Instruments Used in Jazz | Featuring Some Lesser-Known Ones Too!
Jazz has been loved for many years.
Even if you don’t know much about it, many people probably find themselves listening to jazz without thinking, right?
This feature is for those listeners, highlighting the instruments used in jazz.
We’ve selected instruments that appear in a variety of lineups—whether big bands, trios, quartets, or quintets.
It’s recommended for anyone who wants to get a basic overview of jazz instruments for now.
We’ll also introduce some lesser-known instruments in the latter half, so please relax and enjoy it to the very end!
Instruments Used in Jazz | Lesser-Known Instruments Also Featured! (1–10)
alto saxophone
Jazz encompasses many genres, but the alto saxophone is the instrument often used for sultry, lead parts.
Considered the most standard type of saxophone in jazz, the alto sax is known as a star instrument that frequently takes the lead—not only in trios and bands, but also in big bands.
It pairs especially well with moody, noir-tinged jazz, making it irresistible for those who love songs with a mature, sophisticated atmosphere.
clarinet
When you think of the clarinet, many people probably associate it strongly with classical music.
In the jazz scene, you won’t necessarily see the clarinet in every genre, but it’s an instrument that’s used quite often in styles like smooth jazz and fusion.
The clarinet’s light, lilting melodies seem to pair well with smoother structures.
If you’re looking for refreshing jazz, why not try pieces where the clarinet takes the lead?
trumpet
The trumpet is an essential instrument in any discussion of jazz.
Thanks to famous players like Louis Armstrong and Miles Davis, even those not well-versed in jazz can probably picture the trumpet easily.
What makes the trumpet so appealing in jazz, above all, is its flair.
Among the instruments used in jazz, its tone is especially clear and defined, which is why it’s often used as a lead instrument.
piano
The piano is also one of the instruments that represent jazz.
Even though classical and jazz piano use the same instrument, they give off very different vibes, don’t they? Part of that comes down to scales, but I think the biggest factor is the prevalence of arrangements with intense fingerwork—what you might call high-speed piano.
Also, the way pianists strike the keys forcefully, almost like a percussion instrument, creates a distinctive staccato that’s a hallmark of jazz piano.
Because each player’s individuality comes through so clearly, be sure to check them out.
tenor saxophone
Even when we simply say “sax,” there are many different types.
Among them, the saxophone most people probably picture is the alto sax.
If not, you likely imagined the tenor sax.
As the name suggests, the tenor sax specializes in the middle register—not merely high, but an instrument that also possesses the sultry allure of the alto sax.
Light and lustrous.
If you enjoy that kind of sound, this is a must-hear instrument.
electric guitar
When people think of electric guitars, many associate them with rock, but in fact they’re actively used in jazz settings as well.
In rock, electric guitars are usually heavily distorted, whereas in jazz they typically use little distortion and aim for a clean sound.
Another difference is that in rock the electric guitar often takes the spotlight—sometimes even called a second vocalist—while in jazz it more often plays a role similar to the rhythm section.
drum
Drums are indispensable in modern and contemporary music.
In jazz, the drum setup is usually a unique configuration tailored to the genre, different from those used in mainstream pop or rock.
When it comes to savoring the character of drums, isn’t bebop the genre that pairs with them best? Rising to popularity in the 1940s, this style of jazz sparked a boom with drum-focused pieces that had not been common before.