20 Most Popular Musical Instruments, History, and Functions

This article is going to be about the most popular musical instruments in the world today, as well as their history, origins, and functions. The article will also discuss how much their popularity has changed over the years and how that change has affected certain other instruments.

Music is a medium for enjoyment for people all around the world. There are an immense number of different types of music that are played from classical music to rock and roll. There has always been a large variety of musical instruments created by humans as well which have evolved throughout time as new genres were born or existing ones became more popular. There are many types of musical instruments, but the most popular ones throughout history have been the most popular and the most important.

For a brief overview of some of the most popular musical instruments in history, here is a list of some of them which include:

 1. Guitar

The guitar is a string instrument that has evolved. It originated during the Renaissance as a four-course, plucked string instrument. From around 1700 to the 1920s it changed into a six-stringed, fretted instrument and was then thrust into the public eye through popular songs and bands of the 20th century. It is still one of the most popular instruments in modern society though this popularity has declined significantly in recent years.

History:

The history of the guitar begins with guitarist Vicente Espinel who developed a four-course guitar in 1674. However, it was not until the Classical period that the guitar became a staple of Western music. This was largely due to Italian guitarist and composer Mauro Giuliani. Giuliani’s compositions were widely heard across Europe and the United States in the early 19th century. However, it was not until 1860 that the modern classical guitar began to take shape and become what it is today.

The guitar can be traced back as far as ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). Many harps have been discovered in this region which look quite similar to today’s guitars. They were probably used for religious purposes rather than musical entertainment though.

The guitar was first popularized in Spain by a group of musicians known as the “Mozarabs.” They were Christians living under Moorish rule in 8th and 9th century Spain. They used the Spanish equivalent of “guitar” called “guerrilla” which means “little guitar.” The Moors conquered Iberia sometime around 711 AD, but their reign did not stop Mozarabs from expanding upon their culture and traditions. Guitar music became particularly popular among them during this time of cultural exchange.

Once the Moors were defeated, the Mozarabs dispersed throughout Europe and the guitar made it into Italy. It soon became more popular than in Spain due to its resemblance to other instruments.

The most important development of the classical guitar was an innovation by Spanish luthier Leonardo Torres-Domenech. He designed a guitar with six strings and a saddle for each finger of the left hand. This improved upon an existing instrument called the “broken-string” guitar (a primitive predecessor of the modern classical guitar). Torres-Domenech’s innovation made playing easier and faster, so it soon became popular among Spanish nobles and nobility across Europe.

Function:

The principal function of the guitar is to produce or to accompany the music. However, it can also be used as a rhythmic instrument or as part of an orchestra.

2. Violin

The violin is a stringed instrument that has existed for hundreds of years and is still one of the most popular instruments today. It has changed throughout time but still retains its original form. The violin was invented by a man named Amati in 15th century Italy and then became popular during the Baroque period as it began to replace the lute. The popularity and use of this instrument remained constant through the 19th century and into present-day America where it remains highly prominent.

History:

Italian instrument maker Andrea Amati is credited as the inventor of the violin. He was born in 1535 and became one of the most prominent instrument makers of his time. In 1555 he built a simple instrument that was essentially a hybrid of a violin and a lute. It had four strings versus the seven common today, but it was still strung like a lute. A few years later Amati completed his first true violins which were highly prized by renowned musicians like Johannes Ockeghem, Gaspar van Weerbeke, and Orlando de Lassus (the Baroque period).

The popularity of the violin increased during the early Baroque era. Composers like Biber, Bach, Vivaldi, and Handel played them in their compositions. However, Handel’s use of the instrument in his Water Music was what made it popular. He used six violins to play with a flute, oboe, and bassoon to create such a work that was made specifically for listening while outdoors. This was revolutionary at the time because most music before this was meant to be heard indoors rather than outside at a piazza or a wooded area.

By the end of the Baroque period, the violin became one of a musician’s most important tools and was used in every major genre of music. The violin was not only popular but also favored as an instrument by composers such as Beethoven, Chopin, and Brahms. Mozart’s use of the violin in his works is also praised worldwide.

In recent history, the violin has been used by musicians such as Mstislav Rostropovich who used it to play all sorts of classical music, and by jazz musicians like Miles Davis who played with it in many pieces. It is still considered one of the most important instruments in classical music today.

Function:

The primary function of the violin is to produce or to accompany the music. However, it can also be used as a rhythmic instrument or as part of an orchestra. The violin can also be used for solo purposes, but this is not its primary function.

