Musical Instruments That Start With b

B is for beats and melodies! From banjos to bassoons, the letter B is home to a diverse array of instruments that can add some serious flair to any musical performance. In this blog post, we’ll be exploring the rich history and unique features of some of the most popular instruments that start with the letter B.

From the traditional buzuq of Saudi Arabia to the iconic bass guitar, there’s something for every music lover to discover. So grab your drumsticks and let’s dive into the world of B-instruments!

Babendil

The Babendil is an idiophone, a type of musical instrument that creates sound through the vibration of the instrument itself rather than a stretched or otherwise stressed membrane or string. Idiophones are often classified as unpitched percussion instruments, meaning that they do not produce specific pitches like a piano or guitar would, but rather create a range of sounds through various techniques of striking, shaking, or scraping the instrument.

Baboula

The Baboula is a membranophone, a type of instrument that produces sound through the vibration of a stretched membrane. Membranophones are often classified as percussion instruments, meaning that they are played by striking or shaking the instrument to produce a range of sounds.

Bağlama

The Bağlama is a chordophone, an instrument that produces sound through the vibration of strings under tension. This category of instruments includes stringed instruments such as guitars, violins, and lutes, as well as zithers and harps.

The Bağlama is a specific type of instrument that is found in several countries in the region of the Caucasus and Anatolia, including Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kurdistan, Macedonia, Turkey, and Turkmenistan.

Bagpipe

The bagpipe is an aerophone, a type of instrument that produces sound through the vibration of air. This category of instruments includes wind instruments such as flutes, clarinets, and oboes, as well as instruments that use a reed to produce sound, such as the bagpipe.

It is an instrument that is found in various forms throughout Europe and typically consists of a windbag, one or more pipes, and a reed or reeds that produce sound when air is blown through them. It is also one of the hardest instruments to learn because of the breathing techniques required.

Bajo sexto

The bajo sexto is a chordophone and is a specific type of instrument that is found in Mexico and is typically played in conjunto music.

Bak

The bak is an idiophone found in Korea and is typically played in traditional Korean music.

Balaban

The balaban is an aerophone found in Azerbaijan and Iran, and typically consists of a wooden body with a single reed or double reed, and may be played in a manner similar to an oboe or a duduk.

Balaban (drum)

The balaban (drum) is a membranophone, a specific type of drum that is found in Montserrat and is typically played in traditional music from that region.

Balafon

The balafon is a specific type of idiophone that is found in various parts of Africa, including Burkina Faso, Chad, Gambia, Guinea, Mali, and Senegal. It typically consists of a wooden frame with a series of wooden or metal keys or bars that are struck with mallets to produce sound.

Balalaika

The balalaika is a chordophone, a type of musical instrument that produces sound through the vibration of strings under tension. The balalaika is found in Russia, and typically has a triangular body and three strings.

Balsié

The balsié is a membranophone, a specific type of drum that is found in the Dominican Republic and is typically played in traditional music from that region.

Bamboula

The bamboula is a type of drum that is found in Haiti and is typically played in traditional music from that region.

Bamileke

The Bamileke log drum is a specific type of idiophone that is found in various parts of Africa and Asia and typically consists of a hollow log or tree trunk that is struck with sticks or other implements to produce sound.

It is similar to a slit drum, which is a type of idiophone with a slit or other opening in the body that allows the player to produce different sounds by striking different parts of the instrument.

Bandola

The bandola is a stringed instrument that is popular in Colombia and Venezuela. It belongs to the chordophone family, which includes instruments that produce sound by vibrating strings. The bandola is typically plucked or strummed, and it has a pear-shaped body with a long neck. It is often used in traditional and folk music in these countries.

Bandolin

The bandolin is a similar instrument that is popular in Ecuador. It also belongs to the chordophone family and is played in a similar way to the bandola. It has a small, round body with a short neck, and it is often used in folk music and traditional ensembles.

Bandolón

The bandolón is a stringed instrument that is popular in Mexico. It belongs to the chordophone family and is played in a similar way to the bandola and bandolin. It has a long, narrow body with a short neck, and it is often used in traditional and folk music in Mexico.

Bandoneón

The bandoneón is a free reed instrument that is popular in Latin America. It belongs to the aerophone family, which includes instruments that produce sound by vibrating air. The bandoneón is a type of accordion that is played by pressing buttons or keys to open and close reeds, which produces sound. It is often used in traditional and folk music in Latin America.

Bandora

The bandora is a stringed instrument that is similar to the bandola, bandolin, and bandolón. It belongs to the chordophone family and is played by plucking or strumming its strings. It has a long neck and a pear-shaped body, and it is often used in traditional and folk music.

