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

What is the primary instrument used in traditional Chinese music?

  1. Guzheng

  2. Pipa

  3. Erhu

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

The guzheng is the primary instrument used in traditional Chinese music, although other instruments such as the pipa, erhu, and ruan are also commonly used.

Multiple choice

What is the primary instrument used in traditional Korean music?

  1. Gayageum

  2. Geomungo

  3. Daegeum

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

The gayageum is the primary instrument used in traditional Korean music, although other instruments such as the geomungo, daegeum, and janggu are also commonly used.

Multiple choice

What is the primary instrument used in traditional Irish music?

  1. Uilleann pipes

  2. Bodhrán

  3. Fiddle

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

The uilleann pipes are the primary instrument used in traditional Irish music, although other instruments such as the bodhrán, fiddle, and tin whistle are also commonly used.

Multiple choice

Which ancient Egyptian musical instrument was known for its distinctive shape resembling a boat?

  1. Harp

  2. Sistrum

  3. Lute

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

The sistrum, a percussion instrument, was a sacred rattle used in ancient Egyptian religious ceremonies and rituals, characterized by its boat-like shape and metal discs that jingled when shaken.

Multiple choice

What was the name of the ancient Chinese musical instrument consisting of a set of tuned bamboo pipes?

  1. Guzheng

  2. Pipa

  3. Erhu

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

The sheng, a free reed instrument, is an ancient Chinese musical instrument consisting of a set of tuned bamboo pipes, each with a metal reed, and is played by blowing air into a mouthpiece.

Multiple choice

What was the name of the ancient Mayan musical instrument made from a hollow gourd with a hole in the side?

  1. Ocarina

  2. Marimba

  3. Teponaztli

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

The ocarina, a wind instrument, was a common musical instrument among the ancient Mayans. It was made from a hollow gourd with a hole in the side and was played by blowing air into it.

Multiple choice

Which ancient musical instrument was used by the Incas of South America for religious ceremonies and festivals?

  1. Panpipes

  2. Quena

  3. Charango

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

The zampoña, a panpipe instrument, was widely used by the Incas of South America for religious ceremonies and festivals. It consists of a set of tuned pipes made from bamboo or cane.

Multiple choice

What was the name of the ancient African musical instrument made from a hollowed-out log with a stretched animal skin?

  1. Djembe

  2. Kora

  3. Mbira

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

The djembe, a goblet-shaped drum, is an ancient African musical instrument made from a hollowed-out log with a stretched animal skin. It is played by hand and is commonly used in traditional African music and dance.

Multiple choice

Which ancient musical instrument was used by the Aborigines of Australia for storytelling and ceremonial purposes?

  1. Didgeridoo

  2. Bullroarer

  3. Clapsticks

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

The didgeridoo, a wind instrument, is a traditional musical instrument of the Aborigines of Australia. It is made from a hollowed-out tree branch or bamboo and is played by blowing air into it, creating a deep, resonant sound.

Multiple choice

What was the name of the ancient musical instrument used by the Native Americans for healing ceremonies and spiritual rituals?

  1. Drum

  2. Flute

  3. Rattle

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

The drum is a common musical instrument used by Native Americans for healing ceremonies and spiritual rituals. It is believed to possess healing powers and is often used to accompany traditional songs and dances.

Multiple choice

Which ancient musical instrument was used by the ancient Hawaiians for hula performances and religious ceremonies?

  1. Ukulele

  2. Ipu

  3. Pahu

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

The ipu, a gourd instrument, is a traditional musical instrument of the ancient Hawaiians. It is made from a dried gourd and is played by striking it with the hands or a stick. It is commonly used in hula performances and religious ceremonies.

Multiple choice

What was the name of the ancient musical instrument used by the ancient Celts for battle music and rituals?

  1. Bagpipes

  2. Harp

  3. Bodhrán

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

The bagpipes are a traditional musical instrument associated with the ancient Celts. They are made up of a set of pipes connected to a bag that is filled with air. The bagpipes are played by squeezing the bag and blowing air into the pipes, creating a unique and powerful sound.

Multiple choice

Which ancient musical instrument was used by the ancient Vikings for storytelling, entertainment, and religious rituals?

  1. Lyre

  2. Horn

  3. Harp

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

The horn, a wind instrument, was a common musical instrument among the ancient Vikings. It was made from animal horns, such as those of cattle or sheep, and was played by blowing air into it. The horn was used for storytelling, entertainment, and religious rituals.

Multiple choice

What was the name of the ancient musical instrument used by the ancient Persians for court music and religious ceremonies?

  1. Santur

  2. Daf

  3. Tar

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

The santur, a hammered dulcimer, is a traditional musical instrument of the ancient Persians. It is made up of a set of strings stretched over a wooden box and is played by striking the strings with hammers. The santur was used for court music and religious ceremonies.

Multiple choice

How will the design of brass instruments change in the future?

  1. More ergonomic designs

  2. More modular designs

  3. More visually appealing designs

  4. All of the above
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Brass instrument designers are constantly working to improve the ergonomics, modularity, and visual appeal of their instruments.