3. Trumpet

 

The trumpet is a musical instrument that is similar to the trombone in function and appearance but is a more versatile option. In addition to its more likely functions, such as supplying music for theater or dance performances, the trumpet also plays an important role in military music due to its prominent part in battle calls. This function provides it with an extra depth of functionality which makes it one of the most popular instruments of all time.

History:

The trumpet was invented by Alhazen around 1000 AD. He received this idea from a book called “The Canon”. The book included descriptions of many instruments and their characteristics which may have influenced Alhazen’s invention. However, the simple design of the trumpet which used a conical wooden tube and a single lip-hole mouthpiece was wholly original.

The trumpet soon became popular throughout Europe due to its simplicity and easy ability to be heard over long distances. There are many early references to trumpets in literature and paintings of the period. These include a description of a battle between Charlemagne (who reigned from 768–814) and the Saracens that took place on July 28, 778 AD. The item used by Charlemagne’s forces was called “salpinx” which is closely related to our modern-day trumpets. These trumpets were also used in the orchestra of then-Prince Rupert of the Rhine who played them from 1636 to 1681.

In addition to its use as a military instrument, the trumpet was also used in religious ceremonies and therefore stood as a symbol of authority. This is evidenced by trumpeters being employed by famous people such as Louis XIV and Louis XV. Due to this, it came to be known as “the King’s Trumpet.” Early American recordings use the term “trumpets” rather than “horns,” so this may have been imported over from European use. The trumpet is also used in many famous American musical pieces such as patriotic songs and hymns, as well as jazz.

Functions:

The main function of the trumpet is to produce or to accompany the music. However, it can also be used in ceremonial settings. The trumpet’s use in battle calls has led to its use in military music which has added a secondary function of being used as a signaling device. Today, trumpets are often used for artistic performances such as theater or dance performances and military bands but can also be found in many orchestras and ensembles.

4. Saxophone

The saxophone is another important instrument in both popular music and classical music. The saxophone may have been invented by Adolphe Sax who likely invented it around 1846 AD, but there is no way to be sure of this fact. It was first made available for public consumption in 1856 when the Frenchman Adolphe Sax’s patents expired, allowing anyone to produce their very own horn. This is the same year that a saxophone made famous by Karelian musicians came into existence.

History:

Before being labeled as a “saxophone,” the instrument was referred to as an “auto horn.” The earliest appearance of the instrument is believed to be in the form of an “auto horn”: an instrument with a bell at first, but later it was changed to a brass tube and then to its current wooden design. Although the saxophone was already well-known throughout Europe, the instrument did not receive popular use until Adolphe Sax invented his version of the saxophone in 1846. This version is also called an “alto sax,” a “soprano sax,” “sopranino,” and “contrabass.” The saxophone soon became popular in America due to its use by the military and brass bands.

After being very popular between the years of 1880–1910, the saxophone’s popularity began to decline. This was due to the development of jazz which made use of the trumpet and trombone rather than the saxophone. However, by 1920, it had regained some of its popularity due to being featured in several famous Hollywood films such as Robin Hood (1922), The King of Jazz (1930), and The Phantom of the Opera (1925). Due to its growing popularity, many famous artists such as Coleman Hawkins began using it in their compositions from that time onward. The saxophone is also well-known for its use in jazz music.

Functions:

The primary function of the saxophone is to produce or to accompany the music. The saxophone is also used in ceremonial settings. In addition, it may be used as a signaling device as well. Today, the saxophone is often used in artistic performances such as theater and dance performances and military bands but can also be found in many orchestras and ensembles.

5. Drums

Drums are an important instrument in many genres of music. They also have a wide variety of purposes outside of producing or accompanying music, most notably that they were used in ancient times to communicate throughout the war to distract the enemy or give them false information. Today, the drums are integral parts of many popular genres such as rock and jazz. The use of drums is also very common in marching bands and military bands.

History:

The drums have been around for thousands of years with early examples coming from China, Egypt, and Africa. The earliest records date back to 2000 BC when Chinese troops used drums as part of their war tactics. The drums would be beaten out of frame at the beginning of battle before soldiers jumped out and began attacking their enemies. This type of drum was called the “new-tung.” The drums were used and perfected over many centuries in China and by about 1000 BC, the Chinese had created their first drum circle to accompany ceremonies. These drums became increasingly more elaborate every year and eventually reached such a point where different styles of percussion sets were being used in performances such as martial arts.

India also had very early examples of the drums with evidence dating back to 2400 BC when they were described by the Chinese historian Cranganore Indica. The drums were used in theatrical performances as well and helped to communicate the story of the play. By about the 8th century, a variety of different types of drums were being used in India. Eventually, India began utilizing drums for both ceremonial and military purposes as well due to their power and effectiveness.

