Learning the names of 100 musical instruments in English with pictures helps students, beginners, and ESL learners build strong music vocabulary. This list covers all types of instruments—string, wind, percussion, keyboard, and electronic. With images of each item, it’s easier to remember instruments like the guitar, flute, and piano. Whether you’re in a music class or just curious, this guide supports clear word-picture learning for better understanding.
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List of 100 Musical Instruments with Images
This list of 100 musical instruments with pictures helps you learn their names easily. It includes string, wind, percussion, and keyboard instruments used in music around the world.
- Guitar
- Violin
- Piano
- Drum
- Flute
- Trumpet
- Saxophone
- Clarinet
- Cello
- Tabla
- Harp
- Tambourine
- Xylophone
- Accordion
- Harmonica
- Ukulele
- Mandolin
- Banjo
- Sitar
- Organ
- Synthesizer
- Tuba
- Trombone
- French Horn
- Recorder
- Conga
- Bongo
- Dhol
- Timpani
- Bass Guitar
- Electric Guitar
- Double Bass
- Viola
- Maracas
- Triangle
- Cymbals
- Kazoo
- Bagpipes
- Oboe
- Bassoon
- Toy Piano
- Claves
- Glockenspiel
- Pan Flute
- Pipe Organ
- Lute
- Lyre
- Zither
- Santoor
- Erhu
- Shamisen
- Morin Khuur
- Oud
- Bouzouki
- Balalaika
- Kora
- Sarangi
- Celesta
- DJ Controller
- MIDI Keyboard
- Drum Machine
- Sampler
- Looper
- Agogo Bells
- Guiro
- Tone Blocks
- Handbell
- Jingle Bells
- Egg Shakers
- Boomwhackers
- Shofar
- Berimbau
- Mbira
- Melodica
- Rebab
- Talking Drum
- Cabasa
- Steel Drum
- Cajón
- Hang Drum
- Udu
- Chimes
- Vibraphone
- Flexatone
- Washboard
- Wind Machine
- Slit Drum
- Whistle
- Bullroarer
- Rainstick
- Singing Bowl
- Waterphone
- Bell Tree
- Jaw Harp
- Thunder Sheet
- Tamborim
- Castanets
- Kalimba
- Pipa
- Octoban
- Shekere
- Cuíca
- Spring Drum
Common Musical Instruments Names for Easy Learning
Below is a list of the most common musical instruments, along with short descriptions to help build strong vocabulary.
- Guitar – A string instrument with a wooden body, played by strumming or plucking
- Piano – A large keyboard instrument used in classical and pop music
- Violin – A small string instrument played with a bow, often used in orchestras
- Drum – A round percussion instrument hit with sticks or hands
- Flute – A slim wind instrument played by blowing across a hole
- Trumpet – A loud brass instrument with three valves
- Tabla – A pair of hand-played drums from South Asia
- Harmonium – A small keyboard instrument with air bellows
- Saxophone – A curvy wind instrument used in jazz and bands
- Xylophone – A wooden bar instrument struck with mallets
- Tambourine – A handheld drum with jingles around the edge
- Accordion – A squeezable keyboard instrument with buttons and bellows
- Electric Guitar – A modern string instrument used in rock music
- Conga – A tall hand-played drum from Latin America
- Recorder – A simple wind instrument often used in music classes
Types of Musical Instruments in English
Musical instruments can be grouped into several categories based on how they produce sound. The main types include:
- String instruments – produce sound by vibrating strings
- Wind instruments – use air to create sound
- Percussion instruments – make sound when hit or shaken
- Keyboard instruments – played with keys to create notes
- Electronic instruments – use digital signals or electricity
String Instruments Names with Pictures
These instruments have strings that are plucked, bowed, or strummed.
- Guitar – popular in rock, pop, and folk music
- Violin – used in classical music and orchestras
- Cello – larger than a violin, with a deeper tone
- Harp – large instrument with many strings
- Sitar – traditional Indian string instrument
- Ukulele – small guitar-like instrument from Hawaii
- Banjo – used in country and folk music
- Mandolin – small, with a rounded back and bright sound
Keyboard Instruments List with Uses
These are played using keys arranged in rows.
- Piano – classic keyboard used in many music styles
- Organ – often used in churches and classical music
- Synthesizer – electronic keyboard for modern sounds
- Accordion – portable keyboard that uses bellows
- Harmonium – hand-pumped, used in South Asian music
Percussion Instruments Names List
These make sound when hit, shaken, or scraped.
- Drum – found in almost every music genre
- Tabla – pair of hand-played drums from India
- Xylophone – wooden bars struck with mallets
- Dhol – double-sided drum used in Bhangra music
- Tambourine – small frame with jingles
- Conga – tall drum from Latin music
- Bongo – small pair of drums played by hand
- Cymbals – metal plates that crash together
Wind Instruments Names in English
These instruments use air, either blown directly or through a reed.
- Flute – long, thin tube with holes
- Trumpet – loud brass instrument with valves
- Saxophone – woodwind with a brass body
- Clarinet – long tube with a single reed
- Trombone – uses a slide instead of valves
- Harmonica – small and played with the mouth
- Oboe – double-reed instrument with a sharp tone
- Bassoon – long double-reed woodwind with a deep sound
Traditional Musical Instruments from Around the World
These instruments reflect regional music and culture.
- Erhu – two-stringed Chinese bowed instrument
- Didgeridoo – Australian wind instrument
- Djembe – African hand drum
- Shamisen – Japanese three-stringed instrument
- Bagpipes – Scottish air-powered instrument
- Kora – West African harp-lute
- Pipa – Chinese pear-shaped string instrument
Electronic Music Instruments Names with Images
Used in modern music production and electronic genres.
- DJ Controller – used to mix music digitally
- Drum Machine – simulates drum sounds
- Looper – records and plays repeating sound layers
- MIDI Keyboard – connects to software for sound control
- Sampler – plays short sound clips
- Theremin – played without touching, uses hand movements
Names of Musical Instruments Used in Bands and Orchestras
Some instruments are essential in live performances and orchestras.
- Electric Guitar – a key part of bands
- Bass Guitar – adds deep rhythm
- Viola – similar to violin but slightly deeper
- Double Bass – largest string instrument in orchestras
- French Horn – brass instrument with a circular body
- Timpani – large tunable drums in orchestras
- Snare Drum – sharp-sounding drum used in bands
Musical Instruments Vocabulary for Kids and ESL Learners
This section highlights simple and fun instruments for early learners.
- Recorder – easy-to-play wind instrument
- Triangle – metal percussion struck with a beater
- Maracas – rattles shaken by hand
- Kazoo – buzzes when you hum into it
- Toy Piano – child-sized version of piano
- Claves – pair of wooden sticks hit together
- Handbell – small bell rung by hand
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