Alphabetical List of Instruments – Z
From the traditional Zaabia rattle from Ghana to the Zurna double-reed pipe from the Balkans and Turkey, 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.
Zaabia
The Zaabia is a small gourd rattle used by the Dagomba people of Ghana, traditionally made from a hollowed gourd with seeds or small pebbles inside. This idiophone is played by shaking, producing a rhythmic sound that complements traditional Dagomba music. The Zaabia has been a part of Ghanaian music for generations, particularly in ceremonial and communal gatherings.
żafżava
The żafżava is a Maltese friction drum, consisting of a membrane stretched over a cylindrical frame, with a stick inserted through the membrane. This membranophone is played by rubbing the stick with a wet hand, producing a distinctive rhythmic sound. The żafżava has been used in Maltese folk music for centuries, especially during carnival celebrations.
Zambomba
The Zambomba is an ancient friction drum made out of clay or wood, commonly used in Spain during Christmas songs. This membranophone is played by rubbing a stick or rod inserted through the membrane, creating a resonant, droning sound. The Zambomba, also known as pandorga, has been part of Spanish holiday traditions for centuries, particularly in rural and festive music.
Zampogna
The Zampogna is a Neapolitan bagpipe with two drones and two conical chanters, traditionally made of wood. This aerophone is played by blowing air into the bag and squeezing it to produce melodies and harmonies, typical of Italian folk music. The Zampogna has been a part of Southern Italian musical traditions for centuries, especially in pastoral and festive settings.
Zampoña
The Zampoña is an Andean pan flute, typically made from bamboo or reed tubes of varying lengths, bound together in a row. This aerophone is played by blowing across the top of the tubes, each producing a different pitch, to create melodic tunes used in traditional Andean music. The Zampoña has ancient origins and is widely used in the folk music of Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador.
Zanfona
The Zanfona is a Spanish hurdy-gurdy, a stringed instrument that produces sound by a hand-cranked wheel rubbing against the strings. This chordophone is played by turning the crank and pressing keys to change pitch, producing a continuous, droning melody typical of medieval and folk music. The Zanfona has been part of Spanish musical culture for centuries, known by various names such as zanfonía and cinfonía.
Zapateado
Zapateado is a rhythmic tapping or foot stomping technique used in Spanish Flamenco and Mexican dancing. This percussive technique is classified as an idiophone because the dancer’s feet create sound by striking the floor. Zapateado has deep roots in Spanish and Mexican folk traditions, integral to the music and dance forms of these cultures.
Zaqq
The żaqq is a Maltese bagpipe, featuring a bag made of animal skin and a chanter for melody. This aerophone is played by blowing air into the bag and squeezing it to produce a continuous sound, while the musician uses finger holes on the chanter to play melodies. The żaqq has been part of Maltese folk music for centuries, often used in pastoral and festive contexts.
Zarb
The Zarb is a goblet-shaped drum made out of wood, commonly used in Persian classical music. This membranophone is played by striking the drumhead with fingers and hands, producing sharp, resonant tones. Also known as tonbak or dumbek, the Zarb has been central to Persian musical traditions for centuries, especially in classical and Sufi music.
Zhaleika
The Zhaleika is a Russian wind instrument with a single reed, typically made from cow horn or wood. This aerophone is played by blowing air into the reed, producing a loud, reedy tone used in Russian folk music. The Zhaleika has been part of Russian musical culture for centuries, particularly in rural and pastoral music.
Zheng
The Zheng is a traditional Chinese zither with 21 strings, known for its pentatonic tuning and ability to produce bending notes by pressing the strings. This chordophone is played by plucking the strings with picks or fingers, producing melodic, expressive tones central to Chinese classical music. The Zheng has a history of over three thousand years, originating as a five-string folk instrument and evolving into one of the most popular instruments in China.
Zhonghu
The Zhonghu is a two-string bowed lute from China, similar to the Erhu but with a larger body and deeper tone. This chordophone is played with a bow, producing warm, resonant tones used in Chinese traditional folk and orchestral music. The Zhonghu has been part of Chinese music since the 20th century, complementing the higher-pitched Erhu in ensembles.
Zília
The Zília are iron or wood finger cymbals from Greece, traditionally used in Greek folk music and dance. These idiophones are played by striking the cymbals together with the fingers, producing a sharp, metallic sound. The Zília has been part of Greek musical traditions for centuries, often accompanying traditional dances like the Tsifteteli.
Zirbaghali
The Zirbaghali is a goblet-shaped drum with a single head, originating from Afghanistan. This membranophone is played by striking the drumhead with fingers, producing sharp, rhythmic tones used in Afghan folk and classical music. The Zirbaghali has been a part of Afghan musical culture for centuries, particularly in traditional and celebratory contexts.
Zither
The Zither is a family name for all plucked or strummed instruments that have strings stretched across a wooden sounding board, including instruments like the psaltery and dulcimer. These chordophones are played by plucking or strumming the strings, producing melodic tones used in various folk and classical music traditions across Europe and Asia. The Zither has been part of musical cultures for centuries, with variations found in many regions.
Zongore
The Zongore is a guitar played vertically, originating from Romania. This chordophone is played by strumming or plucking the strings while holding the guitar in an upright position, producing bright, resonant tones typical of Romanian folk music. The Zongore has been a part of Romanian musical traditions for generations.
Zumari
The Zumari is a horn instrument from Zanzibar, Tanzania, carved out of wood and traditionally used in Swahili music. This aerophone is played by blowing air into the horn, producing a rich, resonant sound that complements traditional African music. The Zumari has been part of East African musical culture for centuries, particularly in ceremonial and festive music.
Zumbadora
The Zumbadora is a buzzer made from a small, thin piece of wood tied to a rope, used in Spanish carnival celebrations. This idiophone is played by swinging the rope in the air, causing the wood to buzz and produce a distinctive sound. The Zumbadora, also known as zumbadera, has been part of Spanish festive traditions for centuries.
Zummara
The żummara is a Maltese single-reed pipe, traditionally made from cane or reed. This aerophone is played by blowing into the reed, producing a high-pitched, reedy sound used in Maltese folk music. The żummara has been part of Maltese musical culture for centuries, often used in pastoral and celebratory contexts.
Zummarah
The Zummarah is a double-reed pipe from Egypt, typically made from cane or reed. This aerophone is played by blowing into the reeds, producing a loud, piercing sound used in Egyptian folk music. The Zummarah has been part of Egyptian musical traditions for centuries, often played during weddings and other celebrations.
Zurna
The Zurna is a woodwind instrument from the Balkans, Turkey, and Central Asia, featuring a conical wooden body with a double reed. This aerophone is played by blowing into the reed and using finger holes to produce loud, reedy tones typical of traditional folk music in these regions. The Zurna originates from the 12th century and remains a key instrument in the music of the Balkans, Turkey, and Central Asia.
