Education
History of Country Music Instruments
Explore Music History’s Essential Sounds
The instruments used to create country music are as varied as the voices that continue to move the genre forward. But certain tools have become synonymous with the country sound—and, in different mixes and with varied prominence—tend to appear on many of the best-known country music recordings.
First, explore a few of the instruments that have become key to country music’s evolving but roots-rooted sound, then have a listen to each down below.
Common Country Music Instruments
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Accordion -
Autoharp -
Banjo -
Bass -
Dobro -
Drums -
Fiddle -
Guitar (Acoustic) -
Guitar (Electric) -
Harmonica -
Mandolin -
Piano -
Pedal Steel Guitar -
Washboard -
Zither
Sounds
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Les Paul
Father of Modern Guitar
Over a career that lasted almost eighty years, Les Paul became known as one of the greatest guitar players of all time, but he was also an inventor. His innovations in guitar design and recording technology are still seen and heard today.
