Music brings cultures together, and learning the names of musical instruments in Spanish is a great way to expand your vocabulary and connect with Spanish-speaking musicians. Whether you’re talking about el violín in classical music, la trompeta in jazz, or las congas in salsa, this guide covers 40+ instruments with clear examples.
For even more music-related terms, visit our Music Terms and Vocabulary page. Don’t miss the interactive quiz and flashcards at the end to study the spanish musical instruments or test your knowledge!
🎻 String Instruments in Spanish (Instrumentos de Cuerda )
Banjo in spanish – El banjo
“El banjo suena alegre en la música bluegrass.”
“The banjo sounds cheerful in bluegrass music.”
Bass in spanish – El bajo
“El bajo eléctrico es esencial en el rock.”
“The electric bass is essential in rock.”
Cello in spanish – El violonchelo
“El violonchelo tiene un sonido profundo y emotivo.”
“The cello has a deep, emotional sound.”
Double bass in spanish – El contrabajo
“El contrabajo se usa en jazz y orquestas.”
“The double bass is used in jazz and orchestras.”
Guitar in spanish – La guitarra
“Toco la guitarra desde los 12 años.”
“I’ve played guitar since I was 12.”
Harp in spanish – El arpa
“El arpa crea un sonido angelical.”
“The harp creates an angelic sound.”
Mandolin in spanish – La mandolina
“La mandolina es popular en música folk.”
“The mandolin is popular in folk music.”
Ukulele in spanish – El ukelele
“El ukelele es perfecto para principiantes.”
“The ukulele is perfect for beginners.”
Violin in spanish – El violín
“El violín es difícil pero gratificante.”
“The violin is difficult but rewarding.”
Vihuela in spanish – La vihuela
“La vihuela es esencial en el mariachi.”
“The vihuela is essential in mariachi music.”
🎷 Wind Instruments in Spanish (Instrumentos de Viento)
Bassoon in spanish – El fagot
“El fagot tiene un tono grave y rico.”
“The bassoon has a deep, rich tone.”
Clarinet in spanish – El clarinete
“El clarinete es versátil en jazz y clásica.”
“The clarinet is versatile in jazz and classical.”
Didgeridoo in spanish – El didgeridoo
“El didgeridoo es originario de Australia.”
“The didgeridoo originates from Australia.”
Flute in spanish – La flauta
“La flauta traversa suena delicada.”
“The flute sounds delicate.”
French horn in spanish – El corno francés
“El corno francés es importante en orquestas.”
“The French horn is important in orchestras.”
Harmonica in spanish – La armónica
“La armónica cabe en el bolsillo.”
“The harmonica fits in your pocket.”
Oboe in spanish – El oboe
“El oboe tiene un sonido nasal único.”
“The oboe has a unique nasal sound.”
Saxophone – El saxofón
“El saxofón es el rey del jazz.”
“The saxophone is the king of jazz.”
Trombone in spanish – El trombón
“El trombón usa una vara deslizante.”
“The trombone uses a sliding rod.”
Trumpet in spanish – La trompeta
“La trompeta brilla en las bandas.”
“The trumpet shines in bands.”
🥁 Percussion Instruments in Spanish (Instrumentos de Percusión)
Bongos in spanish – Los bongós
“Los bongós dan ritmo a la salsa.”
“Bongos provide rhythm in salsa.”
Cajón in spanish – El cajón
“El cajón peruano se toca con las manos.”
“The Peruvian cajón is played with hands.”
Castanets in spanish – Las castañuelas
“Las castañuelas son típicas del flamenco.”
“Castanets are typical in flamenco.”
Congas in spanish – Las congas
“Las congas son altas y se tocan de pie.”
“Congas are tall and played standing.”
Drums in spanish – La batería
“La batería lleva el ritmo de la banda.”
“The drums keep the band’s rhythm.”
Güiro in spanish – El güiro
“El güiro se raspa con un palillo.”
“The güiro is scraped with a stick.”
Maracas in spanish – Las maracas
“Las maracas dan sabor a la música tropical.”
“Maracas add flavor to tropical music.”
Tambourine in spanish – La pandereta
“La pandereta tiene platillos pequeños.”
“The tambourine has small cymbals.”
Timpani in spanish – Los timbales
“Los timbales son grandes y de cobre.”
“Timpani are large and copper.”
Xylophone in spanish – El xilófono
“El xilófono tiene barras de madera.”
“The xylophone has wooden bars.”
🎹 Keyboard & Electronic Instruments (Teclados e Instrumentos Electrónicos)
Accordion in spanish – El acordeón
“El acordeón es popular en la música norteña.”
“The accordion is popular in norteño music.”
Drum machine in spanish – La caja de ritmos
“La caja de ritmos crea beats electrónicos.”
“The drum machine creates electronic beats.”
Organ in spanish – El órgano
“El órgano de iglesia suena poderoso.”
“The church organ sounds powerful.”
Piano in spanish – El piano
“El piano tiene 88 teclas.”
“The piano has 88 keys.”
Synthesizer in spanish – El sintetizador
“El sintetizador puede imitar muchos sonidos.”
“The synthesizer can mimic many sounds.”
Harpsichord in spanish – El clavecín
“El clavecín era popular en el Barroco.”
“The harpsichord was popular in the Baroque.”
Electric guitar in spanish – La guitarra eléctrica
“La guitarra eléctrica necesita amplificador.”
“The electric guitar needs an amplifier.”
Keytar in spanish – El keytar
“El keytar combina teclado y guitarra.”
“The keytar combines keyboard and guitar.”
Theremin in spanish – El theremín
“El theremín se toca sin contacto físico.”
“The theremin is played without physical contact.”
Melodica in spanish – La melódica
“La melódica es como un piano de viento.”
“The melodica is like a wind piano.”
Now that you’ve learned 40+ musical instruments in Spanish, challenge yourself with our interactive flashcards and quiz mode! Perfect for memorizing terms and improving recall.
