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May 30, 2024 · Many very common instruments can be played with one hand just as easily as with both hands. From percussion to woodwind instruments, we have found just what you’re looking for. So here is our list of 10 musical instruments that can be played with one hand.
There are hundreds of musical instruments out there–which ones can be played with just your hands? Well, it turns out there’s way more than you probably think! Let’s get started.
- Synthesizers & Keyboards. Synthesizers and keyboards are essentially digital pianos. They often include a wide range of presets, allowing the musician to access a variety of sounds inspired by other acoustic and electronic instruments.
- Trombone. The trombone produces an irresistibly smooth sound with a wide dynamic range. Part of the brass family, this instrument is designed to be held in place by one hand, while the other hand adjusts a slider to alter the note that is played.
- Harmonica. Harmonica is a unique instrument. Commonly hand-held, it can be played using one, two, or no hands. If you’ve ever watched an early Bob Dylan performance before he made the switch from acoustic to electric, you’ve probably noticed his hands-free harmonica.
- Trumpet. Like the trombone, the trumpet is part of the brass family, and is potentially part of the list of one handed musical instruments. Conventionally, it is held in the musician’s left hand so that the valves which produce different notes can be played with the right hand.
- Maracas. The maracas are one of the most popular hand percussion instruments today, if not the most popular. The first known maracas are believed to originate in the Tainos.
- Tambourines. The tambourine is another great hand percussion instrument that originated in the near east. Historically, it was used in religious events, but now it’s used musically by many people around the world.
- Cabasa. A cabasa is another favorite for hand percussion musicians. This instrument has a thin wooden handle and a cylinder-like body. Made in the 1950’s it sometimes looks like a fancy rattle.
- Claves. Claves are an interesting hand percussion instrument. They have been around for many years, originating in Cuba, but they are used all around the world.
- Frame Drums. The first and perhaps the most popular type of hand drum is the frame drum. Frame drums came from the North Africa, the Caucasus, and the Middle East.
- Djembe. The Djembe resembles a goblet. It is from Africa. This hand drum can produce different ranges of sounds. It can make sharp and high slaps and can do low or deep bass sound.
- Tabla. When it comes to large hand drums, the most popular one is the tabla. Have you seen an Indian movie where the actors are dancing and singing? They often use hand drums like tabla in their production.
- Bongos. The Cubans are not just popular with their Cuban cigar. They also have this famous hand drum called Bongos. Bongos is a traditional hand drum played.
The majority of these techniques can actually be applied to everything from djembes, cajons, steel pan, and most other varieties of hand drums. When choosing your first hand drum, you should play around with and research a few of them before making your final decision.
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Hand drums offer advanced playing techniques like double strokes, flu accents, rolls, polyrhythms, dynamics, and learning specific rhythms from various cultures, with numerous online resources available for musical expression. Choosing Your First Hand Drum
