Musical instruments that start with the letter K include the kora, koto and kaen (khaen). They belong to different families: some use strings, some use air, and others are struck to make sound.
Common K Instruments at a Glance
| Instrument | Family | How to Recognize It |
|---|---|---|
| Kora | Plucked strings | A West African harp, commonly with 21 strings and a gourd resonator. |
| Koto | Plucked strings | A Japanese zither with movable bridges. |
| Kaen / khaen | Wind | A bamboo mouth organ with metal reeds, central to Lao traditional music. |
- KABOSI – A tiny lute in the form of a box from Madagascar.
- KADLONG – A fretted boat lute that originated in the Philippines.
- KAEN – Also spelled khaen or khene, a bamboo mouth organ with metal reeds. It is central to Lao traditional music and is also played in Thailand.
- KAFFIR PIANO – also known as mbira, is a traditional Zimbabwean musical instrument.
- KALIMBA – A thumb piano that is from Africa.
- KANGLING – A human tibia or femur that was made into a Tibetan horn.
- KANTELE – A Finnish plucked string instrument that has horse hair as strings in the oldest version.
- KAVAL – A flute that is blown from the end and has open ends, originated from the Balkans.
- KAZOO – A small membranophone played by humming into the mouthpiece. The voice makes a membrane vibrate, producing its buzzing sound.
- KETTLE DRUM – A percussion instrument that is a type of drum and has a rounded bottom.
- KEYBOARD BASS – A keyboard musical instrument in the bass register that has pipes or strings.
- KEYED TRUMPET – A brass instrument that is similar to a trumpet, but has finger holes like a flute.
- KHENA – A mouth organ from India that has a double reed.
- KISSAR – A lyre from Sudan, Egypt, and Abyssinia.
- KŎMUNGO – A Korean zither that is half-tubed and hollow.
- KORA – A West African harp, commonly with 21 strings stretched over a gourd resonator.
- KOTO – A Japanese plucked zither, commonly with 13 strings, each supported by a movable bridge.
- KOZIOL – A bagpipe made from a goat’s hide, it originated in Poland.
- KUBING – A jaw harp that is from the Philippines.
- KULINTANG A TINIOK – A Philippine metallophone with eight tuned metal plates.
Conclusion
Musical instruments that start with the letter K cover a wide range of styles and regions. A few are still played regularly, while others now mainly survive in museum collections.
Whether you are a musician or simply a music lover, learning about these instruments can be a fascinating experience.
Browse other instrument lists: instruments beginning with L, instruments beginning with U, instruments beginning with X.
