25 Musical Instruments That Start With the Letter F

Looking for musical instruments that start with the letter F?

Fiddles, flutes, and French horns are some popular musical instruments that start with F. But there are many more that you’ve likely never heard of before.

Today, we will explore these unique and interesting F instruments. Let’s get started. 

1. Fiddle

The fiddle is a popular bowed stringed instrument that has been used in various music genres for centuries. In many ways, it is similar to the violin, but the fiddle has a more lively and rhythmic sound with a bright, piercing tone due to its flatter bridge and lower string tension.

Like the violin, the fiddle also has four strings made of steel or synthetic material, which are tuned in fifths. You rest the fiddle between your chin and shoulder and slide a bow across the strings with one hand while pressing down strings on the fingerboard with the other hand.

There are many different types of fiddles (Irish, Scottish, American, etc.), each with its own distinct sound. Back in the day, fiddles were mainly used in folk music. But that’s not the case anymore. In today’s world, fiddles are used to play folk, bluegrass, country, rockabilly, and many other genres.

2. Finger Cymbals

Also known as Zills, finger cymbals are a member of the percussion family. Originating in Turkey, this ancient instrument was mainly used by belly dancers. Nowadays, it is used by orchestras.

There are two cymbals in a set. They look like flat, round plates and are typically made of brass or copper. To play this small handheld instrument, you attach one cymbal to your thumb and the other to your index or middle finger. Then, gently clash them together to produce a clear and bright sound.

Finger cymbals can be played in various styles, depending on the cultural tradition and musical piece being performed. For example …

In Middle Eastern music, the player often uses a complex system of rhythms and patterns that involve alternating between the left and right hands. But in European folk music, the cymbals may be struck against the knees or thighs instead of each other to produce a muffled sound.

3. Firikyiwa

The firikyiwa is a metal bell idiophone that originates from the Akan people of southern Ghana. Similar to Finger Cymbals, it is a small handheld instrument consisting of two parts. But the parts of this instrument are a bell pod and a metal thumb striker.

The bell pod slips over the first or middle finger, and the metal thumb striker is used to strike the bell pod, producing a clear sound with cutting, high-pitched tones.

Often called a Thumb Bell or an African Castanet, it is a lightweight instrument, hand-forged from iron, and is found in the instrumentation of a wide range of recreational drum and vocal ensembles in both urban and rural locales throughout the Akan cultural region. This instrument can be used to add a unique sound to any musical composition.

4. Flageolet

Invented by Sieur Juvigny in 1581, the flageolet is a woodwind instrument that was very popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, but it is now discontinued, which is a shame because it has some unique features that I think many musicians will appreciate, even today in 2023.

For starters, it has a small wooden body with a lightweight and compact design, making it perfect for carrying around and playing on the go. It also has a pleasant high-pitched sound often described as ‘sweet’ and ‘pure’, making it an excellent choice for playing delicate and melodic tunes.

However. It does have some drawbacks. The flageolet is a challenging instrument to learn. To produce a nice ear-pleasing sound, you need to cover the finger holes with precision and have excellent breath control and technique.

5. Flamenco Guitar

Next, I introduce you to the flamenco guitar. Originating in Spain, it’s a type of folk guitar closely associated with the flamenco music genre. What makes this guitar unique is its thin soundboard and tap plate, which, as the name suggests, is tapped to create percussive effects.

Other distinguishing characteristics of the flamenco guitar are its smaller size, lighter weight, and lower action. All these things allow for easier and faster playing, which is essential for the complex and rapid rhythms that are typical of flamenco music.

In comparison to other types of guitar, the flamenco produces a sharper and brighter tone. It also has some unique playing techniques (rasgueado and golpe) used to produce a distinctive percussive and syncopated sound.

6. Flexatone

Moving away from string instruments for a moment, the flexatone is a modern percussion instrument that has a small, flexible metal sheet suspended in a wire frame ending in a handle with two beaters on either side.

When it was first invented in the 1920s, the flexatone, or fleximetal as it’s also known, was originally made from wood and metal, but over time, plastic has been incorporated into its design, giving it a more lightweight feel and added durability.

To play it, you squeeze the handle and shake the beaters. Doing so produces a spooky glissando sound with some metal beating as well. A good use case for this instrument is creating unique soundscapes and adding texture and depth to musical arrangements.

Not only is this quirky instrument fun and easy to play, but it has also been used in classic cartoons for its glissando effect, as well as in funk music, pop music, sound effects, and film scores.