Functions:

The primary function of the drums is to produce or accompany the music. However, they can also be used to signal people in battle or provide signals as well. In addition, they may be used in ceremonial settings as well.

6. Harpsichord

The harpsichord was an instrument developed in Europe that was made available to the general public at around 1650 AD. Alongside the piano, it is one of only two other keyboards that were made available to the general public before 1800.

History:

The harpsichord appeared in Europe during the late 15th century and later became more popular during the 16th century and 17th century. The harpsichord was invented by Inigo Jones in England during the early 1600s for use in Henry VIII’s court at Hampton Court Palace. The sitar was also invented by India-inspired composer Ustad Sayeed Ali Khan.

Functions:

The primary function of the harpsichord is to produce or accompany the music. It can also be used in ceremonial settings as well.

7. Flute

The flute is an instrument used to produce sound. It is one of the oldest instruments by far and dates back as far as 3500 years ago. This instrument has a long, cylindrical tube made of wood or similar material and with this, the musician may produce music by blowing through the tube and moving fingers over holes or strikers inside the tube.

History:

The origins of this instrument can be traced back to prehistoric times when Neanderthals inhabited Europe. Studies of fossils show that early Neanderthals used hollow bones to create music and it has been found that their flute could be heard in caves almost half a mile away. It has been recently discovered that early humans also used flutes in India and it has been suggested that they had an instrumental relationship with the European Neolithic.

Functions:

The primary function of the flute is to produce or accompany the music. In addition, it can be used in ceremonial settings as well.

8. Piano [acoustic]

The piano is a type of keyboard instrument that consists of a flat, thick board upon which many keys are placed that are played utilizing pressing them with the fingers. The pianist may vary the tone by performing various techniques such as rattling the board and pressing it against different parts of their body.

History:

The piano was created in the early 1700s by Bartolomeo Cristofori who was an instrument maker in Italy. The piano was originally called the “rapid di coltello” which means “knife harp”. The piano was developed to replace the harpsichord because it was more portable and easier to play.

Functions:

The primary function of the piano is to produce or accompany the music. In addition, it may also be used in ceremonial settings as well.

9. Bass Guitar [electric] 

A bass guitar is a stringed instrument that has four strings and is played with both fingers and a pick. It is typically used to play the bass lines of popular music. The bass guitar is similar to the standard electric guitar, but it has a different range of tones and is tuned an octave lower than a typical electric guitar.

History:

The first electric bass was created by German-American inventor Paul Tutmarc in Seattle, Washington in 1935. The first acoustic bassist to use a fingerboard was Jim Hall, who did so on his recording entitled “Jazz Samba” with the Bill Evans Trio in 1959. However, Tone Python made soprano saxophone the best-known alternative to the flute in jazz during the 1950s. It was an invention of Leo Fender, who created the Fender Precision Bass in 1951. Pianist Roland Hanna was the first jazz musician to record on electric bass in 1960.

Functions:

The primary function of the bass guitar is to produce or accompany the music. It can also be used in ceremonial settings as well. However, it is most commonly used in popular music and jazz genres as a backing instrument for singers and percussionists.

10. Accordion [electric]

The accordion is a keyboard instrument that consists of a row of buttons, or keys, called “slides”, which are pressed down with the fingers. The musician may vary the tone by moving their fingers over different buttons and pressing them against different parts of their body.

History:

The accordion was created in Germany in the early 19th century and was developed from a free-reed instrument named “melody horn”. The accordion became popular throughout Europe and western Asia, with notable uses occurring in an opera composed by Jacques Offenbach called “Orphée aux Enfers” (Orpheus in the Underworld) as well as Italian operas composed by Gaspare Spontini. In America, the instrument was used for popular songs such as “Alexander’s Ragtime Band” and also appeared on Broadway in a famous musical called “A Connecticut Yankee”.

Functions:

The primary function of the accordion is to produce or accompany the music. In addition, it can also be used in ceremonial settings as well.

11. Keyboard [electric] 

A keyboard is a device that consists of a row of keys placed on top of a soundboard. The musician may vary the tone by pressing the keys against different parts of their body and/or altering their position. A keyboard may also have an associated string instrument (i.e., piano). 

History: 

The first electronic keyboard was invented by Hungarian composer and inventor Leo Fender and was created in 1954. This was the first type of musical instrument that incorporated electronics into its design. Other types of early electronic keyboard instruments that were invented include the Mellotron and the Chamberlin by Robert Moog.

Functions:

The primary function of a keyboard is to produce or accompany the music. In addition, it can be used in ceremonial settings as well.

