What are some common musical instruments?

Musical instruments are objects people use to make music. There are many different types. Let’s learn some common ones:

• Guitar: This instrument has strings. You play it with your hands. I like to play the guitar.
• Violin: This is a small string instrument. You play it with a bow. The violin makes a beautiful sound.
• Piano: This is a large instrument with black and white keys. You press the keys. My sister plays the piano.
• Saxophone: This is a shiny, golden instrument. It is a wind instrument. He plays the saxophone in a band.
• Clarinet: This is a black wind instrument. It has keys. She learns the clarinet at school.
• Drums: These are many instruments together. You hit them with sticks. The drums make a loud rhythm.

How do we talk about playing instruments?

When you want to say someone makes music with an instrument, you use the verb play.

It is important to use the word the before the instrument name. For example, we say play the guitar, not just play guitar.

• I play the piano.
• Do you play the violin?
• She wants to learn the saxophone.

示例

• My brother plays the guitar.
• The violin is a beautiful instrument.
• Can you play the piano?
• I like the sound of the saxophone.
• She has a new clarinet.
• The drums make a lot of noise!

练习

西班牙语母语者常犯的错误

A common mistake for Spanish speakers is to forget the word the before the instrument when talking about playing it.

In Spanish, you might say ‘tocar guitarra’ (to play guitar) without ‘la’. But in English, we usually say play the guitar.

• 正确： I play the piano.
• 错误： I play piano.

常见问题

What is a musical instrument?

It is an object used to make music. For example, a guitar or a piano.

How do I say ‘tocar’ for an instrument in English?

You use the verb play. 例如，, I play the guitar.

Do I always use ‘the’ before an instrument?

Yes, when you talk about playing it, you usually say play the guitar 或 play the piano.

Related lessons

• Music vocabulary