Alphabetical List of Instruments – X
From the experimental Jazz Xafoon from Hawaii to the widely used Xylophone, 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.
Xafoon
The Xafoon is a small bamboo saxophone handcrafted in Maui, Hawaii, by saxophonist Brian Wittman. Musicians play it by blowing into the mouthpiece and manipulating keys or holes to produce sound. It falls under the aerophone category of the Hornbostel–Sachs classification. This instrument is relatively modern, crafted in the 20th century, and is primarily used in jazz and experimental music genres.
Xalam
The Xalam is a traditional West African string instrument with 1-5 strings, similar to a lute. It is played by plucking the strings with the fingers, producing resonant tones. Classified as a chordophone, the Xalam originates from the Serer people and is used in Senegal and Gambia. Its use dates back centuries, often in griot performances and traditional African storytelling.
Xel-xuur
The Xel-xuur is a Mongolian mouth harp made from iron or bamboo. The musician holds it in their mouth and plucks the flexible tongue of the instrument to produce sound, amplifying the resonance using their mouth. This instrument is an idiophone according to the Hornbostel–Sachs classification. It is traditionally played in Mongolia and is commonly associated with folk and ceremonial music.
Xeremia
The Xeremia is a bagpipe native to the Balearic Islands, particularly Mallorca in Spain. It consists of a bag, chanter, and one or more drones, and is played by blowing air into the bag, which is squeezed to produce continuous sound. Classified as an aerophone, it has been a part of Spanish traditional music for centuries, especially in rural festivals and folk music.
Xhile
Xhile are metallic finger cymbals commonly used in Albania. Musicians hold these small cymbals between their fingers and strike them together to create rhythmic accents. This instrument is classified as an idiophone in the Hornbostel–Sachs system. It is typically used in Albanian folk dance music and is believed to have ancient origins.
Xiao
The Xiao is a Chinese end-blown vertical bamboo flute with six holes. It is played by blowing into the top and covering the holes to create different pitches. This aerophone is native to China and has been used for over 2,000 years, particularly in traditional Chinese music, including classical and folk genres.
Xiaocha
Xiaocha are small cymbals from China. They are played by striking the cymbals together to produce a bright, metallic sound. These instruments are idiophones in the Hornbostel–Sachs classification and have a long history in Chinese traditional music, especially in opera and ceremonial contexts.
Xirula
The Xirula, also known as chirula, is a short three-holed flute from the Basque region of Spain. It is played by blowing into the instrument and covering the holes to change the pitch. This aerophone has ancient origins and is traditionally used in Basque folk music, particularly for dancing and celebrations.
Xitende
The Xitende is a plucked musical bow with a single string and a gourd resonator, originating from Mozambique. It is played by plucking the string and adjusting the tension to alter the pitch. As a chordophone, it is an important instrument in Mozambican traditional music and storytelling, with roots tracing back centuries.
Xun
The Xun is an ancient Chinese ocarina made from clay or earth, shaped like an egg with a blowhole at the top. It is played by blowing into the top opening and covering the side holes to produce different notes. This aerophone has been used in as a Chinese musical instrument for over 7,000 years, primarily in ritual and traditional settings.
Xylophone
The Xylophone consists of wooden or synthetic bars of varying lengths arranged in a keyboard pattern and is played by striking the bars with mallets. It is classified as an idiophone, and versions of the instrument exist worldwide, including in African, Southeast Asian, and Western classical music traditions. The xylophone dates back several centuries and is commonly used in folk, classical, and orchestral music globally.
