Music is a rich tapestry woven with diverse instruments, each contributing its unique voice to the symphony of sounds.
In this exploration, we delve into the realm of musical instruments that begin with the letter “M,” spanning a wide array of cultures and genres. Join us as we journey through this melodic alphabet!
List of the Musical Instruments that Start with M
1. Maguhu
The maguhu is a traditional Chinese bowed string instrument with a history dating back centuries. It features two strings stretched over a small, resonant wooden body and is played with a bow.
The maguhu’s sound is characterized by its haunting and expressive qualities, making it a popular choice in traditional Chinese opera and folk music. Performers often use techniques such as vibrato and glissando to evoke different emotions and moods in their music.
2. Majestic Bellowphone
The majestic bellowphone is a unique hybrid instrument that combines elements of brass and percussion. It consists of a set of brass tubes mounted on a frame, with a bellows mechanism attached to produce airflow.
When the bellows are operated, air is forced through the tubes, creating a rich, resonant tone. The majestic bellowphone is often used in marching bands and street performances, adding a festive and celebratory atmosphere to any musical ensemble.
3. Mando-bass
The mando-bass is a string instrument that combines the small, round body of a mandolin with the deep, resonant tones of a bass guitar. It typically has four strings tuned in fifths, similar to a mandolin, but with a longer scale length to accommodate lower pitches.
The mando-bass is popular in bluegrass and folk music, where its unique timbre adds depth and richness to ensemble performances.
4. Mandocello
The mandocello is a large, fretted string instrument that is a member of the mandolin family. It is tuned an octave below the mandolin and has a deep, mellow tone that is similar to the cello.
The mandocello is often used as a rhythm instrument in bluegrass and folk music, providing a solid foundation for melodic instruments like the mandolin and fiddle.
5. Mandoharp
The mandoharp, also known as the mouth harp or Jew’s harp, is a small, handheld instrument that produces sound by vibrating a flexible metal tongue.
It is played by placing the instrument against the teeth and plucking the tongue with the fingers. The mandoharp has a distinctive twangy sound that is used in folk music around the world, from Europe to Asia to the Americas.
6. Mandola
The mandola is a larger, deeper-toned relative of the mandolin, with a body shape similar to a teardrop. It is tuned a fifth below the mandolin and has a warm, resonant sound that is well-suited to accompaniment and chordal playing.
The mandola is commonly used in Celtic and folk music, where its rich tone adds depth and texture to ensemble arrangements.
7. Mandolin
The mandolin is a small, pear-shaped string instrument that is a member of the lute family. It has four pairs of strings tuned in unison, and is played with a plectrum or pick.
The mandolin has a bright, cheerful sound that is well-suited to melody and solo playing, and is commonly used in bluegrass, folk, and classical music.
8. Mandora
The mandora is a Renaissance-era string instrument that is similar in appearance and sound to the lute. It has a pear-shaped body, a fretted neck, and usually six strings.
The mandora was popular in Europe during the 16th and 17th centuries, and was often used to accompany vocal music or as a solo instrument in chamber music ensembles.
9. Mandore
The mandore is a medieval string instrument that is an ancestor of the mandolin. It has a pear-shaped body, a fretted neck, and usually four strings.
The mandore was popular in Europe during the Middle Ages, and was often used to accompany singing or dancing.
10. Maracas
Maracas are percussion instruments that consist of a pair of hollow gourds filled with seeds or beads. They are shaken or rattled to produce a rhythmic sound, and are commonly used in Latin American music, particularly in genres like salsa, merengue, and samba.
Maracas are also popular as children’s toys and are often used in educational settings to teach rhythm and music appreciation.
11. Marímbula
The marímbula is a Caribbean percussion instrument that is similar in appearance and sound to the thumb piano or kalimba. It consists of a wooden box with metal tines or tongues of varying lengths attached to the top.
The tines are plucked or struck with the fingers to produce a melodic or rhythmic sound. The marímbula is commonly used in genres like reggae, calypso, and Afro-Caribbean music.
