What Instruments Are Used In Modern Classical Music?

A student of any type of music knows that the majority of musical instruments fall into one of the following six categories: Bowed Strings, Brass, Keyboard, Percussion, Woodwind and then the guitar family. The first four are what the modern symphony orchestra is based upon and has developed over many, many years.

In terms of a 'classical' instrument in the world of music, there isn't such a thing as a “classical instrument”. Musical instruments of any sort can be used in any genre of music. However, the instruments used in 20th century music and the instruments used in today's orchestra are much the same as the traditional ondes martenot, synthesizers and theremin.

The period instruments known as classical music instruments have been noted as being built as far back as 1864, and over the past 700 years or so, an array of instruments have evolved from those. Most of those instruments are still used today, although in different styles than originally designed. The instruments used in today’s orchestra have changed and developed from those that were first developed during the 16th century, yet the end result is the same … producing beautiful music to be enjoyed by all.

Archaeological digs have discovered early flute type instruments that appear to be thousands of years old and basic drums dated from the beginning of time for man. What we know as the flute today is from the early development that was most likely used by Bach in the 18th century. New instruments evolved around 1650, like the clarinet that didn't gain popularity until the late 18th century. The saxophone of today appears to have been developed around 1841, but it is believed that the tuba was first developed around 1835.

Modern orchestra or classical musical instruments include the clarinet, developed in the 1600s and the contrabassoon, a reed instrument often referred to as the bassoon's big brother. The trumpet, cymbals and the triangle round out the orchestra, each adding their own unique sound that is a part of what we enjoy in modern classical music today.

The instruments considered to be classical are as follows:

The woodwind instruments work by depressing keys and release the air blown through a reed on the mouth piece, by the player.

The brass instruments also work by blowing into them, however the player blows directly into the cup of a mouthpiece on the instrument and the wind vibrates the inner rim.

The percussion instruments resonate their sound when the player hits on it with either their hand or a stick.

The 'classical' acoustic guitar, Spanish-derived, is a six-stringed instrument and the guitarist will use either a pick or their fingers, strumming the strings with one hand holding the strings down on the frets to create different chords. 

Each of these instruments may be found in Country, Blues, Jazz, Pop, Rock and more.