Musical Instruments

A musical instrument is an object made or used to produce musical sound. Sound is produced by vibrations affecting a string, membrane, wood, metal, or air in a chamber. The player controls how the vibration occurs, which determines the pitch, volume, and duration of the sound.

Musical instruments are among the oldest forms of art created by humans. Every society has instruments particular to itself, linked to its language, games, and ceremonies. Some are used in celebrations, others in worship or long-distance communication.

Classification

The global system of classification is based on what produces the vibration. The main categories are: stringed instruments (such as the bow and guitar), wind instruments played with the mouth (such as the flute and trumpet), percussion instruments (such as the drum and oud), and instruments whose entire body vibrates. There are also electronic instruments that produce sound through electromagnetic rotation.

How sound is produced

When a string is plucked or struck, it vibrates in waves determined by its length, tension, and the force applied. A short, tight string produces high pitch. In a blown tube, the air inside vibrates, and the length of the air column determines the pitch. The body of an instrument—such as a guitar's body—amplifies the sound and gives it a particular quality.

Instruments common to Somalia

Somali music uses stringed instruments that are struck or bowed, and various types of drums. The kaban and oud are well-known names in Somali tradition. In modern times, musical groups combine traditional instruments with electronic ones such as the guitar and keyboard.