12. Marimba
The marimba is a percussion instrument that consists of a series of wooden bars arranged in chromatic order and struck with mallets to produce sound.
It originated in Africa and is now popular in Latin American music, particularly in countries like Guatemala and Mexico, where it is often used in traditional folk music and marimba ensembles. The marimba has a warm, resonant tone and is capable of producing complex and intricate melodies.
13. Marimbaphone
The marimbaphone is a keyboard percussion instrument that is similar in appearance and sound to the marimba. It consists of wooden bars arranged in chromatic order and struck with mallets to produce sound.
The marimbaphone is often used in orchestral and concert band settings, where it provides a melodic and harmonic foundation for the ensemble.
14. Marovany
The marovany is a box-shaped string instrument that is native to Madagascar. It consists of a wooden body with metal strings stretched across the top, which are plucked or struck with the fingers to produce sound.
The marovany is commonly used in traditional Malagasy music, particularly in genres like salegy and tsapiky, where it provides a rhythmic and melodic accompaniment to singing and dancing.
15. Mbira
The mbira, also known as the thumb piano or kalimba, is a traditional African instrument that consists of a wooden board with metal tines attached to the top. The tines are plucked with the thumbs to produce sound, and the instrument is often played in ensemble settings with other percussion instruments.
The mbira has a bright, bell-like tone and is commonly used in ceremonies, rituals, and social gatherings in countries like Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Mozambique.
16. Mechanical music box
The mechanical music box is a mechanical device that produces music by plucking metal pins on a rotating cylinder. It consists of a wooden or metal box with a hand-cranked mechanism that drives the cylinder and activates the pins.
As the cylinder rotates, the pins pluck metal tines or teeth attached to a comb, producing sound. Mechanical music boxes were popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries and were often used as musical toys or decorative objects.
17. Mellophone
The mellophone is a brass instrument that is similar in appearance and sound to the French horn. It has a conical bore and a bell that points forward, giving it a mellow and penetrating tone.
The mellophone is commonly used in marching bands and drum corps, where it plays a prominent role in the brass section and provides a rich, sonorous sound that carries well outdoors.
18. Mellotron
The mellotron is an early electronic keyboard instrument that generates sound by playing back pre-recorded tape loops. It consists of a series of keys and a bank of tape playback heads, each containing a different recorded sound. When a key is pressed, a tape loop is activated and played back at the desired pitch, producing sound.
The mellotron was popular in the 1960s and 1970s and was used by bands like The Beatles, The Moody Blues, and King Crimson to create orchestral and choir sounds in their music.
19. Melodica
The melodica is a small, keyboard instrument that is played by blowing air through a mouthpiece and pressing keys to produce sound. It has a similar sound and playing technique to the accordion or harmonica and is often used in genres like reggae, ska, and folk music.
The melodica is portable and easy to play, making it popular among beginners and professional musicians alike.
20. Metallophones
Metallophones are percussion instruments that consist of metal bars suspended over resonating tubes or chambers. They are struck with mallets to produce sound and are commonly used in gamelan orchestras and other traditional music ensembles.
Metallophones come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small handheld instruments to large, elaborate sets with multiple octaves of bars. They produce a bright, bell-like tone and are capable of producing complex and intricate rhythms.
21. Mezzo-soprano saxophone
The mezzo-soprano saxophone is a medium-sized saxophone that is pitched between the alto and tenor saxophones. It has a warm, expressive tone and is commonly used in jazz, rock, and classical music.
The mezzo-soprano saxophone is versatile and can be used for both solo and ensemble playing, making it a popular choice among saxophonists of all skill levels.
22. MIDI keyboard
A MIDI keyboard is a musical instrument that uses the Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) protocol to communicate with computers, synthesizers, and other electronic music devices. It consists of a set of keys, knobs, and buttons that send MIDI data to control software or hardware instruments.
MIDI keyboards come in a variety of sizes and configurations, from compact portable models to full-size professional instruments. They are used by musicians, producers, and composers to create and perform music in a wide range of styles and genres.