12. Orchestra [electric]

The orchestra is a type of musical ensemble that consists of several different instruments, including the string section, woodwind section, and brass section. In addition to these sections, the orchestra may also include percussionists, vocalists, and comedians as well. The first orchestras were not electric; however, it was not until the early 20th century that orchestras began being electrified.

History:

Organized orchestras have a long history. The first orchestra was created in Italy by Benozzo Gofriller sometime between 1590 and 1595. These original orchestras were mostly amateur ensembles that performed in town squares and were often made up of players from other nations. These early “orchestral” ensembles were not electrified, as only orchestral instruments were used at this time. In the mid-19th century, it was thought that electric amplification would be the downfall of smaller groups and thus they became discouraged from using them until the 1920s.

Functions:

The primary function of the orchestra is to produce or accompany the music. In addition, it can be used in ceremonial settings as well.

13. Celesta

The celesta is a keyboard instrument that consists of a set of small bells. These bells are played by pushing the keys with the fingers, which makes them ring against a metal frame. The tone can be varied by varying how hard it is pushed.

History:

The celesta was created sometime around 1885 in California and was originally named “autophone”. It wasn’t until 1901 that it became known as the celesta, which is derived from the Italian word “celeste” which translates to “heavenly sounding”. The celesta became popular after being used in Maurice Ravel’s work entitled “Pavane For A Dead Princess”.

Functions:

The primary function of the celesta is to produce or accompany the music. It is commonly used in theatrical and musical performances.

14. Bass Drum [electric] 

A bass drum is a type of drum that generates a low sound when struck. It is commonly used to provide a rhythmic beat in various musical genres, including jazz and rock. The bass drum was created sometime around the 16th century where it was first used for military reasons during battles. However, it wasn’t until the 17th century that one French inventor created an electric bass drum that could be amplified so it could be heard from farther away than before.

History: 

The earliest drum has often been cited as having been created sometime around the Paleolithic period, where it was made from a hollowed-out piece of wood. Its primary function was to communicate with other villagers over long distances. However, it was not until the 16th century that the bass drum was created for military usage during battles. The first one was called the “drum major” and its hollow body would amplify the sound made by striking its surface. This drum wasn’t too different from those used in previous centuries and remained unchanged until 1770 when one French inventor came up with an electric bass drum that could be amplified so that it could be heard from farther away than before.

Functions:

The primary function of the bass drum is to produce or accompany the music. In addition to this, it can be used in ceremonial settings as well.

15. Cymbal [electric] 

A cymbal is a type of musical instrument that consists of a series of cymbals that are struck with hammers. It is commonly used in many different types of music such as jazz, rock, and roll, African-American gospel as well as dance tracks. The first cymbal was created sometime around the 15th century when Vicente Ferrer invented them for use by drummers in Spain. These early ones were small and not very loud.

History: 

Europeans were the first to use cymbals, which were referred to as “batteries”. These cymbals were created sometime around the 15th century. They were then used for military tactical uses during battles, but their main use was for religious purposes. A man from Spain named Vicente Ferrer created these cymbals for use by drummers in Spain. However, it wasn’t until 1770 when one German inventor created an electric cymbal that they gained popularity outside of Europe.

Functions: 

The primary function of the cymbal is to produce or accompany the music. In addition to this, it can be used in ceremonial settings as well.

16. Organ [electric] 

An organ is a type of musical instrument that consists of pipes, wheels, and other parts that together generate sound. It can be used for both playing and producing music. In addition to this, the organ can also be used in ceremonial settings as well. The first organs were created by the ancient Greeks who began making them sometime around 350 BC. In the early stages, they were only played by priests in cathedrals and palaces as well as religious ceremonies.

The instrument began to take off in the 1600s when it became popular in Europe and the Americas. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that organs became widely used during musical performances and ceremonies. The first organs were created by the ancient Greeks who began making them sometime around 350 BC. In the early stages, they were only played by priests in cathedrals and palaces as well as religious ceremonies.

History: 

The earliest organ was created sometime around 350 BC in Greece after King Theodorus I decided to create a way to help praise God with music, with the “mechanism of harmonious breathing” being its primary function. In addition to this, it was used during religious ceremonies. The organ was first introduced in Rome around the 2nd century BC. It was known to have been used in the catacombs of Rome, as well as other Christian places of worship. However, it wasn’t until the 16th century that organs became widely used during musical performances and ceremonies.

Functions: 

The primary function of the organ is to produce or accompany the music. In addition to this, it can be used in ceremonial settings as well.

