genres.
Slavonske gajde
The Slavonske gajde is a traditional bagpipe from the Slavonia region of Croatia. This aerophone is played by blowing air into a bag and squeezing it to produce sound through the chanter and drones. The Slavonske gajde has been part of Croatian folk music for centuries, especially in rural and pastoral traditions.
Sluskinja
The Sluskinja is a double flute from Croatia, with six holes on the right side. This aerophone is played by blowing into both tubes simultaneously, producing harmonized melodies typical of Croatian folk music. The Sluskinja has been used in Croatian musical traditions for many generations.
Sodina
The Sodina is a flute from Madagascar, made out of bamboo, lightwood, plastic, or reed, and varies in size. This aerophone is played by blowing air into one end while covering holes to produce melodic tunes. The Sodina has been a central instrument in Malagasy traditional music for centuries, especially in rural and ceremonial contexts.
Sogeum
The Sogeum is a small transverse bamboo flute from Korea, producing a high-pitched sound. This aerophone is played by blowing air across the top of the instrument and covering finger holes to create different pitches. The Sogeum has been used in Korean traditional music for centuries, particularly in court and folk music.
Sogo
The Sogo is a barrel drum from Ghana, about 75 centimeters tall, with a low pitch, used by the Ewe people as a lead and support drum. This membranophone is played with two wooden sticks, one hand and one stick, or with both hands, producing deep, resonant rhythms. The Sogo has been a key instrument in Ewe traditional music for generations. There is also a variant in Korea, a double-headed frame drum used in traditional Korean nongak and ipch’ang music.
Soinari
The Soinari, also known as larchem, is a cane panpipe from the region of Guria in Georgia, with larger pipes placed in the middle and tied with cord and bark. This aerophone is played by blowing across the top of the pipes, producing rich, harmonic tones used in Georgian folk music. The Soinari has been part of Georgian culture for centuries, often played in rural and ceremonial contexts.
Sonaja
The Sonaja is a type of shaker used in Spanish and Spanish American music, typically made of metal or gourd filled with small beads or seeds. This idiophone is played by shaking the instrument to produce rhythmic, percussive sounds. The Sonaja has been used in traditional music across Spain and Latin America for centuries.
Song Loan
The Song Loan is a small clacker played with the foot, originating from Vietnam. This idiophone is placed under the foot and struck rhythmically, producing a sharp, clicking sound that accompanies traditional Vietnamese music. The Song Loan has been used in Vietnamese folk music for many generations.
Souffara
The Souffara is a small flute from Egypt, typically made from reed or wood. This aerophone is played by blowing air into one end and covering finger holes to produce melodic tunes, often used in Egyptian folk and traditional music. The Souffara has ancient origins, with its use in Egyptian music dating back to antiquity.
Spinet
The Spinet is a small one-keyboard harpsichord with a trapezoidal shape, popular in Europe during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. This chordophone is played by pressing keys that pluck the strings, producing a bright, delicate sound typical of early keyboard music. The Spinet was widely used in European classical music from the 16th to 18th centuries.
Spelpipa
The Spelpipa is a traditional Swedish wooden whistle, typically featuring eight finger holes, with a scale that often includes ‘blue notes’ for added musical character. This aerophone is played by blowing air into the mouthpiece while covering the finger holes to produce various pitches. It has been part of Swedish folk music for centuries, particularly in rural and pastoral settings.
Sralai
The Sralai is a low-pitched quadruple-reed shawm from Cambodia, made of wood with a conical bore. This aerophone is played by blowing into the reed and using finger holes to change pitch, producing a rich, nasal sound typical of Cambodian classical and ceremonial music. The Sralai has ancient roots in Cambodian culture and is often used in traditional ensembles.
Steel drums
Steel drums, also known as steel pans, are percussion instruments traditionally made from steel oil drums, originating from Trinidad & Tobago. The playing surface is concave with convex sections tuned to specific pitches, and musicians strike these sections with pan sticks to produce musical tones. This idiophone emerged in the 20th century and is central to Caribbean music genres such as calypso and soca.
Stone chimes
Stone chimes are an ancient Chinese percussion instrument, consisting of a series of flat stones that produce musical tones when struck. Classified as an idiophone, they are played by striking the stones with mallets, producing clear, resonant sounds. Stone chimes have been used in Chinese ritual and ceremonial music for thousands of years.
Strackharpa
The Strackharpa is a bowed harp from Sweden, resembling a cross between a harp and a fiddle, with strings that are bowed rather than plucked. This chordophone is played with a bow, producing resonant, melodic tones typical of Swedish folk music. The Strackharpa has historical roots in Scandinavian music, although it is less common today.
Strancica
The Strancica is a transverse flute made of wood, originating from Croatia. This aerophone is played by blowing air across the mouthpiece while covering and uncovering finger holes to produce different notes. It has been used in Croatian folk music for centuries, especially in traditional dance and ceremonial music.
