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Jazz Instruments

Jazz and improvised music can be performed in groups made up of virtually any combination and number of instruments. Traditionally, however, big bands and small ensembles feature a small group of the family of instruments. Below are photos and descriptions of the instruments typically used in a jazz setting. These instruments are the ones that children are first exposed to in jazz education, and this gallery is intended for those who are just are just starting to develop an interest in jazz.

Upright Bass

The upright bass is a wooden, four-stringed instrument used to play low notes. In classical settings, the instrument is played with a bow made of wood and horse hair, and dragged along the strings to create long, sustained pitches. In jazz however, the instrument's strings are typically plucked, giving it an almost percussive quality. The bass provides the foundation for the harmony in the rhythm section, as well as the rhythmic pulse throughout.

Clarinet

In early jazz styles through the era of swing music, the clarinet was one of the most prominent instruments in jazz. Today the clarinet is not as common in jazz, but when it is included it gets special attention because of its warm, round tone. In the woodwind family, the clarinet can be made of wood or plastic, and its tone is produced when the reed on the mouthpiece vibrates. Many jazz saxophonists also play clarinet, because of the many similarities between the two instruments.

Drum Set

The drum set is the instrument central to the rhythm section. It acts as the motor that drives the group. A drum set can contain a multitude of percussion instruments, but in jazz it usually consists of only a few parts. The lowest drum, or bass drum, is played with a pedal. Also played with a pedal is the hi-hat, a duo of small cymbals that crash together, and are used for crisp accents. The snare drum is played with sticks. It has a sharp attack, and sits directly in front of the drummer. On the edges of the set are usually a crash cymbal, used to punctuate moments of intensity, and a ride cymbal, played continually to add color to the overall sound. In addition, drummers often use two hollow-sounding drums of varying pitches, called a low tom (or floor tom) and a high tom.

Guitar

The electric guitar is found as much in jazz as it is in rock music and other styles. Jazz guitarists typically use hollow-body guitars for their clean sounds. Guitars are often used along with, or instead of pianos. The guitar can be both a "comping" instrument, and a soloing instrument. In other words, its six strings can be strummed in order to play chords, or they can be plucked to play melodies.

Piano

The piano is one of the most versatile instruments in the jazz rhythm section. Because of its range and all of its qualities available, it can practically create the effect of a full band all by itself. Its 88 keys allow for many harmonic possibilities. It is capable of playing very low and very high. It has the ability to be treated like a percussion instrument, or played softly and melodically like a harp.

Saxophone

The saxophone is one of the most vibrant instruments in jazz. The flexible, voice-like tone of the saxophone has made it a prominent jazz instrument since almost the very beginning of jazz. A member of the woodwind family, the saxophone is actually made out of brass. Its tone is created by blowing into the mouthpiece, on which a reed made out of cane vibrates.

The saxophone family includes the tenor (pictured) and alto saxophones, which are the most common, and also the soprano and baritone. There are saxophones that are higher than the soprano and lower than the baritone, but they are rare. The saxophone is a monophonic instrument, which means that it can only play one note at a time.

Trombone

The trombone is a brass instrument that uses a slide to change its pitch. The trombone has been used in jazz ensembles since the beginning of jazz. In early jazz styles, its role was often to "comp" behind the lead instrument by playing improvised counter lines. During the swing era, trombones were an essential part of the big band. When bebop came around, trombones became less common, owing to the fact that it is simply more difficult to play sinewy lines than on other instruments. Because of its power and its unique tone, the trombone is frequently used in many stylistic veins.

Trumpet

The trumpet is the instrument perhaps most widely associated with jazz, partly because it was played by the iconic Louis Armstrong. The trumpet is a brass instrument, which means both that it is made of brass, and also that its tone is created when the lips are buzzed in its mouthpiece. Pitches are changed by changing the shape of the lips, and by fingering its three valves. The trumpet's brilliant tone has made it an essential part of the jazz ensemble from early jazz through contemporary styles.