7. Floghera

The floghera is a type of flute used in Greek folk music. It is a simple end-blown flute without a fipple. It is played like any other flute. You blow air into the open upper end and cover and uncover holes on the body of the instrument.

This fascinating wind instrument has played an important role in Greek music for centuries. Made with bamboo, it has a simple construction with seven finger holes and a distinctive, earthy sound often used by traditional musicians looking to add an element of Greek culture to their music.

8. Flugelhorn

The flugelhorn is very similar to a trumpet. But there are some distinct differences.

It has a wider bell than the trumpet, which produces a darker tone. And it has a larger bore, which makes it easier to play in the lower register. Also, it has a conical bore shape, meaning it gradually widens towards the end of the instrument, resulting in a warmer and more mellow tone compared to the trumpets sharper, more piercing sound.

There are two main types of flugelhorns:

• Traditional: made entirely of brass, including the lead pipe and bell. It produces a darker and more sonorous tone, which makes it ideal for classical music and ballads.
• Modern: has a brass lead pipe and bell but with a darker-colored lacquer that provides uniformity of pitch and tone. This type is popular among jazz musicians.

Interestingly, this instrument was initially intended for use in military brass bands but quickly gained popularity due to its expressive capability.

9. Flute

You likely already know about the flute. It is one of the most popular instruments in the modern orchestra, and there are many famous flute players, including James Galway and Emmanuel Pahud.

But did you know that ancient flutes made of bone and wood have been discovered in various parts of the world? Modern flutes evolved from these ancient discoveries.

This instrument is a member of the woodwind family, and there are lots of different types of flutes. The most common types of flutes are the concert flute, piccolo, alto, bass, and the contrabass flute. Here’s how they differ …

The concert flute is the most popular and smallest, producing a bright, clear sound. The piccolo is an octave higher than the concert and has a piercing tone. The alto flute produces a mellower tone than the concert and is larger, while the bass flute is bigger and produces a deep, rich tone. The contrabass flute is the largest of them all, producing an even deeper sound than the bass.

To play the flute, you hold it sideways with both hands and blow across the mouthpiece, much like blowing across the top of a bottle. And to change pitch, you press keys with your fingers. The modern flute is played in the exact same way as the ancient flute.

10. Flutophone

The flutophone is a lightweight, durable, and inexpensive instrument made of plastic with a whistle-like mouthpiece.

Compared to other wind instruments, such as the recorder, the flutophone is easier to play, making it a good choice for beginners, especially young children, as it requires less air control, and the grooves on its finger holes help ensure proper coverage.

Shaped like a clarinet and pitched in C like a concert flute, the flutophone boasts a range similar to the tonette, another beginner-friendly instrument.

That said, skilled players can even produce notes above the primary register through overblowing and half-covering holes.

11. Fortepiano

The fortepiano is an early version of the modern piano that was developed in the 18th century by Bartolomeo Christofori, an Italian harpsichord maker.

Initially, this instrument was called “un cimbalo di cipresso di piano e forte,” which means “a keyboard of cypress with soft and loud.” But the name was later abbreviated to pianoforte, then fortepiano, and finally, piano.

If you’re already a piano player, it’s important to know that this instrument was the first keyboard to allow gradations of volume and tone based on how much force is used to press the keys. Meaning, its lighter action and hammers require less force.

So. When playing this earlier version, you’ll need to use a softer touch than you normally would when playing the modern piano.

12. Frame Drum

This percussion instrument can be traced back to ancient times. As the name suggests, it is a drum with a shallow frame that’s generally made of wood or metal, and the drumhead is typically made of animal skin or synthetic materials.

This type of drum is commonly found in many cultures all over the world, from the Middle East to Europe to South America. Different cultures use frame drums in different ways.

To play this instrument, you strike the drumhead with the palm of your hand or fingers. Although. other techniques can be used to produce different sounds, such as slapping, tapping, or shaking. To vary pitch, you can tighten or loosen the drumhead.

13. French Horn

Next, we have the French horn: a brass instrument with a conical shape and a flared bell.

This instrument is a staple in both orchestras and bands. Known for its distinctly warm and rich sound, it comes in different types, including the single horn, double horn, triple horn, and descant horn.

However. The double horn is the most popular. It has two sets of tubing, allowing you to achieve different notes and tones when you switch between the two tubes.