Bandura

The bandura is a stringed instrument that is popular in Ukraine. It belongs to the chordophone family, which includes instruments that produce sound by vibrating strings. The bandura has a long neck and a rounded, pear-shaped body, and it is typically plucked or strummed. It is often used in traditional and folk music in Ukraine.

Bandurria

The bandurria is a similar instrument that is popular in Aragon, the Philippines, and Spain. It also belongs to the chordophone family and is played in a similar way to the bandura. It has a small, round body and a short neck, and it is often used in folk music and traditional ensembles.

Banhu

The banhu is a stringed instrument that is popular in China. It belongs to the chordophone family and is played in a similar way to the bandura and bandurria. It has a long neck and a round, pear-shaped body, and it is often used in traditional and folk music in China.

Banjo Ukulele

The banjo ukulele, or “ukelele banjo,” is a stringed instrument that is popular in the United States. It is a hybrid instrument that combines the body of a banjo with the neck and tuning of a ukulele. It belongs to the chordophone family and is played by plucking or strumming its strings. It is often used in folk and pop music.

Zither Banjo

The zither banjo is a stringed instrument that is popular in North America. It is a hybrid instrument that combines the body of a banjo with the strings and playing style of a zither. It belongs to the chordophone family and is played by plucking or strumming its strings. It is often used in folk and old-time music.

Bansuri

The bansuri is an instrument that is popular in India. It belongs to the aerophone family, which includes instruments that produce sound by vibrating air. The bansuri is a type of flute that is made from bamboo, and it is played by blowing into a hole near one end of the instrument. It is often used in traditional and folk music in India.

Bara

The bara is a percussion instrument that is popular in Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, and Mali. It belongs to the membranophone family, which includes instruments that produce sound by vibrating a stretched membrane. The bara is a drum with a single head that is played by striking it with the hands or with drumsticks. It is often used in traditional and folk music in these countries.

Barbat

The barbat is an instrument that is popular in Armenia and Iran. It belongs to the chordophone family, which includes instruments that produce sound by vibrating strings. The barbat has a long neck and a rounded, pear-shaped body, and it is typically plucked or strummed. It is often used in traditional and folk music in these countries.

Baritone Horn

The baritone horn is a brass instrument that is popular in Germany. It belongs to the aerophone family, and it is played by buzzing the lips into a cup-shaped mouthpiece. It is similar in size and shape to a trumpet, but it has a lower range and a more mellow sound. It is often used in orchestras, marching bands, and brass ensembles.

Baritone Voice

The baritone voice is a vocal register that is commonly found in the human voice. It belongs to the aerophone family, which includes instruments that produce sound by vibrating air. The baritone voice is a type of male singing voice that is lower than the tenor and higher than the bass. It is often used in choral music and opera, and it is typically associated with strong, rich, and mellow tones.

Barrel Drum

The barrel drum is a percussion instrument that is popular in Cuba. It belongs to the membranophone family, which includes instruments that produce sound by vibrating a stretched membrane. It is a type of drum that is made from a hollowed-out barrel or another cylindrical container. It is played by striking it with the hands or with drumsticks, and it is often used in traditional and folk music in Cuba.

Barrilesbuleador Primo Repicador Subidor

The barrilesbuleador primo repicador subidor is a percussion instrument that is popular in Puerto Rico. It is similar to the barrel drum, and it belongs to the membranophone family. The barrilesbuleador primo repicador subidor is a type of drum that is made from a hollowed-out barrel or other cylindrical containers. It is played by striking it with the hands or with drumsticks, and it is often used in traditional and folk music in Puerto Rico.

Baryton

The baryton is an instrument that is popular in England. It belongs to the chordophone family, which includes instruments that produce sound by vibrating strings. The baryton is a type of bowed string instrument that is played with a bow, and it has a long neck and a round, pear-shaped body. It is often used in classical and baroque music, and it is known for its distinctive, rich, and mellow sound.

Bass drum

The bass drum is a percussion instrument that is popular in many different countries. It belongs to the membranophone family, and it is played by striking it with a drumstick or mallet. The bass drum is a large, cylindrical drum that produces a deep, booming sound. It is often used in orchestras, marching bands, and drum sets, and it is typically played with the feet.

Bassoon

The bassoon is a woodwind instrument that is popular in Western Europe. It belongs to the aerophone family, and it is played by blowing into a double reed at the end of the instrument. The bassoon is a long, narrow instrument with a curved metal tube and a flared wooden body. It is similar to the oboe, but it has a lower range and a more mellow sound. It is often used in orchestras and wind ensembles.

