When it comes to musical instruments, the letter “I” isn’t exactly the most popular starting point. You probably know dozens of instruments that start with other letters, but the list gets much shorter when you’re looking for instruments that start with “I.”
While they may not be as widely known as guitars or pianos, there are still some fascinating instruments that begin with “I” from various cultures around the world. This article will explore some of these lesser-known instruments and the rich musical traditions behind them.
From idiophones to stringed instruments and percussion, we’ll take a look at the Irish Bouzouki, the Igil, the Ipu, and more. Get ready to expand your musical horizons!
Stringed Instruments Starting with “I”
While you might be hard-pressed to name a musical instrument starting with “I,” they do exist! Here are a few fascinating stringed instruments that start with the letter “I.”
Irish Bouzouki
The Irish bouzouki evolved from the Greek bouzouki. It generally has a flat back and four sets of strings, tuned to GDAE. It’s known for its bright, distinctive sound.
Since the 1960s, the Irish bouzouki has played a prominent role in traditional Irish music, as well as contemporary folk, Celtic fusion, and acoustic rock.
It’s often played with a plectrum, and its sound blends well with other Irish instruments like the fiddle and flute.
Igil
The igil is a two-stringed Tuvan instrument that’s played with a bow. Igils often feature a carved horse head at the top of the neck. They’re made from wood, with horsehair strings.
The igil is culturally significant for Tuvan nomadic herders and is used in traditional Tuvan throat singing (Khoomei) performances.
The instrument produces a deep, resonant sound and is often used to imitate the sounds of animals and nature.
Ichigenkin
The ichigenkin is a Japanese one-stringed zither, traditionally made from paulownia wood and played with ivory plectra.
The instrument is associated with Japanese aesthetics and serene landscapes and is often played by Buddhist monks during meditation.
Players press down on the string at different points to produce different pitches and create a delicate, ethereal sound.
Imzad
The imzad is a one-stringed bowed instrument played by Tuareg women. It often accompanies poetry and storytelling.
The imzad is used in Tuareg storytelling and to accompany epic poems. The knowledge of how to play the instrument is passed down through generations of women.
The instrument produces a melancholic and evocative sound.
Idiophones That Start With “I”
Idiophones are instruments that create sound through the vibration of their entire body, without the use of strings, membranes, or air columns. Here are a few idiophones whose names start with the letter “I.”
Ikembe
The Ikembe is a type of thumb piano, also known as an mbira, found in several African countries. This instrument is made of metal tines attached to a soundboard. Players pluck the tines to create music.
The Ikembe is used in traditional African ceremonies and celebrations and has also been integrated into modern African and fusion music.
The instrument makes a bright, percussive sound and can be tuned to different scales and modes.
Ilimba
The Ilimba is another type of thumb piano similar to the Ikembe. It often has a resonator made from a gourd or wooden box.
The Ilimba has long played a role in African ceremonies and is now also used in contemporary music.
The Ilimba produces a mellow, resonant sound.
Ikoro
The Ikoro is a large slit drum used by the Igbo people of Nigeria. It’s carved from a single log of wood, and when played, it produces a deep, booming sound.
In Igbo society, the Ikoro serves as a symbol of communal harmony. It’s also used to communicate messages and announce important events.
The Ikoro is played with mallets.
Percussion Instruments Starting with “I”
While not as common as instruments like guitars or pianos, there are several percussion instruments whose names start with the letter “I.” Let’s explore a few:
Ingoma
The Ingoma is a drum found in several African cultures, including Rwanda and Burundi. They’re often played in groups and are made from wood and animal skin.
Historically, the Ingoma has played a key part in African traditions and dances. They’re often considered a symbol of royalty and power.
You can play the Ingoma with your hands or with sticks. The sound varies depending on the drum’s size and how it was made.
Ipu
The Ipu is a Hawaiian percussion instrument made from a gourd, or dried calabash. It’s made of two gourds joined together.
The Ipu is used in hula performances and is a symbol of Hawaiian culture.
To play the Ipu, you strike the gourd against the ground or your body to create a resonating, percussive sound.
Ilu
The Ilu is a Brazilian drum used in religious rituals. It’s played with the hands to make a strong rhythm.
Although historically used in religious settings, the Ilu has found its way into contemporary musical genres as well.
Wind instruments starting with “I”
There aren’t many well-known instruments that start with the letter “I.” But, here are a couple of wind instruments you may not have heard of:
Istarski Mih
The Istarski Mih is a type of bagpipe that comes from Istria, a region shared by Croatia, Slovenia, and Italy. This instrument has a bag, a chanter (the part you play the melody on), and a drone pipe (which plays a constant, harmonizing note).
Historically, the Istarski Mih has been a staple at Istrian festivals and celebrations. It’s closely tied to the region’s folk music traditions, adding a distinctive sound to the local culture.
The Istarski Mih is known for producing a loud, piercing sound. It’s not exactly the kind of instrument you’d play to soothe a baby, but it’s perfect for getting a crowd energized at a lively event.
Inanga
The Inanga is a trough zither, which looks a bit like a long, narrow, open box with strings stretched across it. It’s found in Rwanda and Burundi, two countries in East Africa.
Historically, the Inanga has played a crucial role in Rwandan storytelling and rituals. Skilled musicians use it to accompany epic tales and spiritual ceremonies, adding depth and emotion to their performances.
In contrast to the loud Istarski Mih, the Inanga produces a soft, melodic sound. It’s a gentle instrument, ideal for creating a calming and reflective atmosphere.
Addressing Common Misconceptions
The world of musical instruments can be a bit confusing, especially when you’re dealing with instruments from different cultures or ones that aren’t as widely known. Let’s clear up a few common misconceptions.
The Myth of the “Ieta”
You might have heard of an instrument called the “Ieta,” but there isn’t really a commonly recognized instrument with that name. It’s possible that the name is being confused with another instrument, or it could be a misspelling. Musical instrument names can be tricky to remember correctly!
Distinguishing Similar Instruments
Some instruments sound and look alike, but they have key differences. Take the Ikembe and the Ilimba, for example. Both are types of thumb pianos, but they vary in how they’re made, the sounds they produce, and their cultural significance. Sometimes, regional differences can even lead to different names for similar instruments.
The Evolving Nature of Musical Instruments
Musical instruments aren’t static; they adapt and change over time. Instruments evolve as new materials become available, and they get incorporated into new musical styles. Think about how the electric guitar, an evolution of the acoustic guitar, has shaped rock and roll, blues, and countless other genres.
Conclusion
We’ve explored a wonderfully diverse range of musical instruments that all start with the letter “I,” from the iconic instruments in the string family, like the Irish bouzouki, to the more obscure and unique instruments from around the world, like the Iranian Santur. Each instrument, whether widely known or relatively rare, carries a unique cultural significance and a distinct voice within the world of music.
It’s crucial that we make an effort to preserve and celebrate these unique musical traditions, ensuring that the sounds and stories they carry continue to resonate for generations to come. The world of music is vast and varied, and there are countless other lesser-known instruments waiting to be discovered and appreciated.
So, I encourage you to continue your exploration of musical instruments from different cultures and traditions. Who knows what sonic treasures you might unearth?