Unusual Musical Instruments from Around the World

Music is woven into the fabric of human expression, a language that transcends borders and speaks to something deep within us. Across every culture and generation, people have found ways to shape sound into stories, emotions, and sacred traditions.

While we may be familiar with instruments like the piano, guitar, or drums, the world of music stretches far beyond what we hear every day. Some instruments produce tones so ethereal they feel otherworldly, while others capture the very essence of nature, echoing wind, water, or the pulse of the earth itself.

This journey will take us across continents to explore some of the most unusual, mesmerizing, and beautifully unique musical instruments ever created. From the hypnotic drone of the Didgeridoo to the mysterious tones of the Theremin, each of these instruments carries a story, a tradition, and a voice unlike any other.

7 Unusual Musical Instruments from Around the World

Across different cultures, musicians have crafted instruments that go beyond the ordinary—transforming everyday materials into tools for sonic expression. Some are born from centuries-old traditions, while others are the result of pure innovation. Each one offers a distinct voice and a unique way of experiencing music.

Let’s begin our journey with an instrument that embodies both ingenuity and nature’s voice—the Đàn Tre, a rare bamboo instrument from Vietnam.

1. Đàn Tre (Vietnam) – The Singing Bamboo of Vietnam

The Đàn Tre is a one-of-a-kind instrument crafted entirely from bamboo, reflecting Vietnam’s deep connection to nature and resourcefulness in music-making. 

Unlike traditional stringed or percussive instruments, the Đàn Tre produces its rich and resonant tones through a combination of plucked strings and a flexible bamboo soundboard.

Sound: A mix of twangy, harp-like notes and deep, vibrating tones, creating a soundscape that feels both earthy and ethereal.
Fun Fact: The Đàn Tre was originally created by Vietnamese soldier Nguyễn Duy Giang while he was in a re-education camp, turning simple materials into an instrument of resilience and beauty.

From the whispering reeds of bamboo, let’s travel to the vast Australian Outback, where one of the world’s oldest wind instruments—the Didgeridoo—echoes the sound of the land itself.

2. Didgeridoo (Australia) – The Voice of the Earth

The Didgeridoo is one of the oldest wind instruments in the world, deeply rooted in Aboriginal Australian culture. Traditionally crafted from eucalyptus branches hollowed out by termites, it produces a deep, resonant drone that mimics the sounds of nature—wind, animals, and the shifting earth. Using circular breathing techniques, musicians can sustain notes continuously, creating hypnotic, rhythmic soundscapes.

Sound: A deep, droning resonance, almost like the earth is singing.
Fun Fact: The Didgeridoo has been played for over 1,500 years in ceremonies, storytelling, and healing practices, making it not just an instrument but a sacred tool of connection.

From the ancient drones of Australia, we now journey to Sweden, where the Nyckelharpa, an intricate bowed instrument with keys, brings Nordic folk traditions to life.

3. Nyckelharpa (Sweden) – The Keyed Fiddle of Scandinavia

The Nyckelharpa is a traditional Swedish instrument that blends the elegance of a violin with the mechanics of a keyed harp. Played with a bow, it features wooden keys that press against the strings, allowing musicians to produce rich, layered harmonies with ease. Its warm, resonant sound has been a defining feature of Nordic folk music for centuries.

Sound: A deep, expressive tone that carries both the sweetness of a violin and the droning resonance of a hurdy-gurdy.
Fun Fact: The earliest depiction of a Nyckelharpa dates back to 1350, and despite its ancient origins, it remains a beloved instrument in Sweden today.

From the snow-covered landscapes of Scandinavia, we now travel to West Africa, where the Balafon, a wooden ancestor of the xylophone, fills the air with bright, rhythmic melodies.

4. Balafon (West Africa) – The Wooden Ancestor of the Xylophone

The Balafon is a traditional West African percussion instrument that has predated the modern xylophone for centuries. Made from wooden keys placed over gourd resonators, it produces a rich, percussive melody that is deeply intertwined with storytelling, dance, and ceremonial music. Played with mallets, the Balafon’s warm, rhythmic tones have been passed down through generations, preserving the cultural heritage of the Mandé people.

