General Awareness · History

Musical Instruments

2,912 Questions

Musical instruments are categorized into strings, brass, woodwinds, and percussion. This hub offers practice questions on instruments like the Santoor, gayageum, and bandoneon across various cultures. This topic is a regular feature in general awareness sections of competitive exams.

String instrumentsBrass instrumentsWoodwind techniquesTraditional folk instrumentsGlobal music traditions

Musical Instruments Questions

Multiple choice

Which of the following is not a type of piano pedal?

  1. Sustain pedal

  2. Soft pedal

  3. Una corda pedal

  4. Celeste pedal
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The celeste pedal is not a type of piano pedal. It is a pedal that is found on some organs and harmoniums.

Multiple choice

Which of the following is not a type of piano keyboard?

  1. Grand keyboard

  2. Upright keyboard

  3. Player keyboard

  4. Electric keyboard
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Player keyboard is not a type of piano keyboard. It is a mechanism that allows a piano to play itself.

Multiple choice

The Santoor is a string instrument with how many strings?

  1. 100

  2. 72

  3. 48

  4. 24
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Santoor typically has 100 strings, arranged in groups of four. These strings are struck with two wooden mallets, producing a unique, resonant sound.

Multiple choice

The Rabab is a string instrument with how many strings?

  1. 2

  2. 4

  3. 6

  4. 8
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The Rabab typically has two main strings, which are tuned to a specific interval. These strings are played with a bow, producing a rich, resonant sound.

Multiple choice

The Dilruba is a string instrument with how many strings?

  1. 16

  2. 18

  3. 20

  4. 22
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The Dilruba typically has 18 strings, arranged in groups of three. These strings are played with a bow, producing a rich, mellow sound.

Multiple choice

The Taus is a string instrument with how many strings?

  1. 12

  2. 14

  3. 16

  4. 18
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The Taus typically has 14 strings, arranged in groups of four. These strings are played with a bow, producing a rich, resonant sound.

Multiple choice

What is the traditional music of Mexico, often played with instruments like the guitar, violin, and trumpet?

  1. Mariachi

  2. Ranchera

  3. Banda

  4. Norteño
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Mariachi music is a symbol of Mexican culture and is commonly performed at festivals, celebrations, and serenades.

Multiple choice

What is the traditional music of Brazil, often played with instruments like the pandeiro, cavaquinho, and berimbau?

  1. Samba

  2. Bossa Nova

  3. Choro

  4. Forró
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Samba, with its energetic rhythms and elaborate dance moves, is a symbol of Brazilian culture and is widely celebrated during Carnival.

Multiple choice

What is the traditional music of Colombia, often played with instruments like the tiple, bandola, and maracas?

  1. Cumbia

  2. Vallenato

  3. Champeta

  4. Salsa Colombiana
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Vallenato, with its accordion-driven melodies and intricate rhythms, is a beloved genre in Colombia and is often associated with storytelling.

Multiple choice

What is the traditional music of Argentina and Uruguay, often played with instruments like the bandoneón, piano, and violin?

  1. Tango

  2. Milonga

  3. Candombe

  4. Chacarera
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Tango, with its passionate and melancholic melodies, is a symbol of cultural identity in Argentina and Uruguay.

Multiple choice

What is the traditional music of Peru, often played with instruments like the charango, zampoña, and cajón?

  1. Cumbia

  2. Vallenato

  3. Huayno

  4. Marinera
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Huayno, with its Andean roots, is a vibrant genre that reflects the cultural heritage of Peru.

Multiple choice

What is the traditional music of Chile, often played with instruments like the guitar, accordion, and tambourine?

  1. Cueca

  2. Tonada

  3. Zamba

  4. Malambo
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Cueca, with its graceful dance moves and romantic lyrics, is a symbol of Chilean cultural identity.

Multiple choice

What is the traditional music of Venezuela, often played with instruments like the cuatro, maracas, and bandola?

  1. Joropo

  2. Gaita

  3. Merengue Venezolano

  4. Salsa Venezolana
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Joropo, with its lively rhythms and intricate dance moves, is a symbol of Venezuelan cultural heritage.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is featured prominently in the first movement of the Children's Symphony?

  1. Violin

  2. Flute

  3. Trumpet

  4. Xylophone
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The xylophone, a percussion instrument, plays a significant role in the first movement of the Children's Symphony.

Multiple choice

Which instrument is featured prominently in the third movement of the Children's Symphony?

  1. Oboe

  2. Clarinet

  3. Bassoon

  4. Triangle
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The triangle, a percussion instrument, is prominently featured in the third movement of the Children's Symphony.