Medieval & Renaissance Instruments
Editorial Team · on 18 July 2026 · 9 min read · Last reviewed 18 July 2026
Medieval musical instruments were the tools of musicians in Europe from the 5th to the 15th century, with some overlap into the Renaissance period, and included a mix of wind, string, and percussion instruments that shaped the soundscape of the era.
In plain terms: Imagine a medieval banquet hall filled with the lively drone of bagpipes, the sweet melody of a vielle, and the rhythmic tap of a tabor, this was the soundtrack of the Middle Ages, where instruments were as varied as the courses served at a royal feast.
Key facts
- The medieval period spanned from the 5th to the 15th century, with musical instruments evolving alongside cultural and technological changes.
- Instruments were often categorized by their material, wood, metal, or animal skin, and their method of sound production, such as wind, string, or percussion.
- Many medieval instruments had regional variations, with some, like the vielle, being popular across Europe, while others, like the hurdy-gurdy, were more localized.
- The church played a significant role in preserving and promoting musical traditions, often commissioning instruments for religious ceremonies.
What instruments were used in medieval music?
Medieval musical instruments included a diverse array of wind, string, and percussion instruments, each contributing to the rich sounds of medieval music.
Wind instruments, such as the shawm shawm, were popular for their loud, piercing tones, making them ideal for outdoor performances and large gatherings. String instruments, like the vielle, provided a more delicate and nuanced sound, often used in indoor settings. Percussion instruments, including drums and tambourines, added rhythm and energy to medieval music.
The vielle, a bowed string instrument, was a staple in medieval music, often played by minstrels and troubadours. The lute, another string instrument, gained popularity in the later medieval period and became a favorite among court musicians. The psaltery, a type of zither, was also commonly used, particularly in religious settings.
What are the 10 oldest instruments?
The 10 oldest instruments include several that date back to prehistoric times and continued to be used during the medieval period.
Among the oldest instruments are bone flutes, which date back over 40,000 years, and drums, which have been used for centuries in various cultures. The lyre, a string instrument, was popular in ancient Greece and continued to be used in medieval Europe. Other ancient instruments include the harp, the horn, and various types of whistles and flutes.
In the medieval period, instruments like the vielle, lute, and psaltery became more refined and widely used. The sackbut, an early form of the trombone, was also introduced during this time, adding depth and richness to medieval music. The shawm, a double-reed instrument, was another important addition, known for its powerful sound.
Medieval instruments list
A comprehensive list of medieval musical instruments includes a variety of wind, string, and percussion instruments, each with its unique characteristics and historical significance.
Bowed string instrument vielle was a common sight in medieval Europe, often played by traveling minstrels. The lute, with its pear-shaped body and multiple strings, was another popular instrument, favored for its versatility and sweet sound. The psaltery, a type of zither, was often used in religious music and courtly entertainment.
Introduced in the late medieval period, the sackbut, an early trombone, quickly became a staple in court and military music. The shawm, a double-reed instrument, was known for its loud and piercing tone, making it ideal for outdoor performances. The bagpipe, with its distinctive drone, was popular in various regions of Europe, particularly in Scotland and Ireland.
Medieval musical instruments for kids
Included in medieval musical instruments for kids are simpler and more accessible versions of the instruments used by professional musicians.
For young musicians, the recorder is a great introduction to wind instruments, offering a simple and affordable way to learn the basics of medieval music. The dulcimer, a type of zither, is another kid-friendly instrument, known for its gentle and soothing sound. Percussion instruments like tambourines and drums are also popular among children, providing a fun and interactive way to explore rhythm and music.
Medieval musical instruments for sale
Specialized retailers, online marketplaces, and antique shops sell medieval musical instruments, offering both replicas and original pieces.
For those looking to purchase medieval instruments, reputable retailers like The Early Music Shop offer a wide range of instruments, from vielle and lutes to shawms and sackbuts. Online marketplaces like eBay and Etsy also provide a variety of options, including handmade replicas and vintage instruments. Antique shops and auctions can be a treasure trove for those seeking original medieval instruments, though authenticity and condition should be carefully considered.
Easy Medieval instruments
Easy medieval instruments include those that are relatively simple to learn and play, making them accessible for beginners.
Flutes, such as the recorder, are among the easiest wind instruments to learn, featuring a simple design and a beginner-friendly range of notes. The dulcimer, a type of zither, is another easy instrument, requiring minimal finger strength and offering a gentle sound. Percussion instruments like tambourines and drums are also beginner-friendly, providing a fun and interactive way to explore rhythm and music.
Medieval wind instruments
Wind instruments from the Middle Ages include a variety of flutes, pipes, and reed instruments, each contributing to the diverse soundscape of medieval music.
Shawms, double-reed instruments, were known for their loud and piercing tone, making them ideal for outdoor performances. The bagpipe, with its distinctive drone, was popular in various regions of Europe, particularly in Scotland and Ireland. The gemshorn, a type of flute made from an animal horn, was another common wind instrument, known for its sweet and mellow sound.
Medieval string instruments
String instruments from the Middle Ages include a variety of bowed, plucked, and struck types, each with its unique characteristics and historical significance.
Bowed string instrument, the vielle, was a common sight in medieval Europe, often played by traveling minstrels. The lute, with its pear-shaped body and multiple strings, was another popular instrument, favored for its versatility and sweet sound. The psaltery, a type of zither, was often used in religious music and courtly entertainment.
