21 Musical Instruments That Start With G

Get ready to explore musical instruments that start with the letter G. 

From popular ‘G’ instruments like the guitar and grand piano to hidden gems such as the gittern and gamba, we will dive into the unique sound, history, and characteristics of each instrument on the list. 

You will discover 21 musical instruments starting with G – and as always – if you know of any that I may have missed, let me know in the comments box AFTER you share this post on social media 😉 Please and thank you! 

Instruments That Start With G

1. Guitar

Despite its humble beginnings as a simple stringed instrument, the guitar has become a staple in virtually every music genre and culture around the world.

Typically, it has six strings (some have twelve), and it produces a wide range of sounds using various playing techniques such as strumming, plucking, and fingerpicking.

There are different types of guitars, including classical, acoustic, electric, and bass, with subcategories such as flamenco, resonator, jumbo, and dreadnought.  

Its history dates back to early stringed instruments like the vihuela and baroque before it was developed into its modern form, in Spain, in the mid-19th century.

2. Gittern

The gittern is a medieval instrument with 2 to 5 courses (pairs) of strings, a sickle-shaped pegbox, and a rosette-covered sound hole.

Its construction closely resembles other bowed and plucked instruments from the same era, including the rebec and calabrian lyra.

Gitterns were popular during the middle ages and played by all levels of society, including royal courts. But. By the 20th century, they faded so completely from memory in England that identifying the instrument proved problematic for early music scholarship.

Despite this obscurity, several surviving examples of gitterns have been found in museums across Europe. These instruments are carved from a single piece of timber for their back, neck, and pegbox.

This ancient instrument played an essential role in shaping the modern guitar.

3. Glockenspiel

This instrument evolved from small bronze bells to a keyboard layout with pitched aluminum or steel bars and has become a staple percussion instrument in various musical genres. 

It is commonly used in orchestras, wind ensembles, and marching bands to add an element of brightness and clarity to any piece of music. 

When struck with mallets made of hard material such as metal or plastic, a distinct sound is produced, and different types of mallets can be used for varying sounds. When playing chords, as many as four mallets can be used at the same time using a technique called Stevens grip.  

Despite its similarity to the xylophone, this instrument has its own unique characteristics such as 2.5 to 3.3 octaves and a limited upper register. 

The Glockenspiel adds a touch of brilliance to any musical ensemble it’s featured in.

4. Guiro

The guiro is a unique percussion instrument that plays a crucial role in the musical culture of Latin America and the Caribbean. It is an integral part of music genres like son, trova, and salsa.

It has a distinctive ratchet sound produced by rubbing a stick or tines along parallel notches on an open-ended hollow gourd.

The history of the guiro is somewhat of a mystery!

It may have originated in South America or Africa and was adapted from an early cousin called the omitzicahuastli, or, developed by the Taíno people of the Caribbean.

But despite its unclear origins, one thing is for sure: the güiro plays an essential role in traditional folk dance music and religious festivals across Latin America and the Caribbean. It is also used in classical music compositions.

The versatility and cultural significance of this instrument make it impossible to ignore when discussing musical instruments that start with G. So next time you hear that distinctive ratchet sound filling your ears at a Latin American dance party, know that you’re experiencing something truly special – the guiro at work!

5. Goblet Drum

The goblet drum, also known as the chalice drum, is a prominent hand percussion instrument with a distinct sound and cultural significance in various regions all around the world.

With its goblet-shaped body and membrane head, it is also classified as a membranophone instrument.

Its origins can be traced back to ancient Mesopotamian and Egyptian cultures, where it was used in religious ceremonies and celebrations.

There are two main types of goblet drums: the Egyptian style (Darbuka), which has rounded edges around the drum head, and the Turkish style, which has the edges of the head exposed.

This instrument produces a resonant low-sustain sound that has become synonymous with Middle Eastern music and can be played under one arm or rested on the player’s knee.

Also, it has been incorporated into various styles of music across different cultures, including folkloric, modern, classical compositions for orchestra, opera performances, and, more recently, popular songs.

Notable musicians who have mastered this instrument include Setrak Sarkissian, Hossam Ramzy, and Rony Barrak.

The goblet drum continues to be an essential part of musical expression in many parts of Africa, Asia Minor, North Africa, and Europe, where it has been adapted to local tastes over time.

