Alphabetical List of Instruments – W
From the traditional East African Wandindi lute to the Wubala flute from Ghana, 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.
Wandindi
The Wandindi, also known as the orutu, is a one-string bowed lute traditionally crafted from wood with a resonating gourd. The musician plays it by drawing a bow across its single string, creating a distinct sound. It is classified as a chordophone under the Hornbostel–Sachs system. Originating from Kenya, it has been used in East African traditional music for centuries, particularly in Luo cultural performances.
Wa Patala
The Wa Patala is a curved wooden xylophone with bamboo plates, creating a melodic sound when struck with mallets. Played by striking the bamboo slats with wooden mallets, it is an idiophone, where the material of the instrument itself vibrates to produce sound. Originating from Myanmar, this instrument has been used in Burmese traditional music, and its origins can be traced back several centuries.
Washboard
The Washboard, originally a tool for washing clothes, is repurposed as a rhythm instrument with its corrugated metal surface. Musicians play it by scraping with fingers, metal objects, or spoons. Classified as an idiophone, it produces sound through the scraping motion. It became popular in early 20th-century folk music, especially in Cajun, Zydeco, and jug band music, and is commonly associated with American roots music.
Washint
The Washint is an end-blown wooden or bamboo flute with four finger holes. Musicians play it by blowing across the top of the flute and covering the holes to change the pitch. As an aerophone, it is traditionally played in Ethiopia and has been used for centuries in Ethiopian Amhara cultural music, particularly in folk and ceremonial settings.
Water Drums
Water Drums are made from large gourds or wood with a smaller drum placed upside down in water, or by playing directly in water bodies. Musicians play by striking the water’s surface or the drum head, creating percussive tones. Classified as membranophones, these drums are used in various West African cultures and in indigenous American music, particularly for ceremonial and ritualistic performances.
Waterphone
The Waterphone is a unique hand-crafted percussion instrument made of a metal resonator with water inside and metal rods of various lengths. Musicians use a bow or mallet to strike or bow the rods, creating eerie, resonant sounds. As a friction idiophone or aerophone, it was developed in the 20th century and is often used in avant-garde music and soundtracks, particularly for horror films.
Whistle
The Whistle is a small end-blown flute, often made from wood or metal, that produces a sharp sound when blown into. The musician plays it by blowing into the fipple, which directs the airflow to create sound. Classified as an aerophone, whistles are used globally and have been around for centuries, commonly found in folk music, ceremonial contexts, and for signaling purposes.
Willow Flute
The Willow Flute, also known as Seljefløyte, is a long, fingerless flute made from willow bark. Musicians play by blowing across the top and adjusting the angle of airflow to control the pitch. Classified as an aerophone, it originates from the folk music traditions of Sweden and Norway and dates back to ancient times, often played in rural and pastoral music settings.
Wubala
The Wubala is the highest-pitched flute within the wua flute family, traditionally crafted from wood. It is played by blowing across the top of the flute while covering finger holes to alter pitch. Classified as an aerophone, it is native to Ghana and is used in traditional Ghanaian music, particularly in ceremonial and communal performances.