Batá Drum

The batá drum is a percussion instrument that is popular in Cuba, Nigeria, and the Yoruba culture. It belongs to the idiophone family, which includes instruments that produce sound by vibrating themselves, rather than by vibrating strings or a stretched membrane. The batá drum is a double-headed drum that is played by striking it with the hands or with drumsticks. It is often used in traditional and folk music in these countries, and it is known for its complex rhythms and intricate patterns.

Bawu

The bawu is a woodwind instrument that is popular in China. It belongs to the aerophone family, and it is a type of free-reed instrument. Free reed instruments produce sound when a reed vibrates within a chamber, and the bawu is played by blowing into a hole near one end of the instrument. It is often used in traditional and folk music in China, and it is known for its bright and expressive sound.

Bayan

The bayan is an instrument that is popular in Russia. It belongs to the aerophone family, and it is a type of free-reed instrument. The bayan is a type of accordion that is played by pressing buttons or keys to open and close reeds, which produces sound. It is often used in traditional and folk music in Russia, and it is known for its rich, warm, and expressive sound.

Bazooka

The bazooka is a brass instrument that is popular in many different countries. It belongs to the aerophone family, and it is played by buzzing the lips into a cup-shaped mouthpiece. The bazooka is a long, narrow instrument that is similar in size and shape to a trumpet, but it has a wider bore and a more mellow sound. It is often used in orchestras, marching bands, and brass ensembles.

Beatboxing

Beatboxing is a vocal technique that is popular in many different countries. It belongs to the aerophone family, and it involves producing a variety of sounds and rhythms using only the voice. Beatboxing is often used in hip-hop and other styles of music, and it is known for its fast and intricate patterns, as well as its wide range of vocal effects and sound effects. It is typically performed by a solo artist, but it can also be integrated into group performances.

Bedug

The bedug is a percussion instrument that is popular in Indonesia. It belongs to the membranophone family, which includes instruments that produce sound by vibrating a stretched membrane. The bedug is a large, barrel-shaped drum that is played by striking it with the hands or with drumsticks. It is often used in traditional and folk music in Indonesia, and it is known for its deep, booming sound.

Berimbau

The berimbau is a instrument that is popular in Brazil. It belongs to the chordophone family, which includes instruments that produce sound by vibrating strings. The berimbau is a bowed string instrument that is played with a bow, and it has a long, curved wooden body and a steel string. It is often used in traditional and folk music in Brazil, and it is known for its distinctive, rhythmic sound.

Bifora

The bifora is a woodwind instrument that is popular in Italy, specifically in Sicily. It belongs to the aerophone family, and it is a type of reed instrument. Reed instruments produce sound when a reed vibrates within a chamber, and the bifora is played by blowing into a double reed at the end of the instrument. It is similar to the oboe, but it has a shorter, narrower body and a more mellow sound. It is often used in traditional and folk music in Sicily.

Bipa

The bipa is a stringed instrument that is popular in Korea. It belongs to the chordophone family and is played by plucking or strumming its strings. The bipa has a long neck and a pear-shaped body, and it is often used in traditional and folk music in Korea. It is known for its bright, lively sound, and it is often played in ensembles with other instruments.

Birbynė

The birbynė is a woodwind instrument that is popular in Lithuania. It belongs to the aerophone family, and it is a type of reed instrument. The birbynė is a type of oboe that is played by blowing into a double reed at the end of the instrument. It is often used in traditional and folk music in Lithuania, and it is known for its bright, expressive sound.

Biwa

The biwa is a stringed instrument that is popular in Japan. It belongs to the chordophone family, which includes instruments that produce sound by vibrating strings. The biwa has a short neck and a large, pear-shaped body, and it is played by plucking or strumming its strings. It is often used in traditional and folk music in Japan, and it is known for its bright, lively sound.

Blown Bottle

The blown bottle is a simple and easiest instrument that is homemade and is popular in many different countries. It belongs to the aerophone family, which includes instruments that produce sound by vibrating air. The blown bottle is made by blowing into the mouth of a bottle, and it produces a range of pitches and tones depending on the size and shape of the bottle. It is often used as a toy or novelty instrument, but it can also be incorporated into music and sound art.

Blul

The blul is a woodwind instrument that is popular in Greece. It belongs to the aerophone family, and it is played by blowing into a hole near one end of the instrument. The blul is a type of end-blown flute, similar to the kaval, and it has a narrow, curved wooden body and six finger holes. It is often used in traditional and folk music in Greece, and it is known for its bright, expressive sound.

