Jazz music can be played on any instrument, including the human voice, but there are certain instruments that are commonly used in jazz music. Here are some of the most popular jazz instruments:
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Saxophone: The saxophone is responsible for playing melodies, both written and improvised. It is one of the most common instruments used in jazz music.
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Trumpet: The trumpet is a melodic brass instrument that backs up other instruments or plays solo. In early jazz, it was typically the loudest instrument, which made it the natural leader in ensembles.
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Trombone: The trombone is another popular instrument used in a jazz band’s horn section. They’re often seen in big band jazz. Tenor trombones are the most commonly used type of trombone, providing a clean and lively sound that harmonizes well with the saxophone, clarinet, and trumpet.
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Piano: The piano is a flexible instrument that appears in many genres of music across the globe. The flexibility of the instrument makes it a great choice for jazz.
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Bass: The bass is an essential part of the rhythm section in jazz music. It provides the foundation for the harmony and rhythm of the music.
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Drums: The drums have always been part of jazz, because the beat and sound of the drums is so integral to the cultural history of where jazz music originated and evolved from.
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Guitar: Many famous jazz musicians are pianists or guitarists, covering everything from early gypsy swing through to modern contemporary jazz. The guitarist is versatile and can play single note melodies or accompany the rhythm section.
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Clarinet: The clarinet had a huge role in the evolution of jazz music, especially during the early jazz era in cities such as New Orleans.
There are also some less common jazz instruments, such as the violin, flute, and harp. Jazz music tends to be quite experimental with instrument choices, so any instrument in the world can be used in jazz.