6. Galician Gaita

The Galician gaita is a traditional bagpipe instrument with a conical chanter and bass drone that’s popular in Galicia and northern Portugal and has experienced multiple revivals throughout history.

This ancient instrument has been used for centuries in various contexts, from solo performances to accompanying dance groups. While its origin remains uncertain, the word ‘gaita’ may have derived from a Gothic word meaning goat.

Exploring the history, cultural significance, and variations of the Galician gaita reveals its deep roots in regional customs. And despite experiencing periods of decline due to political intervention or changing musical tastes, this instrument keeps resurging thanks to passionate players who work hard to preserve their cultural traditions.

Today’s Galician pipe bands demonstrate the popularity of this instrument beyond regional boundaries while also showcasing different styles of playing that highlight both its technical capabilities and expressive qualities.

7. Gehu

This unique Chinese stringed instrument has a deep, rich sound with a distinctive vibrational quality that sets it apart from Western instruments like the cello and double bass.

The history of the gehu dates back to the early 20th century when it was introduced as a new member of Chinese ethnic orchestras. However, due to China’s outlawing of Western music in favor of traditional Chinese instruments, the knowledge and teaching of playing the gehu became scarce by the late 20th century.

As a result, the gehu almost disappeared from Chinese orchestras until Yuxin Wu, a passionate musician, made it his mission to revive this fascinating instrument.   

The gehu has four strings and is played with a bow. Its sound ranges from deep to bright and round to rich, with an ample range of notes.

It has snakeskin wrapped around its body which creates vibrational sounds different from those produced by wooden cellos. The vibration travels through a barrel on the outer bridge that connects with python skin on the inner bridge to amplify the sound even further.

Compared to other Chinese bowed instruments, such as erhu or zhonghu, the Gehu’s lower pitch makes it an excellent fit for filling out low-frequency sounds in Chinese orchestras.

8. Gong

Originating from East and Southeast Asia, gongs are percussive instruments made of bronze or brass alloys that come in various sizes.

The history of gongs dates back to Dong Son culture in Vietnam, with the oldest historical mention found in 6th century AD Chinese records.

There are three types of gongs: suspended, bossed/nipple, and bowl. Nipple gongs are commonly used in Chinese and Buddhist temples, while gamelan music uses the other types.

Gongs have been used in orchestral music to create fear and horror effects and incorporated into religious ceremonies, state processions, and festivals. They also have cultural significance in Vietnam and Cambodia, where they play an essential role during traditional events such as weddings and funerals.

In modern music performances, gongs are often utilized to create unique soundscapes that add depth to the overall composition across various genres, including rock and jazz.

9. Gamba

Revived in the 20th century, the gamba, commonly known as viola da gamba or viol, has captured the hearts of amateur players and early music enthusiasts alike. 

With its soft and sweet sound produced by gut strings, the gamba is a family of bowed, fretted, and stringed instruments with hollow wooden bodies and pegboxes. 

Its flat back, sloped shoulders, c holes, and five to seven strings distinguish it from other bowed string instruments like violins and cellos.

Exploring the gamba’s history, design, and repertoire reveals its popularity in consorts during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. 

Nowadays, gambas are increasingly popular among adult learners interested in early music performance practice or recording ensembles.

10. Gaohu

Developed in the 1920s by Lü Wencheng, the gaohu is a high-pitched Chinese bowed stringed instrument with a slightly smaller soundbox than its ancestors. And it has a distinctively bright tonal quality, making it an essential voice in Cantonese music and opera ensembles.

The Gaohu belongs to the huqin family, including the jinghu, and sihu. However, compared to its cousin, the erhu, it has a brighter and lighter tone.

Initially, it was only used in Cantonese music as an accompanying instrument for sopranos or as part of folk ensembles. Now it is featured as part of the string family in modern large Chinese orchestras.

Although the gaohu shares similarities with other Chinese instruments like the erhu and zhonghu, it has unique techniques for playing and tuning that make it stand out.

Exploring the history and modern use of this fascinating instrument can provide insight into how musical traditions have evolved over time while still retaining their unique character and charm.

11. Geomungo

The Geomungo is a traditional Korean plucked zither with movable bridges and frets, six strings made from twisted silk, and a pick made of bamboo sticks. However, over time, it has undergone modifications, including modernized versions with nylon strings.

Originating in the kingdom of Goguryeo and invented by prime minister Wang San-ak in the 6th century by remodeling an ancient seven-stringed Chinese instrument, the geomungo has been an integral part of Korean court music and folk styles for centuries. 

