Music is all around us, but did you know some seriously cool instruments start with the letter “I”?
Imagine an instrument so rare, it might sound like it’s from another planet! Or how about one that looks totally different from anything you’ve seen?
The world of musical instruments is full of surprises, and the letter “I” has some hidden gems that are just waiting to be examined. From instruments that make you want to tap your feet to ones that’ll make you scratch your head and say, “How does that even work?” This list has it all.
If you’re into strings, percussion, or something totally out there, these instruments are sure to grab your attention and leave you thinking, “I need to learn more about that!”
Get ready to meet the coolest instruments that start with I!
List of Musical Instruments that Start with I
1. Icyembe
A long wooden box instrument fitted with acoustic strings, the Icyembe produces a deep and melodic sound when played. It holds a special place in ceremonial performances, where its tones enhance dances and rituals.
The sound is rich and harmonic, adding a special flavor to traditional music. It’s often used for storytelling and to accompany cultural expressions.
Origin: Rwanda
How to Play: The Icyembe is played by plucking or strumming the strings, producing a melodic and resonant sound.
Tip: Keep your fingers relaxed while plucking or strumming the strings to produce clear and resonant tones without too much tension.
2. Ideh
The Ideh consists of large seeds attached to a grass band worn on the arm or leg. When shaken, it produces rhythmic sounds, adding energy and texture to traditional music.
This simple yet effective rattle enhances dance and movement in cultural performances. Its sharp sound is perfect for accompanying rhythmic beats during celebrations.
Origin: Nigeria
How to Play: The Ideh is worn on the body, typically around the ankle or wrist, and shaken to produce sound as the performer dances or moves.
Tip: Shake the Ideh with rhythm and precision to ensure the seeds produce a sharp, consistent sound, adding energy to the dance.
3. Idiophones
Idiophones are a class of instruments that produce sound through the vibration of their own material. These include instruments like bells, cymbals, and xylophones, creating bright and clear tones.
Used in various global musical traditions, they provide rhythm and accents. Their versatility makes them an essential part of both traditional and contemporary ensembles.
Origin: Worldwide
How to Play: Idiophones are typically struck, rubbed, or shaken to produce sound. The player can use mallets or hands, depending on the instrument.
Tip: Experiment with varying the force and angle of the strikes on the idiophone to create different tonal qualities and rhythms.
4. Ieta
The Ieta is a small, seven-stringed harp that produces gentle melodies when plucked. It’s an important part of the Baka people’s culture.
This instrument brings a soft, pleasant sound to traditional music, often accompanying rituals and stories. It represents the deep connection between music, nature, and tradition in the Baka community.
Origin: Southeast Cameroon
How to Play: The player sits and holds the Ieta on their lap, plucking the strings with their fingers to create melodies.
Tip: Use a light touch when plucking the strings to produce delicate melodies, ensuring the sound remains clear and soothing.
5. Ievina
A Latvian accordion, the Ievina is known for its distinct air-pressure mechanism. It’s used for providing both melody and harmony.
The instrument has a deep, resonant sound that resonates in festive gatherings and regional music styles. The Ievina holds a special place in Latvian cultural traditions, contributing to celebratory music and dances.
Origin: Latvia
How to Play: The player squeezes the accordion’s bellows while pressing the keys or buttons, producing a combination of melody and harmony.
Tip: Be mindful of the bellows’ pressure; too much or too little pressure can affect the sound quality, so maintain a steady flow of air.
6. Igba
The Igba is a traditional drum made from antelope skin and with a peg-tuned head. It produces deep, resonant sounds. This drum is vital in Nigerian ceremonies and dances, where it provides a rhythmic foundation.
Its booming tone brings an energetic pulse to communal performances.
Origin: Nigeria
How to Play: The Igba is held by a strap over the shoulder, and the player strikes the drumhead with a curved stick, producing rhythmic beats.
Tip: Hold the Igba drum at a comfortable angle to allow for full control while striking, ensuring that the sound is deep and resonant.
7. Igil
The Igil is a two-stringed fiddle with a carved wooden horse’s head at the top, producing a deep, droning sound. It’s used in Tuva, where it’s often part of storytelling or ceremonial performances.
The instrument’s eerie tone reflects the vastness of the steppe and is said to carry the spirit of nature. It’s played in a seated position, often accompanying throat singing.
Origin: Tuva, Russian Federation
How to Play: The Igil is played with a bow, drawn across the two strings while the instrument is held vertically. The player controls the pitch by pressing the strings with their fingers.
Tip: Focus on using slow and controlled bow movements to bring out the rich, drone-like quality of the Igil, especially when accompanying throat singing.
8. Ijachi
The Ijachi is an iron spear with clappers attached, used in warrior music groups.. When plunged into the ground, the clappers vibrate, producing a metallic, rattling sound.
This instrument symbolizes strength and power, often played during warrior ceremonies and celebrations. The rhythmic sound is integral to cultural performances that honor warriors.
Origin: Nigeria
How to Play: The Ijachi is held in the hands and plunged into the ground, causing the clappers to vibrate and create sound with each movement.