The origins of the French horn can be traced back to the 17th century. Back then, it was used in military bands. Today, it is one of the most essential instruments in orchestras and bands, known for its deep and emotional sound.

14. Fujara

Traditionally used by shepherds for recreational purposes, this unique wind instrument from central Slovakia belongs to the tabor pipe class and is known for its distinctive contrabass sound.

Crafted from elderberry wood, the fujara presents a unique design that has moved from the shepherd’s fields to folk festivals in Slovak towns such as Východná and Detva.

It has also gained some international traction in Western Europe and North America. But despite this, the instrument remains relatively unknown outside of Slovakia.

In recognition of its cultural significance, the fujara was included in the UNESCO List of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2005.

To play this instrument, you blow into a fipple: a technique that requires careful breath control.

15. Fujara Trombita

The fujara trombita is also a traditional Slovakian instrument. But this one was designed for shepherds to send sound signals in the mountains, not for recreational purposes.

Constructed from fir, spruce, or maple, it’s the largest folk musical instrument in Slovakia, reaching up to 550 cm in length with a diameter of 20-25 cm.

There are two parts to this instrument: a conical tube and a mouthpiece.

The tube is made from two hollowed-out shells, glued together with resin, secured with wooden or metal hoops, and wrapped in cherry or birch bark.

The mouthpiece is a cylindrical tube inserted into the thinner end of the trombita.

Originally used to relay signals through specific musical motifs, the fujara trombita has also been incorporated into polyphonic songs and ensemble performances in contemporary times.

16. Fa’atete

Going back to percussion instruments now, allow me to introduce you to the fa’atete – a traditional Tahitian drum characterized by its high, distinctive drum roll sound.

Made from a single membrane, it is typically adorned with intricate carvings at the bottom and produces a slightly more complex sound than other types of Tahitian drums, such as the tariparau.

You strike the drum with two sticks, mostly made from varying types of wood, which are essential for generating its distinct high sound.

Alternatively, you can use your hands, and some players do, occasionally. But the use of sticks remains to be the most common technique.

Being integral to Tahitian culture and music, the fa’atete is frequently included in traditional music and dance performances and ensemble settings, often accompanying other percussion instruments like toere and pahu drums.

This instrument has been a staple of modern ensembles since the 1950s and continues to be utilized in contemporary Tahitian music today.

17. Flauta Rociera

Also known as Pito Rociero or Gaita Andaluza, the flauta rociera is a traditional Andalusian wind instrument made predominantly of wood with a metal mouthpiece. The type of wood varies across Andalusia, but fine wood is preferred.

The name of this instrument derives from its primary role in accompanying pilgrims on the Camino de El Rocío, earning it a deep cultural significance.

To play, you blow into the mouthpiece, and use finger holes to create different sounds – just like a recorder. It is easy to play for beginners of all ages, including children.

In Andalusia, this traditional instrument is a staple at parties, dances, and pilgrimages. And, is often incorporated into Spanish music genres, such as flamenco and folk.

18. Floyera

The floyera, or floghera as it is also known, is a traditional Greek wind instrument often used by shepherds and farmers. Made of wood, this shepherd’s flute has six holes – five on the front and one on the back.

To play it, you blow across the open end or rim of the upper part, rather than into it like a whistle, and manipulate the holes with your fingers to generate various notes.

Holding the instrument correctly is crucial for beginners, and using a mirror to check posture is recommended.

Originating from the mountainous regions of Greece, the floyera is renowned for its distinct sound and has been a long-standing component of Greek folk music.

Traditionally, it served as a pastime for shepherds overseeing their flocks. Today, it maintains its presence in traditional Greek music and is a common feature at festivals and celebrations, underscoring its enduring cultural significance.

19. Frula

Dating back to the 14th century, the Frula is a traditional Serbian flute, originally used by shepherds for entertainment.

Other names for this instrument include the Svirala and Jedinka. This wooden instrument has six finger holes on the front and one thumb hole at the back. You blow air into it and cover the holes to create sound.

To get the best sound out of this instrument, you must hold it properly, use good breathing techniques, and understand finger placement to produce desired notes.

Despite its historical origins, the frula remains popular in Serbia today, often played by musicians specializing in traditional Serbian music.

20. Fyell

Also referred to as fyell brezi, fyell shoke, or fyell bariu, the fyell is a traditional aerophone end-blown instrument prevalent in Albania and other Albanian-inhabited lands.

