12 (Real) Musical Instruments That Start With I
Searching for musical instruments that start with I?
Whether you’re looking for a new instrument to expand your musical repertoire or you’re doing research for some other reason, this article is for you.
There are no popular musical instruments that start with I, but after much research I have uncovered some hidden gems that deserve recognition. From the Irish Bouzouki to the Ikoro, these instruments offer a world of musical possibilities.
In this article, we will explore each instrument on the list, including sound, characteristics and historical significance. Join me on this melodic journey as we uncover the fascinating realm of musical instruments staring with the letter I.
Musical Instruments That Start With I
1. Irish Bouzouki
First, I introduce you to the Irish Bouzouki: a stringed instrument that has found a place in the heart of traditional Irish music.
Its distinct sound, rhythmic drive, and harmonic support have made this instrument integral to traditional Irish ensembles and sessions.
Typically, it features a flat, round, or teardrop-shaped body with a long neck and eight strings arranged in four pairs, known as courses.
It is played using a combination of strumming, picking, and melodic ornamentation techniques, creating a rhythmic pulse and harmonic support for other instruments or vocalists in an ensemble.
In terms of construction, the strings are made of steel or bronze. Spruce or cedar wood is used for the soundboard. Other types of wood are used to make the back and sides.
While deeply rooted in Irish folk music, this Bouzouki has also found its place in contemporary folk, Celtic fusion, and acoustic rock genres.
2. Igil
One of the most intriguing musical instruments starting with I is the Igil: a traditional stringed instrument from the Republic of Tuva, a region in southern Siberia, Russia.
Also known as the Tuvan horsehead fiddle, the Igil holds great cultural significance among the nomadic herding communities of Tuva.
Its unique design, captivating sound, and mythical associations make it a remarkable instrument worth exploring.
It has a distinctive soundbox crafted from a single piece of wood and shaped like a horse’s head. The neck of the instrument extends from the head and ends in a scroll.
Horsehair strings made from the horse’s tail are stretched over the soundbox across the instrument’s long fingerboard.
To play this instrument, you simultaneously pluck and bow the strings, which are also made of horse hair. Doing so produces a deep resonating sound and tone reflecting Tuva’s vast and rugged landscapes.
3. Ichigenkin
Also known as the ‘one-string koto,’ the Ichigenkin is a traditional Japanese instrument with a single string.
It carries a rich cultural heritage and produces soulful sounds that evoke a deep sense of contemplation and tranquility.
Known for its simplicity in design and construction, it has a long, wooden rectangular body with a single string stretched along its length. The string is usually made of silk or nylon and is played using a plectrum or a bow.
Its sound is deeply rooted in Japanese aesthetics, often invoking images of serene landscapes, Zen gardens, and contemplative moments.
Despite its seemingly limited range, the Ichigenkin offers a wide palette of expression through techniques such as bending, sliding, and vibrato. Using these playing techniques, skilled musicians can evoke a range of emotions, from melancholy and introspection to joy and celebration.
While the Ichigenkin may be less known on the global stage than other Japanese instruments like the koto or shamisen, it continues to be cherished by enthusiasts and practitioners of traditional Japanese music.
4. Ikembe
In the realm of musical instruments that start with the letter I, the Ikembe is a captivating thumb piano with roots in Africa, where it is often used in African traditions and storytelling. Like all mbira instruments, it produces enchanting sounds that resonate with the rhythms and melodies of the African continent.
It has a resonating body, often made of wood, with a series of metal tines or keys attached to it. You pluck the keys with your thumbs or fingers to produce distinct and soothing tones.
The instrument’s design allows for easy playability, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced musicians. It is often played solo and in ensemble settings with other African instruments and voices.
In recent years, the Ikembe has found its place in contemporary music and fusion genres. Musicians and composers have incorporated its unique sound into various musical compositions, blending traditional African rhythms with modern elements.
5. Ingoma
When it comes to musical instruments that start with the letter I, the Ingoma takes center stage as a powerful and vibrant drum that encapsulates the essence of African rhythmic traditions.
With its commanding presence and rich, resonant sound, the Ingoma is the heartbeat of African music and culture.
The drum comes in various sizes and shapes and its construction allows for deep and resonant tones to be produced when struck. Typically, it is made from a hollowed-out log or a carved wooden shell, and both ends are covered with animal skin.
The drum’s rhythmic patterns serve as a foundation for dances, ceremonies, celebrations, and storytelling, connecting individuals and communities with their ancestral roots.
Beyond its cultural significance, the infectious rhythms of the Ingoma drum have captivated audiences around the world.
6. Ipu
The Ipu is a unique and culturally significant percussion instrument deeply rooted in the traditions of Hawaii.
With its resonant tones and rhythmic pulse, this drum adds a distinct and captivating element to the music and dances of the Hawaiian islands.
It is a gourd drum, traditionally crafted from a large, round, or oval-shaped hollowed-out gourd. Animal skin from a fish or goat is stretched over the top of the gourd to form the drum head.
To play the drum, you strike it with your hands or fingers to create a rich and resonant sound.
In Hawaiian culture, the Ipu is an essential instrument in hula performances, providing rhythmic accompaniment that guides the dancers’ movements and expressions.
Beyond its role in hula, this drum is also utilized in various Hawaiian music ensembles, accompanying chants, songs, and other forms of traditional performances.
7. Istarski Mih
Introducing the Istarski Mih, a traditional wind instrument hailing from the picturesque region of Istria in Croatia. Also known as the Istrian bagpipe, it symbolizes the area’s cultural heritage and musical tradition.
