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 name of the first known musical instrument?

  1. Flute

  2. Drum

  3. Guitar

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

The flute is the oldest known musical instrument, dating back to at least 40,000 years ago.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the first concerto ever written?

  1. Violin Concerto in A minor

  2. Piano Concerto No. 1 in D minor

  3. Cello Concerto in B-flat major

  4. Harp Concerto in C major
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Violin Concerto in A minor, composed by Antonio Vivaldi, is considered to be the first concerto ever written.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the first sonata ever written?

  1. Sonata for Violin and Continuo in G minor

  2. Sonata for Harpsichord in C major

  3. Sonata for Cello and Continuo in A major

  4. Sonata for Flute and Continuo in E minor
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Sonata for Violin and Continuo in G minor, composed by Arcangelo Corelli, is considered to be the first sonata ever written.

Multiple choice

The kanjira is a:

  1. Frame drum

  2. Tambourine

  3. Goblet drum

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

The kanjira is a small frame drum with a goatskin head, played with the fingers.

Multiple choice

The kanjira is held in which hand while playing?

  1. Left hand

  2. Right hand

  3. Both hands

  4. It is not held
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The kanjira is typically held in the left hand while playing, with the right hand used to strike the drumhead.

Multiple choice

Which musical instrument is closely linked to the cultural identity of the Andean region in South America?

  1. Violin

  2. Guitar

  3. Panpipes

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

The panpipes, also known as zampoñas, are a traditional instrument in the Andean region and hold cultural significance for indigenous communities.

Multiple choice

In traditional Japanese music, what is the term for the three-stringed lute that is often used to accompany singing?

  1. Koto

  2. Shamisen

  3. Taiko

  4. Tsugaru-jamisen
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The shamisen is a three-stringed lute that is commonly used in traditional Japanese music, particularly to accompany singing.

Multiple choice

In traditional Korean music, what is the term for the long, cylindrical double-reed instrument that is often used in court music and shamanistic rituals?

  1. Gayageum

  2. Piri

  3. Taepyeongso

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

The piri is a long, cylindrical double-reed instrument used in traditional Korean music, particularly in court music and shamanistic rituals.

Multiple choice

In traditional Native American music, what is the term for the ceremonial drum that is often used in powwows and other gatherings?

  1. Powwow Drum

  2. Buffalo Drum

  3. Medicine Drum

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

The powwow drum is a ceremonial drum used in traditional Native American music, particularly in powwows and other gatherings.

Multiple choice

Which of these instruments is commonly associated with blues music?

  1. Saxophone

  2. Piano

  3. Guitar

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

The guitar is a prominent instrument in blues music, often used for both rhythm and lead parts.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the instrument that is played by blowing air into a tube?

  1. Flute

  2. Shehnai

  3. Nadaswaram

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

The flute is a wind instrument that is played by blowing air into a tube. It is used in many Indian classical dance forms.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the musical instrument that was popular during the Renaissance period?

  1. Lute

  2. Viola da gamba

  3. Recorder

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

Lutes, violas da gamba, and recorders are all musical instruments that were popular during the Renaissance period.

Multiple choice

Which of these is NOT a traditional Chinese opera role type?

  1. Sheng

  2. Dan

  3. Jing

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

Chou is not a traditional Chinese opera role type. Sheng, Dan, and Jing are the three main role types, representing male, female, and painted-face characters, respectively.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the unique percussion instrument used to accompany Chinese opera performances?

  1. Guzheng

  2. Pipa

  3. Erhu

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

The Jinghu is a two-stringed bowed instrument with a high-pitched sound, commonly used to accompany Chinese opera performances.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the traditional Chinese opera musical instrument with a long neck and four strings?

  1. Guzheng

  2. Pipa

  3. Erhu

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

The Liuqin is a traditional Chinese plucked string instrument with a long neck and four strings, commonly used in Chinese opera ensembles.