Discover the World ofMusic

Explore instruments, artists, and cultures from around the globe. Learn music theory, discover new sounds, and connect with the universal language of music.

300+
Instruments
250+
Artists
34+
Cultures
1000+
Years of History

Featured Instruments

Discover the most fascinating musical instruments from around the world

instrument

Hang Drum

The hang drum is an otherworldly UFO-shaped percussion instrument known for its melodic tones and meditative vibes. Invented in 2000 by Felix Rohner and Sabina Schärer, it combines the principles of the steelpan with the ergonomics of a hand drum.

Origin:Switzerland
Genre:Percussion
Era:Modern instrument blending Caribbean steelpan tradition with contemporary hand percussion
🎨Style:Intermediate
modernmeditationsteelhand-drummelodic
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instrument

Kalimba

The kalimba, also known as the thumb piano or mbira, is a traditional African instrument that produces hauntingly beautiful melodies with just your thumbs. Each metal tine is tuned to a different note, creating a portable orchestra in your hands.

Origin:Zimbabwe
Genre:Percussion
Era:Central to Shona spiritual practices and storytelling traditions in Zimbabwe
🎨Style:Beginner
africathumb-pianoportablemetal-tinestraditional
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instrument

Didgeridoo

The didgeridoo is the world's oldest wind instrument, producing deep, resonant drones that can transport you to the Australian outback. Made from eucalyptus trees hollowed out by termites, it's a direct connection to 40,000 years of Aboriginal culture.

Origin:Australia
Genre:Wind
Era:Sacred instrument in Aboriginal ceremonies, representing the voice of the earth
🎨Style:Advanced
australiaaboriginaldronecircular-breathingancient
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instrument

Sitar

The sitar is the crown jewel of Indian classical music, with its mesmerizing drone strings and intricate melodic capabilities. This 18-21 stringed instrument produces the quintessential sound of Hindustani classical music.

Origin:India
Genre:String
Era:Central to North Indian classical music, representing the divine connection between musician and universe
🎨Style:Advanced
indiaclassicaldronemelodicspiritual
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instrument

Mbira

The mbira is a traditional Zimbabwean thumb piano that creates complex polyrhythmic patterns and spiritual connections. Made from metal tines mounted on a wooden soundboard, it's believed to be a bridge between the living and ancestral spirits.

Origin:Zimbabwe
Genre:Percussion
Era:Sacred instrument in Shona ceremonies, used to communicate with ancestors
🎨Style:Intermediate
zimbabwespiritualthumb-pianoancestralpolyrhythmic
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instrument

Oud

The oud is the grandfather of the guitar, with its pear-shaped body and hauntingly beautiful sound that defines Middle Eastern music. This 11-stringed instrument has no frets, allowing for the microtonal scales essential to Arabic music.

Origin:Middle East
Genre:String
Era:Central to Arabic classical music, representing the soul of Middle Eastern musical tradition
🎨Style:Advanced
middle-eastarabicfretlesspear-shapedancient
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Musical Cultures

Explore the rich musical traditions from every corner of the globe

region

India

India's musical heritage spans over 3,000 years, with two main classical traditions: Hindustani (North) and Carnatic (South). The country's diverse geography and cultures have created a rich tapestry of musical styles, from the spiritual ragas of classical music to the vibrant rhythms of Bollywood.

Origin:India
Genre:Hindustani Classical
Era:Traditional
🎨Style:The sitar has 18-21 strings, but only 6-7 are played while the rest provide drone and resonance.
Hindustani ClassicalCarnatic ClassicalBollywood
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region

Mali

Mali is the heart of West African music, home to the ancient griot tradition. The country's musical heritage is deeply connected to storytelling, history, and spiritual practices. From the desert blues of the north to the traditional music of the south, Mali's sounds have influenced music worldwide.

Origin:Mali
Genre:Griot Music
Era:Traditional
🎨Style:The kora is made from a large calabash gourd covered with cow skin and has 21 strings.
Griot MusicDesert BluesTraditional West African
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region

Japan

Japanese music reflects the country's deep connection to nature and spirituality. From the meditative sounds of the shakuhachi to the powerful rhythms of taiko drums, Japanese music encompasses both traditional forms and modern innovations.

Origin:Japan
Genre:Gagaku
Era:Traditional
🎨Style:The shakuhachi was originally used by Zen monks as a spiritual tool, not just a musical instrument.
GagakuShakuhachiTaikoJ-Pop
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region

China

China's musical tradition spans over 5,000 years, with instruments that have remained largely unchanged for centuries. The country's vast geography has created distinct regional styles, from the delicate sounds of the south to the powerful music of the north.

Origin:China
Genre:Chinese Classical
Era:Traditional
🎨Style:The guzheng is one of the oldest Chinese instruments, dating back over 2,500 years.
Chinese ClassicalFolkOperaContemporary
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region

Australia

Australia's musical heritage is deeply rooted in Aboriginal culture, with the didgeridoo being one of the world's oldest instruments. The country's diverse landscapes have inspired unique musical traditions that connect people to the land and its stories.

Origin:Australia
Genre:Aboriginal Traditional
Era:Traditional
🎨Style:Traditional didgeridoos are made from eucalyptus trees hollowed out by termites.
Aboriginal TraditionalContemporary IndigenousFolk
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region

Peru

Peru's musical heritage reflects its diverse cultural influences, from ancient Incan traditions to Spanish colonial music and African rhythms. The country's geography, from the Andes to the coast, has created distinct musical styles.

Origin:Peru
Genre:Andean Folk
Era:Traditional
🎨Style:The cajón was originally made from fruit crates and used by African slaves in Peru.
Andean FolkAfro-PeruvianCriolloContemporary
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Ready to Start Your Musical Journey?

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned musician, Hankonic has everything you need to explore, learn, and connect with the world of music.