Dancing and singing a catchy song is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think about pop music. Pop music is, after all, popular music. But what makes a pop song really catchy and enjoyable to listen to? The answer lies in the instruments used to create the music.
Pop music has changed over the years, yet certain instruments stay popular in today’s tracks. Musicians experiment with unique sounds to craft fresh, original music. Whether it’s love songs or party anthems, the key factor is the instruments creating the sound.
Popular instruments in pop music include guitars, pianos, synthesizers, and drums.
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1. Computer
Technology has made everything simpler and more accessible in our daily lives and the music industry. Computers play a significant role in pop music, whether for composing or editing songs.
Choosing a DAW, or Digital Audio Workstation, allows you to record, edit, and mix audio, as well as digitally replicate instrument sounds.
Many composers and artists use this to create or edit tracks. Professionals often use software like Logic Pro X, Reaper, and FL Studio.
2. Synth
Synthesizers have shaped pop music since the 1970s, becoming essential for creating diverse sounds and effects in many songs.
Though they began as hardware, software synthesizers have now become the most popular type, easily integrated with a DAW.
Software synthesizers can be played with a MIDI keyboard or directly on the computer. Many VST instruments replicate the sound of real instruments.
Synthesizers create various sounds like basslines, leads, and pads. Famous artists like Michael Jackson and Madonna used them in their songs.
3. Drums or Drum Machine
Drums provide the beat and rhythm driving the song. A drummer can play them live, or they can be programmed using a drum machine.
Acoustic drums shine in live performances, while electronic drums are preferred for studio recordings. Drum machines help create beats for pop songs.
Popular drum machines like the Roland TR-808 and TR-909 were used in iconic songs like Usher’s “Yeah! (featuring Lil Jon & Ludacris),” Marvin Gaye’s “Sexual Healing,” and Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.”
4. Percussion
Pop music often uses percussion instruments too. They add a variety of sounds and textures to the song.
Percussion instruments like drums, cymbals, tambourines, maracas, and shakers create a song’s distinct beat. They’re evident in nearly all pop songs.
5. Guitar
The guitar, a favorite in pop music, is versatile and produces a range of sounds, from soft melodies to energetic riffs.
Acoustic and electric guitars are widely used in pop music. Acoustic guitars shine in softer, mellow songs. Electric guitars drive upbeat, energetic tunes. Popular brands include Fender, Gibson, and Martin.
Famous pop artists like Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, and Shawn Mendes often use acoustic guitars in their songs. Bruno Mars is one of many pop artists that use electric guitars.
6. Bass
Another common instrument in pop music is the bass. It delivers the low-end frequencies that anchor the song and keep it grounded.
The bass often provides a countermelody to the main melody of a song, or creates a groove that drives the rhythm forward.
Electric bass guitars are more commonly used in pop music than acoustic ones. Popular brands include Fender, Gibson, Ibanez, and Yamaha.
7. Keyboard
The keyboard is a flexible instrument creating a variety of sounds. It’s often used in pop music to add texture and depth.
Pianos, organs, and synthesizers are popular keyboards in pop music. Yamaha, Roland, and Korg are top brands.
The keyboard generates diverse sounds, including lead melodies, chord progressions, and basslines. It also adds effects like reverb and delay.
Renowned musicians like Alicia Keys have used the keyboard in their songs.
8. Saxophone
The saxophone is a popular wind instrument known for its soulful and sensual sound. It adds a lot of emotion to pop music.
The saxophone, often used for solos, also creates harmony and countermelodies. In pop music, the most common types are the alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones.
Some well-known songs that effectively utilize the saxophone are “Careless Whisper” by George Michael, “Baker Street” by Gerry Rafferty, and “Despacito” (featuring Justin Bieber) by Luis Fonsi.
9. Vocals
Of course, no pop song is complete without vocals. The human voice, the most versatile instrument, makes a song great through its delivery. The lead vocalist highlights the song’s emotion and message with their voice.
Backing vocals in pop music add depth and harmonies to the lead vocal. They create a bigger, more powerful sound. Changing vocal pitch is a common way to produce interesting sound effects.