This unique instrument consists of a bag made from goat or sheepskin connected to a double-chanter with two single reeds and finger holes on both bores. Unlike other types of bagpipes, it does not have drones.
To play it, you blow air into the bag, which is then regulated by the player’s arm pressure. The air passes through the chanter and melodic tones are produced.
The instrument’s distinct sound evokes the spirit of Istria, carrying the essence of its folk music and local customs.
The Istarski Mih was traditionally played during festive occasions, such as weddings, harvest celebrations, and village gatherings. It accompanied traditional dances, adding a lively and energetic rhythm to the festivities.
Today, skilled musicians continue to master the art of playing this unique instrument, passing down knowledge from generation to generation.
8. Ilimba
Next, we’ll explore the enchanting sounds of the Ilimba.
Also known as the thumb piano, the Ilimba is a traditional instrument originating from various African regions, including Tanzania.
It is a small handheld instrument with metal or wooden keys attached to a resonating body. Players use their thumbs or fingers to pluck the keys which are tuned to different pitches.
Traditionally, the Ilimba held great cultural significance among African communities. It was often used during ceremonies, rituals, and social gatherings, where it played a vital role in storytelling, spiritual practices, and cultural expression.
Today, the Ilimba continues to captivate audiences worldwide, transcending cultural boundaries. Its unique sound has found its way into contemporary music genres, collaborations, and compositions.
The instrument’s portable nature makes it accessible to musicians of all levels, from beginners to professionals.
9. Inanga
Now we’ll delve into the world of traditional Rwandan music and discover the melodic beauty of the Inanga.
This unique stringed instrument holds a significant place in Rwandan culture and history. It is a traditional zither, consisting of a wooden soundboard with strings stretched over it.
It is played by plucking or strumming the strings with your fingers or a plectrum, just like a guitar, and its resonating soundboard amplifies the vibrations, producing warm and resonant tones.
The instrument’s strings are typically made from fibers or metal, and they are tuned to different pitches, allowing for the creation of captivating melodies and harmonies.
In Rwandan culture, the Inanga is often associated with storytelling, rituals, and social gatherings.
It is an instrument that carries the spirit of the Rwandan people, connecting them to their heritage and providing a means for artistic expression.
10. Imzad
Crafted with a wooden resonating chamber and a single string stretched across it, the Imzad is a traditional bowed string instrument. It holds great cultural significance among the Tuareg community, particularly in Niger, Mali, and Algeria.
Played with a horsehair bow, this instrument produces a beautiful sound enhanced by its chamber, adding depth to its evocative tones.
Traditionally, it played a crucial role in Tuareg society, serving as a means of storytelling and cultural expression.
Skilled musicians, often women known as “imzadchines,” would accompany epic poems, sung narratives, and ceremonies with the melancholic melodies of the Imzad.
Its haunting sound would resonate across the desert, carrying the essence of Tuareg traditions and evoking a sense of longing and nostalgia.
In recent years, the Imzad has gained recognition beyond its traditional context, captivating audiences worldwide with its unique sound and qualities.
Musicians and enthusiasts from different backgrounds have embraced the instrument, integrating its tones into various music genres.
11. Ilu
The Ilu is an integral part of religious rituals in northern Brazilian provinces Pernambuco and Ceará, typically found in cylindrical shape with skins at the top and bottom of it.
The origins of the ilu can be traced back to Nigeria, where it was used extensively in traditional music and dance performances.
The drum has a unique sound that sets it apart from other African drums. This is attributed to its construction, which includes a cross-shaped base.
Playing the ilu requires a certain level of skill and technique.
The modern use of the ilu has expanded beyond religious rituals into contemporary music genres such as samba and Afro-Brazilian jazz.
Despite its evolution over time, the ilu remains deeply rooted in tradition and continues to play an essential role in cultural celebrations across Brazil.
12. Ikoro
Delving into the rich cultural heritage of the Igbo people in Nigeria, let’s explore the captivating rhythms of the Ikoro: a traditional wooden slit drum with cultural and historical significance within Igbo society.
Carved from a single log, this drum is an impressive instrument with hollowed-out chambers and slits carved into its top surface.
It is played by striking the slits with a wooden or padded mallet. But it’s more than just a musical instrument. It is a symbol of communal harmony and identity among the Igbo people.
The instrument produces resonant and rhythmic tones that can be heard over long distances, serving as a means of communication and signaling in Igbo communities.
If you have the chance to witness the rhythmic power of the Ikoro or learn to play this extraordinary instrument, seize it.
FAQ About Musical Instruments That Start With I
What are idiophones?
Idiophones are a class of musical instruments. They do not have strings, membranes, or reeds to produce sound. They produce sound through vibration.
What is an ieta?
During the research I conducted to create the best possible version of this article for you, I noticed that many other websites are listing ieta as a musical instrument, so I want to set the record straight. there is no musical instrument called an ieta.
What are some new instruments that start with the letter “i”?
A: Some new instruments starting with the letter ‘I’ include the Icelandic fiddle, Igil, and Irish Bouzouki.
What is an Irish uilleann pipe?
An Irish uilleann it not a musical instrument start with I, rather it is an instrument called Uilleann pipes that is traditional to Ireland. It is a type of bagpipe.
Conclusion
Musical instruments starting with the letter “I” bring unique sounds, cultural significance, and historical heritage to the world of music. From the versatile X to the soulful X, the intricate X, the vibrant X, and the expressive X, these instruments offer musicians and enthusiasts a gateway to explore diverse musical traditions and create captivating melodies.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned musician, these instruments provide endless possibilities for artistic expression and a deeper connection to the power of music.
