Instrumental music: what it is & why it’s worth listening to

by Joost Nusselder | Updated on:  May 3, 2022

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An instrumental is a musical composition or recording without lyrics, or singing, although it might include some inarticulate vocal input; the music is primarily or exclusively produced by musical instruments.

In a song that is otherwise sung, a section not sung but played with instruments can be called an instrumental interlude.

If the instruments are percussion instruments, the interlude can be called a percussion interlude. These interludes are a form of break in the song.

Instrumental music with an orchestra

What instruments are typically used in instrumental music?

The most commonly used instruments in instrumental music are the piano or synthesizers and keyboards, guitar, and drums.

However, any instrument can be used as long as it is able to create a melody or rhythm.

What is the purpose of instrumental music?

Instrumental music can serve various purposes, such as providing background music or serving as the main focus of a piece. It can also be used to communicate emotion or create a certain mood.

In some cases, instrumental music is used to tell a story or convey a message.

Instrumental music can serve many purposes. It can be used for relaxation or concentration when studying, to provide a backdrop for activities such as dancing or dining, or to simply enjoy the beauty of the melodies and harmonies.

How is instrumental different from other types of music?

One of the key differences between instrumental music and other types of music is that it typically does not contain any lyrics.

Additionally, instrumental music can be performed by a wide range of different instruments, whereas other types of music tend to have more defined parameters.

Another difference is that instrumental music can be meant to serve many purposes, such as creating a specific emotion or conveying a message, whereas other types of music may be more narrowly focused on certain goals such as entertainment or expressing personal feelings.

Overall, instrumental music is a very versatile and diverse type of music that can appeal to many different audiences.

Styles of instrumental music

Instrumental jazz

Instrumental jazz is a genre of music that emerged in the early 20th century and is characterized by its use of improvisation, complex harmonies, and a wide range of musical styles.

Instrumental rock

Instrumental rock is a type of rock music that relies heavily on instrumentation rather than vocals. This style of rock emerged in the 1950s and 196os0 and is often credited as being one of the first genres of rock music.

Instrumental classical

Instrumental classical music is a type of music that typically features solo instruments or small ensembles. This style of music emerged in the Baroque period and has continued to be popular throughout the years.

Instrumental pop

Instrumental pop is a type of pop music that relies heavily on instrumentation rather than vocals. This style of pop emerged in the 1970s and 1980s and often features synthesizers and drum machines.

Progressive metal

Progressive metal is another popular style of instrumental music, particularly in the heavy metal genre.

This style often features complex time signatures and intricate guitar solos, often featuring a solo guitarist, and has become very popular with fans of heavy metal music over the years.

Overall, there are many different styles of instrumental music that continue to attract new listeners and delight existing fans around the world.

Instrumental hip hop

Instrumental hip-hop is a type of hip-hop music that relies heavily on instrumentation instead of rapping and sampling.

This style of hip-hop emerged in the 1980s and is often characterized by its focus on creating complex music with a jazz or electronic sound.

Regardless of the style, instrumental music can be enjoyed by people of all ages for its beauty, emotionality, and versatility.

Whether you prefer slow and melodic pieces or upbeat and energetic tunes, there is an instrumental style out there for you.

Other genres that often feature instrumental music include film scores, world music, and New Age.

Each of these genres has its own unique sound and style, but they all share some common characteristics such as the use of melodies, harmonies, rhythms, and variations in dynamics and tempo.

Who are some famous instrumentalists?

Some famous instrumentalists include Ludwig van Beethoven, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Johann Sebastian Bach.

Best strings for electric guitar
Best strings for electric guitar

These classical composers are well-known for their beautiful and timeless melodies that are still enjoyed by many people today.

Additionally, there are many modern day instrumentalists who are popular in a variety of genres, such as jazz, rock, and pop.

Some examples include Miles Davis, Carlos Santana, and Stevie Wonder. These musicians have helped to shape the sound of their respective genres and have influenced countless other artists.

What are some popular instrumental songs or pieces?

Some popular instrumental songs or pieces include “Clair de Lune” by Claude Debussy, “Rhapsody in Blue” by George Gershwin, and “Swan Lake” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.

These well-known compositions have stood the test of time and continue to be enjoyed by music lovers all over the world.

How can you listen to and enjoy instrumental music?

Instrumental music can be enjoyed in a number of ways. Many people enjoy listening to instrumental music for its beauty and simplicity.

Additionally, instrumental music can be a great way to relax or focus. Some people also enjoy dancing or doing other activities while listening to instrumental music.

Ultimately, there is no wrong way to enjoy instrumental music – it can be appreciated by people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests.

So if you haven’t yet explored the wonderful world of instrumental music, why not give it a try today?

Are there any benefits to listening to instrumental music?

Yes, there are many benefits to listening to instrumental music. For example, studies have shown that listening to instrumental music can help reduce stress and lower blood pressure.

Additionally, listening to instrumental music has been linked to improved concentration and focus, increased feelings of happiness and well-being, and faster healing after surgery or illness.

Overall, there are many great reasons to start listening to instrumental music today!

Conclusion

Instrumental music is great, very worthwhile and has lots of benefits too so get started today!

I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Neaera and a content marketer, dad, and love trying out new equipment with guitar at the heart of my passion, and together with my team, I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2020 to help loyal readers with recording and guitar tips.

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