Subang
The Subang is a large and long wooden drum from the Bidayuh people of Borneo, typically made from a tree trunk between 5 to 10 feet high and 1 foot in diameter. This membranophone is played by striking the drumhead with hands or sticks, producing deep, resonant beats used in Bidayuh rituals and celebrations. The Subang has been part of Bornean cultural practices for many generations.
Sulim
The Sulim is a transverse bamboo flute from Sumatra, Indonesia, known for its clear, melodic sound. This aerophone is played by blowing air across the top while covering holes to produce different pitches. It is commonly used in Indonesian folk music and has been a part of Sumatran cultural traditions for centuries.
Suling
The Suling is an end-blown bamboo flute used in Balinese Gamelan orchestras and across Southeast Asia, including Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Singapore. This aerophone is played by blowing air into the mouthpiece while covering finger holes to produce melodic tunes. The Suling has ancient origins and is central to Southeast Asian traditional music.
Supriñu
The Supriñu, also known as trompa de corteza, is an ancient Basque double-reed horn made from hazelnut tree bark, rolled into a cone shape. This aerophone is played by blowing into the reed, producing a distinct, resonant sound used in traditional Basque music. The Supriñu has been part of Basque culture for centuries, often played in rural and ceremonial settings.
Suona
The Suona is a double-reed shawm from China, with a wooden body and copper ends, featuring eight finger holes. This aerophone is played by blowing into the reed and covering the holes to produce loud, penetrating tones typical of Chinese folk and ceremonial music. The Suona has been used in Chinese traditional music for centuries, especially in outdoor and festive occasions.
Surbahar
The Surbahar is a large bass lute, often referred to as a bass sitar, from India. This chordophone is played by plucking its strings with a plectrum, producing deep, resonant tones. The Surbahar has been in use since the 19th century and is closely related to the sitar, providing a lower range for classical and traditional Indian music performances.
Surdam
The Surdam is a bamboo flute from Sumatra, Indonesia, known for its rich, melodic sound. This aerophone is played by blowing air into one end while covering finger holes to create different pitches, commonly used in Indonesian folk and traditional music. The Surdam has been part of Sumatran culture for many generations.
Surdo
The Surdo is a large bass drum used in Brazilian music to mark the beat of samba, axé, and other forms of music. This membranophone is played with sticks, producing deep, booming sounds that form the rhythmic foundation in samba ensembles. The Surdo has been a central instrument in Brazilian music since the 20th century.
Surdulina
The Surdulina is a Calabrian bagpipe from Italy, featuring two chanters and two drones. This aerophone is played by blowing air into the bag and squeezing it to produce sound through the chanters and drones, commonly used in Italian folk music. The Surdulina has been part of Southern Italian musical traditions for centuries, especially in pastoral and festive music.
Surnai
The Surnai is a shawm from Kyrgyzstan, made from apricot or mulberry wood, featuring two cane pipes, a conical channel, finger holes, and a bell. This aerophone is played by blowing into the reed and covering the holes to produce rich, reedy tones typical of Kyrgyz folk music. The Surnai has ancient roots in Central Asian musical traditions.
Suzu
The Suzu is a round Shinto bell from Japan, typically containing pellets that jingle when shaken. This idiophone is played by shaking or striking the bell, producing a soft, jingling sound used in Shinto rituals and ceremonies. The Suzu has been part of Japanese religious practices for centuries.
Svirala
The Svirala, also known as frula or jedinka, is a six-hole shepherd’s flute from Dalmatia, Croatia. This aerophone is played by blowing air into the mouthpiece while covering the finger holes to produce melodic tunes. The Svirala has been part of Croatian folk music for centuries, especially in rural and pastoral settings.
Svirel
The Svirel is a small flute made from hollow reed or wood, originating from Russia. This aerophone is played by blowing air into one end and covering finger holes to produce clear, melodic tones used in Russian folk music. The Svirel has been part of Russian musical traditions for many generations.
Svirka
The Svirka, also known as tsafara, svorche, or small kaval, is a Bulgarian shepherd’s flute made from a single wooden tube with six or seven holes. This aerophone is played by blowing into the mouthpiece and covering the holes to produce melodic sounds, commonly used in Bulgarian folk music. The Svirka has ancient origins and is central to Bulgaria’s pastoral music traditions.
Sygyt
Sygyt is a Tuvan style of whistling overtone singing that sounds similar to a flute, where the singer produces a high-pitched, whistle-like sound while simultaneously creating a deep drone. This vocal technique is a form of khoomei (throat singing), originating from Tuva in Russia, and is typically used in traditional Tuvan music to mimic the sounds of nature.
Synthesizer
A Synthesizer is an electronic musical instrument equipped with a keyboard, capable of duplicating the sounds of various instruments or generating entirely new sounds. This electrophone is played by pressing keys to produce tones and manipulating sound parameters such as pitch, timbre, and modulation. The synthesizer has been a fundamental instrument in various music genres since its development in the mid-20th century, including electronic, pop, and experimental music.