Sound: Bright, rhythmic, and full of life, with a naturally resonant, buzzing effect created by the gourds.
Fun Fact: Some Balafons are believed to be over 800 years old and are still played today as an essential part of West African musical traditions.

From the rhythmic pulse of West Africa, we now step into the realm of the futuristic and surreal, where the Theremin, an instrument played without touch, creates haunting, otherworldly melodies.

5. Theremin (Russia) – The Instrument You Play Without Touching

The Theremin is one of the most mysterious and mesmerizing instruments ever invented. Unlike any traditional instrument, it is played without physical contact—musicians move their hands through the air near two metal antennas to control pitch and volume. Invented in Russia in the 1920s by physicist Léon Theremin, this instrument became famous for its eerie, wailing tones, often heard in science fiction and horror film soundtracks.

Sound: A ghostly, ethereal hum that glides seamlessly between notes, almost like a human voice floating through space.
Fun Fact: The Theremin was one of the first electronic instruments ever created and remains the only one played entirely without touch!

From the invisible magic of the Theremin, we now return to the elemental beauty of water, where the Jal Tarang, a set of water-filled bowls, creates delicate, bell-like melodies.

6. Jal Tarang (India) – Music from Water-Filled Bowls

The Jal Tarang is a rare and delicate instrument that transforms water into music. It consists of a series of ceramic or metal bowls, each filled with different amounts of water. When gently struck with wooden mallets, the bowls produce crystal-clear, bell-like tones that shift in pitch depending on the water level. Originating in India, the Jal Tarang has been used in classical music for centuries and is celebrated for its serene and meditative sound.

Sound: Soft, pure, and flowing—like rippling water turned into melody.
Fun Fact: The name "Jal Tarang" literally translates to "waves in water," reflecting the instrument’s connection to the fluid movement and sound.

From the tranquil beauty of water, we now move to an instrument that seems almost otherworldly—the Waterphone, famous for its eerie, cinematic soundscapes.

7. Waterphone (USA) – The Sound of Mystery and Suspense

The Waterphone is an eerie, otherworldly instrument that produces haunting, echoing tones. It consists of a metal basin filled with water, with metal rods of varying lengths protruding from it. 

Played with a bow or struck with mallets, the Waterphone’s sound is unpredictable, shifting between ghostly wails, shimmering echoes, and metallic whispers. It has been widely used in horror films and suspenseful soundtracks, adding an unsettling, ethereal quality to cinematic moments.

Sound: Unstable, eerie, and atmospheric—like distant cries or the echoes of an alien world.
Fun Fact: The Waterphone has been used in iconic films like Poltergeist, The Matrix, and There Will Be Blood, making it a favorite for creating spine-chilling soundscapes.

From the bamboo instrument to the unsettling tones of the Waterphone, these unusual instruments remind us that music has no limits—it is shaped by culture, nature, and the human imagination.

Conclusion

Music is limitless. It is shaped by culture, nature, and the creativity of those who bring sound to life. From the ancient Didgeridoo to the futuristic Theremin, these unusual instruments expand our understanding of music. Sound is not just heard but felt, experienced, and connected to the world around us.

Whether an instrument is played without touch, with water, or through the resonance of bamboo, every musical tradition carries its own magic, inviting us to listen in new ways. Some instruments, like the handpan, offer a modern voice that feels deeply connected to something timeless. It bridges rhythm, melody, and emotion in a way that speaks to the soul.

Perhaps you’ll find inspiration in one of these instruments, or maybe your own musical journey is just beginning. 

At Sound Artist, we believe that music is for everyone, and the right instrument is the one that speaks to you. Curious to explore? We’d love to help you find your sound.

Schedule a free music lesson with us today and discover the instrument that calls to you!