17. Xylophone [electric]

A xylophone is a percussion instrument that consists of a series of small bars. These bars are hit with hammers and the sound they make is similar to that of a xylophone, which is derived from the Greek word “kilos” which means to strike. The first xylophone was created sometime around 200 AD in China and was called “Kung-Hua chün-hu”. It was used as part of musical performance and the sounds it produced were different actions such as woodblocks being hit together or wooden sticks being struck at different speeds.

History: 

The earliest xylophone was created in China sometime around 200 AD. The instrument was derived from a set of instruments known as “Kung-Hua chün-hu” that were used in musical performances. It wasn’t until the 1780s that one Dutch organ builder invented the first electric xylophone, further changing its use.

Functions: 

The primary function of the xylophone is to produce or accompany the music. In addition to this, it can be used in ceremonial settings as well.

18. Saxophone [Brass] 

A saxophone is a musical instrument that consists of a group of brass instruments with a superior sound to others such as the tuba and clarinet. It was developed in the early 19th century and its name derived from the Latin word “saxum” which means stone because it was created using materials such as sandstone or marble. The most common variety is called the B-flat soprano saxophone and it is used in classical music and classical jazz, as well as pop music. However, all varieties are popularly used in countries that are part of the West African region. The saxophone was first invented in Germany and was initially played by musicians of the brass band. They were first used in the music of military bands and from there spread to orchestras.

History: 

The saxophone was first created and used in Germany sometime around 1810, with French women playing them for their soldiers during the First World War. The instrument gained popularity during the 1920s when jazz music was being played by black players such as Charlie Parker, Louis Armstrong, and King Oliver. In addition to this, it also gained popularity during performances directed towards children during Christmas. The saxophone became increasingly popular after World War II as its sound became more recognizable to people who heard it on recordings made at that time.

Functions: 

The primary function of the saxophone is to produce or accompany the music. In addition to this, it can be used in ceremonial settings as well.

19. Lyre [string] 

A lyre is a stringed musical instrument that is often compared to the harp. However, it was created independently from the harp in ancient civilizations. In addition to this, it is also played in a way that differs from most other string instruments. This is because its strings were originally made of animal gut and were plucked, causing the tension in the strings to go up and down. 

From there, someone created a bow that could be used to play with these instruments, and conductors began using them instead of bows almost immediately after they were invented. The earliest lyres were created around 8000 BC by people who lived on the Mediterranean coast and the Middle East. The earliest known picture of one was drawn on a vase in Cyprus that was created sometime around the year 6000 BC.

History: 

Lyres were first used by Sumerian civilizations somewhere around 4000 BC. They were then used by people who lived on the Mediterranean coast and the Middle East. The earliest lyre that was recorded on a cave painting was created in Cyprus and dated somewhere between 6000 BC and 10,000 BC. In addition to this, the oldest multiple-stringed harp is said to have been created in Mesopotamia sometime around 3500–3000 BCE. In addition to this, there is a statue depicting a female figure wielding one in Crete, which dates back to 1700–1500 BCE.

Functions: 

The primary function of the lyre is to produce or accompany the music. In addition to this, it can be used in ceremonial settings as well.

20. Harmonica & Chromatic Harmonica [reed]

A harmonica is a musical instrument that uses a perforated metal plate, usually made of metal or plastic, along with a set of buttons. It has been played in many different types of music and has been used in traditions such as jazz, blues, and country music. The idea for its creation was established by a German musician. 

This invention was refined by the early 20th century and by the 1920s harmonica had become widely used during performances that included both classical music and popular music.

History: 

The earliest form of harmonica is thought to have been created by Christian Wilhelm von Mesner around the year 1820. This version used a set of buttons and was called the “Mesner harmonica”. However, this invention was not the only one created. In 1833, a harmonica player and music shop owner named Matthias Hohner invented the diatonic harmonica, which is known today as the chordophone. By the end of the year 1857, James A. Daunt had created a chromatic harmonica that allowed users to play different pitches at the same time. This invention is believed to have laid foundations for all future developments for this instrument.

Functions: 

The primary function of the harmonica is to produce or accompany the music. In addition to this, it can be used in ceremonial settings as well.

Conclusion

These twenty musical instruments, created by people throughout the world and in different times, have helped to develop music cultures that were unfamiliar at the time. In addition to this, they have been created using different materials and methods of creation, leading them to be diverse in many ways. They were also refined through time and new versions of them were created using things such as electrical power sources and mechanical devices. 

Lastly, they are still being used today in countries all over the world. Whether it is played by a beginner or a professional musician, the musical instruments listed above have made an impact on a large number of people who listen to them daily.