Medieval instrument with crank
A medieval instrument with a crank is the hurdy-gurdy, a unique string instrument that produces sound through a crank-turned wheel.
A crank turns a rosin-covered wheel against the strings of the hurdy-gurdy, also known as the symphony or the vielle à roue, creating a continuous sound. This instrument was popular among traveling musicians and street performers, known for its distinctive drone and melodic capabilities. The hurdy-gurdy’s unique design and sound make it a fascinating piece of medieval musical history.
Medieval guitar instrument
A pear-shaped string instrument, the lute, was a staple of medieval music.
Favored for its versatility and sweet sound, the lute features multiple strings and a fretted neck. It was often played by court musicians and troubadours, accompanying both vocal and instrumental music. The lute’s popularity continued into the Renaissance period, evolving into various forms and styles.
Put simply: Think of the lute as the medieval equivalent of a modern-day guitar, providing the melodic backbone for many medieval songs and dances.
Key facts
- The lute was introduced to Europe from the Middle East during the medieval period and quickly became a favorite among musicians.
- It features a pear-shaped body with a flat back and a rounded belly, typically made from wood.
- The lute’s strings are plucked with a quill or a plectrum, producing a sweet and resonant sound.
- It was often played by court musicians and troubadours, accompanying both vocal and instrumental music.
Medieval violin ancestor
Medieval musicians favored the vielle, a bowed string instrument.
Traveling minstrels frequently played the vielle in medieval Europe, a rounded-bodied instrument with three to five strings. It was known for its sweet and melodic sound, making it a favorite for both secular and religious music. The vielle’s design and playing technique laid the foundation for the development of the modern violin.
Manuscripts and art from the Middle Ages frequently portrayed the vielle, emphasizing its significance in medieval musical culture. Its strings were typically made from gut, and the bow was made from a wooden stick with horsehair strands. The vielle’s sound was produced by drawing the bow across the strings, creating a resonant and melodic tone.
How did people smell in the 1500s?
People in the 1500s had a distinct scent profile, influenced by their environment, diet, and personal hygiene practices.
In the 1500s, personal hygiene was not as emphasized as it is today, and people often relied on natural scents and fragrances to mask body odor. Perfumes and scented oils were popular among the wealthy, while herbs and spices were used by the common folk. The use of baths and soap was less frequent, and people often wore the same clothes for extended periods, contributing to a strong and distinctive odor.
What instruments did medieval ladies play?
Ladies often played refined instruments like the lute, psaltery, and harp during the Middle Ages.
Sweet and melodic, the lute’s sound was a favorite among medieval ladies, often played in courtly settings and private gatherings. The psaltery, a type of zither, was another popular instrument, known for its gentle and soothing sound. The harp, with its elegant and graceful appearance, was also commonly played by medieval ladies, adding a touch of sophistication to their musical performances.
More medieval musical instruments
Besides the vielle, lute, psaltery, sackbut, shawm, tabor, bagpipe, gemshorn, and hurdy-gurdy, numerous other medieval musical instruments merit attention.
Symphony, another name for the hurdy-gurdy, was a popular instrument among traveling musicians and street performers. The portative organ, a small and portable type of organ, was often used in religious settings and courtly entertainment. The rebec, a bowed string instrument similar to the vielle, was another common sight in medieval Europe, known for its sweet and melodic sound.
| Instrument | Type | Sound Production | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vielle | String | Bowed | Secular and religious music |
| Lute | String | Plucked | Courtly entertainment and vocal accompaniment |
| Psaltery | String | Plucked or Struck | Religious music and courtly entertainment |
| Sackbut | Brass | Blown | Court and military music |
| Shawm | Wind | Double-reed | Outdoor performances and large gatherings |
To explore more about medieval musical instruments, consider visiting museums and historical sites that showcase these fascinating tools of the past. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, for example, has a collection of medieval instruments that offer a glimpse into the musical culture of the Middle Ages.
Online resources and courses offer a wealth of information that fascinates many people interested in medieval music and instruments. Websites like Early Music America offer a variety of resources, including articles, recordings, and links to performances and festivals.
Musical instruments played a crucial role in the culture and society of the Middle Ages, shaping the era’s sounds and leaving a lasting impact on music. From the soft, melodic vielle to the loud, sharp shawm, these instruments still captivate and inspire musicians and enthusiasts.
Frequently asked questions
What are the earliest music recordings?
The earliest music recordings date back to the late 19th century. One notable example is 'Au Claire de la Lune,' recorded in 1860 by Édouard-Léon Scott de Martinville using a phonautograph. This device etched sound waves onto paper, capturing the first known recording of the human voice.
What are the best classical recordings of all time?
Some of the best classical recordings include Fritz Reiner's 1959 version of Tchaikovsky's '1812 Overture' and Herbert von Karajan's 1963 recording of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. These recordings are celebrated for their technical precision and artistic interpretation, setting benchmarks in classical music.
How was early music recorded?
Early music was recorded using mechanical devices like the phonograph, invented by Thomas Edison in 1877. This device used a stylus to etch sound waves onto a cylindrical surface coated with tinfoil. Later, disc records replaced cylinders, using a similar principle but with a flat disc.
When were the first recordings of music made?
The first recordings of music were made in the 1860s. Édouard-Léon Scott de Martinville's phonautograph recorded 'Au Claire de la Lune' in 1860, but these recordings were not playable until modern technology allowed them to be converted into audible sound in the 2000s.
See also: Instruments of the Middle Ages: Complete List.