World Instrument Field Guide

Traditional & folk instruments, explained

A plain-language reference to the instruments of folk traditions around the world — how they are built, how they are played, and where they come from. 29 instruments, each in seven short sections.

Stringed & Plucked 6 instruments

Lutes, zithers and plucked strings from folk traditions around the world.

NO. 001 Banjo United States · Plucked String NO. 002 Sitar India · Plucked String NO. 003 Mandolin Italy · Plucked String NO. 016 Balalaika Russia · Plucked String NO. 017 Oud Middle East · Plucked String NO. 018 Koto Japan · Plucked String

Wind & Reeds 6 instruments

Flutes, pipes and reed instruments played with breath.

NO. 004 Bagpipes Scotland · Woodwind NO. 005 Didgeridoo Australia · Woodwind NO. 006 Ocarina Italy · Woodwind NO. 019 Pan Flute South America · Woodwind NO. 020 Shakuhachi Japan · Woodwind NO. 021 Duduk Armenia · Woodwind

Free-Reed & Bellows 6 instruments

Instruments whose sound is made by reeds and bellows.

NO. 007 Accordion Germany · Free-Reed NO. 008 Concertina England · Free-Reed NO. 009 Bandoneon Germany · Free-Reed NO. 022 Harmonium France · Free-Reed NO. 023 Melodica Germany · Free-Reed NO. 024 Harmonica Germany · Free-Reed

Percussion & Rhythm 6 instruments

Drums and struck instruments that carry rhythm and melody.

NO. 010 Djembe West Africa · Percussion NO. 011 Bodhran Ireland · Percussion NO. 012 Tabla India · Percussion NO. 025 Steelpan Trinidad and Tobago · Percussion NO. 026 Kalimba Southern Africa · Percussion NO. 027 Cajon Peru · Percussion

Bowed & Regional 5 instruments

Bowed strings and regional instruments with deep cultural roots.

NO. 013 Erhu China · Bowed String NO. 014 Sarangi India · Bowed String NO. 015 Hurdy-Gurdy Europe · Bowed String NO. 028 Morin Khuur Mongolia · Bowed String NO. 029 Rebab Middle East · Bowed String