Tip: When plunging the Ijachi into the ground, vary the speed to create different rhythmic effects, and ensure the clappers make consistent, vibrant sounds
9. Ikh khuur
The Ikh Khuur is a Mongolian double bass known for its deep, resonating tone. It plays a crucial role in Mongolian folk music, often accompanying vocal performances.
The sound produced by the Ikh Khuur reflects the vastness of the Mongolian landscape, adding richness and depth to traditional music. It’s a powerful instrument in both solo and ensemble settings.
Origin: Mongolia
How to Play: The Ikh khuur is played with a bow, drawn across its strings while the player controls the pitch using finger placement.
Tip: Maintain a firm grip on the bow while drawing it across the strings to create a strong and steady tone, especially when playing in ensemble settings
10. Ikili
The Ikili is a two-stringed instrument steeped in magical beliefs. It produces a wind-like sound, said to have calming properties.
This instrument is important in Altai culture. It is often used for storytelling and spiritual practices. The instrument’s unique tone is believed to connect humans with nature and the spirits of the taiga.
Origin: Altai Republic, Russian Federation
How to Play: The player strums the strings of the Ikili, often while sitting on the ground, creating a resonant, ethereal sound.
Tip: Strum the strings gently to produce a smooth, wind-like sound, and be mindful of the instrument’s resonance to achieve an ethereal tone.
11. Ikko
The Ikko is a goblet-shaped drum with intricate decorations, played in various ceremonial contexts. Its deep, resonant tones are used to enhance traditional performances and rituals.
The instrument’s visual beauty complements its powerful sound, making it a key part of cultural music. It’s often used in festivals and sacred ceremonies.
Origin: Japan
How to Play: The Ikko is played by striking its surface with the hands or a mallet, producing a deep, resonant tone.
Tip: When playing the Ikko, try using the palms of your hands for larger, deeper strikes and your fingertips for softer, more controlled sounds.
12. Ilapai
The Ilapai is a traditional trumpet used by indigenous tribes. It’s crafted from natural materials and produces a loud, bold sound, typically used for ceremonial or ritual purposes.
The instrument’s deep sound is used to signal important events and communicate across the dense Amazon jungle. Its powerful tone connects the tribes with the spirits and the environment.
Origin: Brazil
How to Play: The Ilapai is blown into, using the lips to create a loud, piercing sound that carries over long distances.
Tip: Focus on the pitch and breath control when playing the Ilapai, as the instrument’s loud and piercing sound relies heavily on your breath technique.
13. Ilimba
The Ilimba, or thumb piano, is a small, portable instrument. It consists of metal keys attached to a wooden board, played by plucking the keys with the thumbs.
The Ilimba produces a bright, melodic sound, often used in traditional African music. Its simplicity makes it easy to learn, and it’s a common instrument in community music-making.
Origin: Tanzania
How to Play: The player uses their thumbs to pluck the metal keys, producing a melodic and rhythmic sound.
Tip: Keep your thumbs relaxed and nimble, as a smooth, light touch is key to producing clean, melodic notes on the metal keys.
14. Ilu
The Ilu is a tall drum used in Bahian candomblé ceremonies. Its powerful sound is integral to the rhythms of these Afro-Brazilian rituals.
The drum’s deep tones set the pace for the dance and invoke spiritual connections. It’s often played in ceremonies dedicated to the orishas, adding sacred depth to the music.
Origin: Brazil
How to Play: The Ilu is played by striking its membrane with the hands, producing powerful beats that align with the spiritual rhythms.
Tip: Keep a steady hand position while striking the Ilu, as varying your strike force will help produce both the rhythmic and powerful sounds needed for ceremonies.
15. Imzad
The Imzad is a one-stringed fiddle traditionally played by Tuareg women. It is made from a calabash or wooden bowl covered with goatskin and has a single horsehair string.
The Imzad’s haunting sound is integral to Tuareg society. It often accompanies songs about past heroes and cultural events. It represents the musical voice of Tuareg women.
Origin: North Africa (Tuareg people)
How to Play: The Imzad is played with a bow, producing haunting melodies by drawing the bow across the single string. The instrument is often accompanied by singing.
Tip: Use gentle, consistent bow movements to produce smooth, flowing melodies, ensuring the string vibrates clearly to evoke the haunting sounds of the Imzad.
Wrapping Up!
Musical instruments that start with “I” show just how exciting and diverse the world of music can be. From the deep tones of the Icyembe to the rhythmic shakes of the Ideh, each instrument has something special to offer.
These instruments aren’t just visually interesting—they also carry rich stories and cultural traditions. Imagine playing the Igil and feeling like you’re part of an ancient tale or shaking the Ijachi and making the ground vibrate!
Whether it’s the powerful beats of the Ilu or the smooth melodies of the Ilimba, these instruments prove that music comes in many different styles.
So, if you’re ready to try something new, grab an instrument that starts with I and let the music flow!
It’s a fun way to experience culture, rhythm, and sound like never before!
