When it comes to reed instruments, clarinet, saxophone, and oboe are famous examples—but do you know what a reed actually is?
A reed is a thin piece of material—often made of wood—that forms one part of an instrument.
Reed instruments produce a wide range of timbres by vibrating this reed.
Reed instruments can be broadly categorized into several types, such as single-reed, double-reed, and free-reed.
In this article, we’ll introduce reed instruments by each of these categories.
In addition to instruments that originated overseas, we’ll also feature traditional Japanese instruments that have been used since ancient times.
Enjoy!
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Single lead (1–10)
When it comes to reed instruments, many people think of clarinets and saxophones, which play active roles in a wide range of musical settings such as wind ensembles, orchestras, jazz, and pop.
These instruments belong to the single-reed family, meaning, as the name suggests, they use just one reed.
Let’s start by introducing the most classic single-reed instruments.
clarinet
When Japanese people hear the word “clarinet,” many might first think not of its tone but of the famous children’s song “I Broke My Clarinet.” Known for its soft timbre, wide variety of types, and broad range, the clarinet shines not only in classical music but also in genres like jazz and pop.
In fact, its predecessor is said to be the chalumeau, a single-reed folk instrument from the 18th century; the clarinet was created through improvements made to that instrument.
A standout presence that can both underpin an ensemble and take center stage with the main melody, the clarinet is hugely popular in wind bands.
From classical to jazz, the great clarinetists are all uniquely individual players, and if you’re not wedded to any one genre, we encourage you to compare clarinet performances across different fields.
As an aside, since there are many kinds of clarinets, first-time players may feel unsure which to choose, but unless you have special reasons otherwise, you’ll do well to start with the most common type: the B-flat clarinet.
soprano saxophone
There are several types of the saxophone, an instrument created in the 1840s by the Belgian-born instrument designer Adolphe Sax, but alongside the alto and tenor saxophones, the soprano saxophone is among the most famous.
As its name suggests, the soprano saxophone produces the highest pitches among saxophones.
In classical saxophone quartets, it often takes a leading role, carrying the main melody, and in many well-known pop songs, the sax solo is played on soprano sax.
Its bright, radiant tone makes it particularly well-suited to melodic lines.
Kenny G, a central figure in the genre known as smooth jazz, is one of the most famous soprano saxophonists, and many listeners have been inspired by the urbane, wistful melodies he creates.
Despite its compact size and light weight—which make it easy to hold—the soprano saxophone is considered somewhat harder to play than other saxophones, posing a higher barrier for beginners.
Because it demands delicate techniques such as precise breath timing and control, mastering it allows you to unlock that wonderful tone.
It’s not a bad idea to practice on another saxophone first and then take on the challenge.
alto saxophone
When it comes to the saxophone, it’s an instrument that shines across a wide range of genres—jazz, pop, rock—and it’s often one of the first instruments people think of as “cool” and attractive to play.
Among the various types of saxophones, the one most people picture—especially those not familiar with instruments—is likely the alto sax.
Invented in the 1840s by Adolphe Sax, a Belgian instrument designer, the alto sax is larger than the soprano sax but more compact than the tenor.
As a woodwind, it can produce some of the most powerful sounds, and its appeal lies in its expressive range: from sweet, sultry tones to intense, wailing cries.
Just the stance of holding an alto sax looks effortlessly cool, and it often takes center stage in performances.
While it’s used in classical music as well, the alto sax is synonymous with jazz.
The instrument boasts many legendary players who left their mark on history—from big band greats like Benny Carter and Johnny Hodges to modern jazz pioneer Charlie Parker.
In Japanese pop music, Naoyuki Fujii of The Checkers and Shinji Takeda—now also famous as a fitness personality—are well-known alto saxophonists.
tenor saxophone
The tenor saxophone is an instrument that, among the types of saxophones, has a shape similar to the alto sax.
However, compared to the alto, it produces a lower tone often described as “masculine.” If the alto saxophone is graceful and feminine, the tenor saxophone is characterized by a rich, warm low register that feels distinctly masculine.
It is the second most popular saxophone after the alto and is used in a variety of genres, but when it comes to tenor sax, it is undoubtedly one of the most popular instruments in jazz.
For jazz enthusiasts who decide to actually play the saxophone, many likely reach for the tenor first.
Giants of the jazz world like Sonny Rollins and John Coltrane immediately come to mind, and the tenor sax’s resonant sound in the low to middle registers gives it an image of being favored in more mature music.
Another notable feature of the tenor sax is how clearly a player’s individuality emerges in the sound itself.
Precisely because of that, it’s challenging—and precisely because of that, it’s inspiring.
Why not take on the tenor saxophone yourself?
baritone saxophone
When the saxophone was first invented, as many as 14 different types were made.
Among the best-known today are the alto, tenor, soprano, and baritone saxophones.
Of these four, the baritone covers the lowest range—in concrete terms, it can produce a tone an octave below the alto sax.
Because it occupies the low register, it rarely takes on solo parts; in big bands and sax quartets, it typically plays a supporting role in the ensemble.
That said, the jazz world does feature renowned baritone saxophonists such as Gerry Mulligan, and there are certainly cases where the instrument carries solos that showcase its characteristically powerful, robust, and masculine tone.
Compared to other saxophones, the baritone has a larger body and a striking presence, which can make it a bit challenging for smaller players.
Its long tubing demands substantial lung capacity, and it’s true that it isn’t the most beginner-friendly saxophone.
Even so, as mentioned, many people deliberately choose the baritone for its appealing sound and commanding look.
If you’re curious about what a baritone saxophone handling solo parts sounds like, be sure to check out some videos!
bass clarinet
The bass clarinet is a derivative of the clarinet that covers a range one octave lower than the standard B-flat clarinet, and its appearance has the commanding presence typical of large wind instruments.
With its distinctive metal bell and neck, the bass clarinet generally plays a behind-the-scenes, supportive role in ensembles.
However, it increasingly takes on solos—not only in jazz but also in orchestras and wind bands—and many people are captivated by its deep, rich tone.
A piece where the bass clarinet truly shines is, for example, the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy from the ballet The Nutcracker, which showcases its charm to the fullest.
There are also many videos online of musicians skillfully performing the main melodies of famous pop songs on the bass clarinet, so if you’re interested, be sure to check them out!
Double reed (1–10)
Next, I’ll introduce instruments with double reeds, typified by the oboe.
As the name suggests, a double reed instrument uses two reeds.
When airflow passes between the two reeds, each reed vibrates, producing a distinctive tone.
In addition to staple instruments in wind ensembles and orchestras, there are also double-reed instruments among the world’s folk instruments, so I’ll introduce those as well.
bassoon
Like the oboe, one of the quintessential double-reed instruments is the bassoon.
Its very long, distinctive body catches the eye, but in fact the instrument’s shape is essentially a long tube folded back on itself, making it longer than it appears.
The origins of the bassoon are uncertain—an ancestor already existed in the 17th century—but the modern form was completed from the 19th century onward.
There are two main systems, the French and the German, and in English it is called the bassoon.
As a woodwind, the bassoon can produce the lowest register, yet it isn’t confined to weighty bass lines; it’s a remarkably versatile instrument that also shines in solo passages using its unique, humorous middle register.
Its rhythmic staccato in arpeggios is striking, and it truly comes into its own in crisp, leaping phrases.
Many works feature the bassoon, but be sure to check out the famous opening solo in Igor Stravinsky’s ballet The Rite of Spring.