Musical Instruments Beginning With K

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Kakko

A Japanese double-headed drum.

Pronunciation:

Country of origin: Japan

Kendang

A two-headed drum used by peoples from Maritime Southeast Asia.

Pronunciation:

Country of origin: Indonesia

Kettle Drum

The only drum that can be tuned to produce definite pitches. Its name comes from the large kettle-shaped bottom, over which the skin of the drumhead is stretched. The player uses a pedal to tighten and loosen the drumhead to change the pitch. Also called timpani.

Pronunciation:

Example:

Kora

A string instrument used extensively in West Africa, a kora typically has 21-strings which are played by plucking with the fingers, and combines features of the lute and a harp.

Pronunciation:

Country of origin: Africa

Koto

A Japanese plucked half-tube zither and the national instrument of Japan.

Pronunciation:

Example:

Country of origin: Japan