You play this instrument in a seated position on the floor. With the right hand, you pluck the strings using a short bamboo stick called a suldae while pressing on its strings with the left hand to produce various pitches.

Typically, it is tuned for traditional Korean court music in Eb, Ab, Db, Bb, Bb, and Bb – an octave lower than the central tone.

It continues to play a significant role in traditional Korean music and remains a subject of discussion among East Asian scholars regarding its predecessor’s origins.

12. Gusle

From the Balkan region, the gusle is a one-stringed musical instrument played with a bow and used in epic poetry performances. 

It is associated with Serbian, Bosniak, Montenegrin, and Croatian cultures and is played by pressing the string down on the neck of the instrument while simultaneously using the bow to create sound.

Traditionally, the gusle is carved out of a single piece of wood. Its shape resembles that of a boat or an hourglass. Traditional playing techniques for the gulse are often passed down orally from generation to generation. 

The people of Balkan use this instrument to accompany singing during epic poetry recitals called guslari, an ancient art form recognized as intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.

In contemporary music, some Balkan artists have incorporated the gusle as a way to preserve traditional sounds and honor their cultural heritage.

13. Guzheng

With its long, slender shape and delicate strings made from various materials, the guzheng is a captivating Chinese plucked zither that has been in use for over 2,500 years. 

This stringed instrument started out with just 13 strings, but over time, that number increased from 13 to its current maximum of 26.

Although the precise origin of this instrument remains uncertain, it is believed to have emerged during the Warring States period, and history reveals its prominence in China during the Qin dynasty.

Learning to play the guzheng requires dedication and patience. You will need to master complex techniques such as harmonics, pitch slides, and vibrato. 

Traditional playing styles involve using the right hand for plucking notes and the left hand for ornamentation. Modern styles, however, incorporate both hands on the right side of the strings.

Today, the guzheng continues to be an important aspect of Chinese music and culture, with famous players inspiring future generations to continue exploring its potential.

14. Gandingan

Used by the people of Maguindanao, the gandingan is a set of four large gongs, traditionally made of bronze, at least until World War II. After the war, bronze was scarce, so now it is made of steel.

The gongs are arranged in pairs with knobs facing each other. They produce a unique sound that serves as a secondary melodic instrument in the kulintang ensemble.

The gandingan has a disputed history, with some scholars suggesting Chinese influence, while others point to Indonesian or Malaysian Sarawak origins. 

Interestingly, women are usually tasked with playing this instrument. But it is sometimes used by teenagers and couples at social functions. 

In addition to traditional music performances, it has also been used for signaling during emergencies and conveying linguistic messages. 

15. Gendèr

The gender is a traditional metallophone instrument in Indonesian gamelan ensembles and an important cultural artifact that has evolved in musical and social functions.

Historically, it was primarily played by women in court and temple settings, and its playing techniques were closely guarded secrets passed down through generations.

Today, it is widely used in various types of gamelan ensembles and has become more accessible to both genders.

Playing the gender requires a specific technique involving mallets with padded ends that strike each of the keys made from bronze or brass. Players control the volume by varying their hand pressure on the mallets while also maintaining precise timing with other instruments in the ensemble.

Compared to other Indonesian percussion instruments like kendang or bonang, which have more rhythmic roles, the gender provides melodic support to create intricate harmonies within gamelan music. Its unique sound has contributed greatly to Indonesia’s rich cultural heritage. 

16. Ganza

Although the ganza is a percussion instrument with roots in African and Indian traditions, it has become an integral part of Brazilian music, especially in samba. 

It is classified as an indirectly struck idiophone, and it produces a sharp, resonant sound when shaken due to the presence of beads or other objects inside a cylindrical metal canister or woven basket. 

But don’t let the ganzas simple construction fool you! A skilled musician can control the dynamics of this instrument to achieve endless variations of loudness, making it an essential tool for expressing emotion and feeling in various musical contexts.

In Brazilian percussion ensembles, the ganzá is used as an undertone rhythm to support the rest of the band. Its rhythmic precision and dynamic versatility make it a powerful symbol of Brazil’s rich cultural heritage and influence on world music.

17. Glasschord

Originally invented in Paris circa 1785 by physicist M. Beyer, the glasschord is a unique musical instrument that produces sound using glass tubes and wooden hammers covered in cloth.