Bodhrán

The bodhrán is a percussion instrument that is popular in Ireland and Scotland. It belongs to the membranophone family, which includes instruments that produce sound by vibrating a stretched membrane. The bodhrán is a type of frame drum that is played by striking it with the hands or with a beater. It is often used in traditional and folk music in these countries, and it is known for its fast, intricate rhythms and patterns.

Bombarde

The bombarde is a woodwind instrument that is popular in France. It belongs to the aerophone family, and it is a type of reed instrument. The bombarde is a type of oboe that is played by blowing into a double reed at the end of the instrument. The chromatic bombarde is a variation of the instrument that has additional keys and holes, allowing it to play a wider range of pitches and scales. It is often used in traditional and folk music in France, and it is known for its bright, expressive sound.

Bongo Drums

The bongo drums are a percussion instrument that is popular in Cuba. They belong to the membranophone family, which includes instruments that produce sound by vibrating a stretched membrane. The bongo drums are a pair of small, single-headed drums that are played by striking them with the hands or with drumsticks. They are often used in traditional and folk music in Cuba, and they are known for their fast, intricate rhythms and patterns.

Boobam

The boobam is a percussion instrument that is popular in the United States. It belongs to the membranophone family, and it is played by striking it with the hands or with drumsticks. The boobam is a large, barrel-shaped drum that is similar in size and shape to a tom-tom. It is often used in contemporary music, and it is known for its deep, booming sound.

Boomwhacker

The boomwhacker is a percussion instrument that is popular in the United States. It belongs to the aerophone family, which includes instruments that produce sound by vibrating air. The boomwhacker is a plastic tube that is struck with the hands or with drumsticks to produce a pitched sound. It is often used in educational settings and in group music-making, and it is known for its bright, lively sound.

Bordonua

The bordonua is a stringed instrument that is popular in Puerto Rico. It belongs to the chordophone family, which includes instruments that produce sound by vibrating strings. The bordonua is a large, guitar-like instrument that is played by plucking or strumming its strings. It is often used in traditional and folk music in Puerto Rico, and it is known for its rich, warm, and expressive sound.

Bouzouki

The bouzouki is a stringed instrument that is popular in Greece. It belongs to the chordophone family and is played by plucking or strumming its strings. The bouzouki has a long neck and a pear-shaped body, and it is often used in traditional and folk music in Greece. It is known for its bright, lively sound, and it is often played in ensembles with other instruments.

Buccina

The buccina is a brass instrument that was popular in Ancient Rome. It belongs to the aerophone family, which includes instruments that produce sound by vibrating air. The buccina was a type of trumpet that was played by buzzing the lips into a cup-shaped mouthpiece. It was often used in military and ceremonial music, and it was known for its loud, penetrating sound.

Bugle

The bugle is a brass instrument that is popular in Europe. It belongs to the aerophone family, and it is played by buzzing the lips into a cup-shaped mouthpiece. The bugle is similar in size and shape to a trumpet, but it has a simpler design and a limited range of pitches. It is often used in military and ceremonial music, and it is known for its clear, concise tones.

Bullroarer

The bullroarer is a simple, ancient instrument that is popular in many different cultures. It belongs to the aerophone family, and it produces sound by spinning through the air. The bullroarer is a flat, rectangular piece of wood or other material that is attached to a string or cord, and it is swung in a circular motion to produce a whirling, buzzing sound. It is often used in religious and ceremonial contexts, and it is known for its mysterious and haunting sound.

Buzuq

The buzuq is a chordophone instrument that originated in Saudi Arabia. It belongs to the family of stringed instruments and is played by plucking its strings with a plectrum. The buzuq has a long neck and a pear-shaped body and is typically made of wood and metal.

It is an integral part of the traditional music of Saudi Arabia and is often used in performances of folk and popular music. The buzuq has a distinctive sound that is characterized by its bright and resonant tone, and it is played in a variety of styles and techniques, depending on the music being performed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, after going through all the instruments that start with b, you must have figured that the letter B is home to a diverse and fascinating array of instruments that have shaped the sound of music around the world. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or a music lover looking to explore new sounds, the instruments starting with the letter B offer a wealth of opportunities for discovery and creative expression.

So grab your instrument of choice and get ready to make some beautiful music!

You can also, check out all the musical instruments that start with a or continue with my alphabetical series with musical instruments that start with the letter c.

References:

Image by egonkling from Pixabay

Image by obBilder from Pixabay