23. Mohan veena
The mohan veena is a slide guitar that is played with a metal slide or bar. It originated in India and is used in Hindustani classical music, as well as in genres like fusion and world music.
The mohan veena has a rich, expressive tone and is capable of producing intricate melodies and ornamentations. It is played by sliding the metal bar along the strings while plucking or strumming with the other hand, allowing for a wide range of pitch and dynamic expression.
24. Monster Tubulum
The monster tubulum is a percussion instrument made from large PVC pipes of varying lengths. It produces sound when the pipes are struck with mallets or drumsticks, creating deep, resonant tones that resemble those of a pipe organ or bass drum.
The monster tubulum is often used in outdoor performances and street parades, where its booming sound can be heard over long distances.
25. Morin khuur
The morin khuur is a traditional Mongolian instrument that is also known as the horsehead fiddle. It has a distinctive horse-head carving at the top of its neck and two strings that are played with a bow. The morin khuur is used in Mongolian folk music and has a haunting, evocative sound that is well-suited to the vast open spaces of the Mongolian steppes.
It is often played at ceremonies, festivals, and other cultural events, where it is valued for its connection to Mongolian identity and heritage.
26. Morsing
The morsing, also known as the jaw harp, is a small, handheld instrument that produces sound by vibrating a metal reed when plucked by the player’s mouth. It is played by holding the instrument against the teeth and manipulating the shape of the player’s mouth to change the pitch and timbre of the sound.
The morsing has a distinctive twangy sound that is used in folk music around the world, from Europe to Asia to the Americas.
27. Musette
The musette is a small, bellows-driven bagpipe that originated in France in the 17th century. It consists of a chanter, a drone, and a set of bellows that are used to supply air to the instrument.
The musette has a bright, cheerful sound that is well-suited to dance music and popular songs of the time. It was often played at outdoor festivals, weddings, and other celebrations, where its lively tunes would inspire people to dance and sing along.
28. Musette de cour
The musette de cour is a small, elegant chamber instrument that was popular in France during the Baroque era. It consists of a chanter, a drone, and a set of bellows that are used to supply air to the instrument.
The musette de cour has a sweet, flute-like tone that is well-suited to solo and ensemble playing. It was often used to accompany aristocratic gatherings and courtly dances, where its refined sound and graceful melodies would entertain nobles and guests alike.
29. Musical bow
The musical bow is a simple yet versatile instrument that is found in cultures around the world. It consists of a flexible bow-like frame with a string stretched between its ends. The string is plucked or struck with a stick to produce sound, and the pitch and timbre can be varied by changing the tension of the string or altering the shape of the bow.
The musical bow is often used in folk music and ceremonial rituals, where its hypnotic rhythms and earthy tones create a primal and elemental atmosphere.
30. Musical box
The musical box is a mechanical device that produces music by playing back pre-recorded tunes on a rotating cylinder. It consists of a wooden or metal box with a hand-cranked mechanism that drives the cylinder and activates the pins or teeth attached to it.
As the cylinder rotates, the pins or teeth pluck metal tines or bells inside the box, producing sound. Musical boxes were popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries and were often used as decorative objects or gifts.
31. Musical saw
The musical saw is a peculiar instrument that produces sound when bowed along its curved surface. It consists of a metal saw blade that has been bent into a gentle curve and mounted on a handle. The player holds the handle with one hand and bows the blade with the other hand to produce sound.
The musical saw has a haunting, theremin-like tone that is often used in avant-garde and experimental music, as well as in soundtracks for horror movies and other atmospheric settings.
Conclusion
From the exotic melodies of the marimba to the whimsical charm of the musical box, the world of musical instruments starting with the letter “M” is as diverse as it is enchanting.
Whether you’re drawn to the rhythmic pulse of percussion or the lyrical strains of strings, these instruments offer endless possibilities for musical expression and exploration. So pick up an instrument, and let your creativity soar as you embark on your musical journey!
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