It is classified as an idiophone and resembles the celesta in its striking mechanism. It has a range of three octaves and comes in various models from C’ to G”.

This instrument was inspired by Benjamin Franklin’s glass harmonica, which also used glass to produce sound, but in a different way. Research suggests that Franklin named the glass chord himself [1], and Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States, described the glass chord as a type of xylophone.

Although not widely used, some notable composers such as Hector Berlioz and Camille Saint-Saëns incorporated the glasschord into their compositions.

Despite its limited popularity, the glasschord remains an intriguing piece of musical history that showcases creativity and innovation in musical instrument design.

18. Glass Marimba

The glass marimba is a unique idiophone constructed in many different ways. It has a customizable tuning system and a distinctive sonic palette.

As the name suggests, the keys are made of glass. To tune it, you remove small amounts of glass from the keys. Removing glass from the top makes the note go up. Removing glass from the bottom makes the note go down.

Compressed silicon mallets are used to play the instrument. Mallets made from other materials can also be used, but silicon produces the best sound.

This instrument is mainly used by Brazilian percussion ensembles to add an ethereal quality to their already captivating performances.

19. Gimbri

With its percussive playing style and buzzing sound, the gimbri evokes a sense of cultural richness and tradition. 

This three-stringed bass-plucked lute is an essential instrument in the music of the Gnawa people. Its body is carved from a log and covered with camel or goat skin. The strings are made of goat gut. 

When played, the lowest string acts as a drone note, while the second string is tuned an octave higher and never fretted. And the third string is tuned a fourth above the drone.

There are metal rings mounted on the end of the sintir’s neck, hanging off a galvanized metal feather. This creates a unique buzzing sound that characterizes Gimbri music. 

20. Guqin

The guqin, or just qin as it is commonly known, is a unique seven-stringed instrument from China that has existed for over 3,000 years.

It is made from wood and has a long slim body marked by thirteen positions along its side. It also lacks a bridge which helps create its unique calming sound.

To play this instrument, you pluck the strings with your right hand and use your left hand to press them in different places. Doing so changes pitch and vibrato.

The guqin is not just an instrument of the past. In 2003, it continues to be enjoyed by people worldwide.

21. Guitarrón Mexicano

The guitarrón mexicano is an acoustic bass guitar from Mexico. There are other instruments that share the name ‘guitarrón’, including the guitarrón argentino and guitarrón chileno,  but in terms of features and use cases, they are significantly different.

The guitarrón plays an important role in Mexican Mariachi groups, typically consisting of two violins, two trumpets, one Spanish guitar, a vihuela, and this instrument, the guitarron, which was independently developed from the 16th-century Spanish bajo de uña. 

It is a guitar-like fretless instrument with six heavy gauge strings made from nylon and wound metal. Nylon is used for the higher three strings and metal for the lower three.

Typically, it is tuned to A and played by doubling notes at the octave. To play, you need strong hands to pluck and stop its thick and heavy strings.

FAQ about musical instruments that start with G.

What instrument starts with G?

Instruments that start with the letter G include the grand piano, guitarra, gamelatron, gadzo, and gan gan. But there are many more, including those we have explored this article, like the glockenspiel, gong, and guitarrón.

What is a Gamelatron?

A Gamelatron is the world’s first fully robotic gamelan orchestra. It’s a type of sculpture made from bronze, brass, and iron instruments from Indonesia’s gamelan tradition. The sculpture is designed to create a harmony of sound and movement that is both captivating and immersive. 

What is a Gadzo?

A gazdo is a traditional drum from Ghana. It is tall and cylindrical in shape, with a head made of antelope skin. The drum is tuned using pegs and can be played with the hands or with one hand and a stick. It is an important part of Ghanaian music.

What is a Guitarra?

A guitarra is a stringed instrument that comes in different types, such as classical, acoustic, and electric. It typically has six strings and is used in many genres of music. The main difference between these types of guitars is the strings, among other things.

What is a Gan Gan?

Also known as a talking drum because its pitch can be regulated to mimic the tone and prosody of human speech, a gan gan is an hourglass-shaped drum from West Africa. It has two drumheads connected by leather tension cords, allowing players to change the drum’s pitch by scraping the cords between their arm and body. 

Final Thoughts

Whether you are a seasoned musician or simply someone who appreciates beautiful music, I hope you found this list of musical instruments that start with G helpful.

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