Often associated with shepherds of the Dukagjin highlands, this instrument, which is one of the oldest in Albanian folklore, accompanies traditional Albanian songs and festivities, including the summer celebration Dita e Verës.

Typically, it is handcrafted from the inner trunk of a Fir tree or any available wood. It features six holes at the front and a sharp edge at the upper tube end, enabling the player’s breath to escape and distinguishing its tone from most other end-blown flutes.

Playing the fyell involves holding it vertically, blowing into the mouthpiece, and manipulating the finger holes to produce varying notes.

With its rich history and unique sound, the fyell offers a compelling exploration for anyone interested in woodwind instruments.

21. Fangxiang

Despite looking like a factory machine, the fangxiang is a traditional Chinese instrument belonging to the percussion family. It’s a type of metallophone invented more than 1,000 years ago.

Composed of 16 rectangular slabs made of iron, bronze, or jade, these slabs are meticulously tuned to 16 different chromatic pitches and arranged in two rows within a frame.

The distinctive bright and resonant sound of the fangxiang, produced when you strike the slabs with mallets, is a staple in Chinese orchestras and ensembles.

This unusual instrument also has a place in solo performances and is favored by musicians specializing in traditional Chinese music.

22. Faglong

The faglong, a.k.a funglung, is a traditional instrument of the B’laan people from Mindanao, Philippines.

This two-stringed, lute-like musical tool between four and six feet long is carved from solid softwood, typically from the jackfruit tree. It also features nine frets crafted from hardened beeswax.

Despite its long-standing history, the origins of the faglong remain somewhat enigmatic. Nonetheless, this unique instrument remains a significant piece of B’laan culture and a testament to the musical traditions of the Mindanao region.

23. Folgerphone

The folgerphone is an experimental wind instrument created by Nolan Hatcher and Craig Nutt of the Raudelunas art collective in Alabama.

Made from copper tubing, an alto sax mouthpiece, and an empty coffee can, this instrument gets its name from the famous American coffee brand, Folgers.

Despite its unconventional construction, it belongs to the clarinet family due to its reed, even though it has finger holes, much like a recorder.

Since the folgerphone is not commercially produced, anyone can build their own. The Hornbostel–Sachs classification system categorizes the folgerphone under the 422.211.2 subsection of reed aerophones.

Unfortunately, there are no video demonstrations of the folgerphone in action, but looking at its recorder-like body, I suspect it is played like a recorder, too.

If nothing else, this inventive instrument represents a unique fusion of commonplace materials and musical creativity.

24. Fusetar Lucifer

This unique, handcrafted musical instrument is designed by Iranian multi-instrumentalist Shahab Tolouie. “Fusetar” combines “fuse” (English for “fusion”) and “tar” (Farsi for “strings”), indicating a fusion of strings. “Lucifer” symbolizes the mythological morning star or the bearer of light.

Crafted over a year and a half by luthiers Mehr and Owrang, the instrument features three necks, each providing a different musical function: a fretless neck for Eastern music’s quartertones, a guitar neck with true temperament fretting technology for more accurate intonation, and a persian setar neck for traditional sounds.

This is the first time a traditional Persian instrument has adopted this fretting system.

Weighing 2.1 kg, the fusetar is made from thirteen types of wood and has a slightly larger acoustic chamber than a regular guitar.

25. Fife

The fife is a small, high-pitched flute traditionally used in folk and military music. Originating in medieval Europe during the Crusades, this instrument is typically used in infantry bands alongside the drums.

Before playing the fife, you must tune it first with another fife player or an electronic tuner.

Like a flute, you hold the instrument horizontally to the right and blow across an embouchure hole to produce sound. To adjust pitch, you roll the fife inward or outward.

An old-fashioned fife has six finger holes. Modern fifes are chromatic with ten or eleven finger holes, allowing players to hit a more extensive range of notes.

Additionally, with some adaptation, music for other wind instruments like the flute or piccolo can be played on the fife.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a musician seeking to expand your repertoire or a music enthusiast exploring the vast world of instruments that start with F, I hope you found this article helpful. 

From popular instruments like the Flute to less-known ones such as the faglong and fusetar lucifer, the spectrum of ‘F’ instruments is wide and varied.

Delving into their history, usage, and unique characteristics can enrich your musical knowledge and possibly even inspire you to learn a new instrument.

Remember, each instrument carries with it a piece of our global cultural heritage, and understanding them brings us closer to appreciating the universal language of music.

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