Top 15 Most Unique Traditional Musical Instruments of Vietnam

Dan Tam Thap Luc features a trapezoidal-shaped body made of lightweight, porous wood. The bridge and sides are crafted from hard wood, while the left side of the neck has 36 hooks for attaching strings, and the right side features 36 pegs for tuning. The strings are made of metal, and the mallets used for playing the instrument are thin bamboo sticks. The instrument has a wide range, spanning nearly four octaves.

Artists play the Dan Tam Thap Luc by striking its strings with the bamboo sticks, creating distinct sounds. This instrument plays an important role in orchestras for traditional Vietnamese theater performances such as Cheo and Cai Luong. It can accompany singing, serve as a solo instrument, or contribute to ensemble performances in traditional Vietnamese music.

Khen is a wind instrument with a rather complex structure, consisting of several bamboo tubes placed side by side. One end is inserted through a gourd-shaped resonator, which acts as the soundbox. This instrument is widely known among the Thai, Muong, and H'Mong ethnic groups. The Muong people use the Khen to accompany singing, while the H'Mong use it as a means of courtship, with the sound of the Khen symbolizing love and communication between young men and women.

H'Mong Khen has six pipes, whereas the Thai version typically has twelve, arranged in two rows, forming a 'khen be' (soprano Khen). The 'khen be' produces sharp and crisp tones, with each tube generating a distinct sound. Inside the tubes, there are reeds made of thin copper or silver. The Khen is a polyphonic instrument with a wide range, spanning approximately one and a half octaves, and the sound it creates can linger for a long time.

Gong is an ancient instrument belonging to the idiophone family, first appearing during the Đông Sơn Bronze Age. Gong is made of an alloy of copper, tin, and lead. The version with a knob is called a Gong, while the one without is called a Chiêng. The larger the Gong or Chiêng, the deeper the tone, and the smaller it is, the higher the pitch.

Gong is a fundamental part of the music of most Vietnamese ethnic groups. It is especially significant in the music of the Central Highlands, where it holds a central place in the life cycle of each individual. The Gong music of the Central Highlands is a recognized art form that has become an integral part of the region’s cultural and social life.

Dan T'Rung is a traditional percussion instrument from the Central Highlands. In its simplest form, it consists of 5 to 7 bamboo tubes cut to different lengths. The professional version has between 12 to 16 tubes arranged in a row on a stand. These tubes are strung together with two parallel cords to form the instrument.

When played, two padded mallets are used to strike the tubes. The instrument has a wide range, covering nearly three octaves, and can produce either unison or harmony, with the condition that the two notes are a full octave apart. Larger and longer tubes produce deeper tones, while smaller and shorter tubes create higher pitches. The sound of Dan T'Rung is quite distinctive—not loud or far-reaching, but unique and special in its own way.

Stone Instrument is the oldest percussion instrument in Vietnam. Each stone piece varies in size and shape and is crafted using basic techniques. Larger, thicker stones produce deeper tones, while smaller, thinner stones yield higher pitches. The materials used for this instrument are stones found in the Central and Southeastern regions of Vietnam.

These lifeless stones are transformed into musical instruments in a truly remarkable way. From these stones, the sounds of the Central Highlands still echo today. The music of the Stone Instrument resonates like the deep, powerful voice of the mountains, offering comfort and expressing emotions in both joyful and sorrowful moments of life.

Dan Gao, also known as the 'harmony violin,' is a string instrument derived from the Dan Nhi. It is larger and longer than the Dan Nhi but shares similar characteristics with the Chinese Erhu. The Dan Gao produces deeper tones than the Dan Nhi, but its sound is fuller, richer, and more resonant. The tone of the Dan Gao is warm and beautiful, with a slightly melancholic feel that evokes deep emotions.

Dan Gao is commonly used in traditional music ensembles, including Cheo, Tuong, and Phuong Bat Am performances. It also plays a crucial role in Xam singing, where it supports mid-to-low vocal ranges. Unlike the Dan Nhi, it is not used in royal court orchestras or Southern Vietnamese amateur ensembles, but the Dan Gao and Dan Nhi are often found together in traditional theater orchestras and ceremonial music ensembles.

Dan Day, also known as the 'Nameless Zither,' is a traditional Vietnamese instrument with three strings. It features a long neck and a large hole at the back of its soundbox. This instrument is not only distinctive in appearance and sound but also plays a key role in Ca Tru music, a famous Vietnamese art form. It is commonly used in Ca Tru performances along with the phach (wooden sticks) and trống de (drum) for accompaniment.

The Dan Day consists of four main parts: the body, the neck, the head, and the strings. It has a range of more than two octaves, with a timbre similar to the Geomungo zither from Korea—warm, sweet, and capable of expressing deep emotions. The sound of the Dan Day is soft and melancholic. This instrument is tuned to seven evenly spaced notes, so performers can shift between higher and lower notes without retuning the strings, simply by adjusting their finger positions.

Song Loan (also known as Song Lang or Song Lan) is a traditional percussion instrument made from hard wood, with a flat, circular shape. When struck, it produces a distinctive 'Cốp Cốp' sound. In traditional Vietnamese Cai Luong theater orchestras, the Song Loan plays a crucial role by helping other instruments maintain their rhythmic tempo.

To play the Song Loan, the performer strikes the instrument with a stick or their foot. The strike creates a sharp, resonant tone with a wide range and a powerful sound that carries far. It can be heard clearly even from a distance, making it a vital tool in traditional orchestras like Tai Tu and Cai Luong. With a frequency exceeding 3,000 MHz, it stands out with an exceptionally loud and far-reaching resonance.

Sênh Tiền is a unique percussion instrument that has been present in Vietnam for centuries. Historically known as 'Phách Sâu Tiền' or 'Phách Quán Tiền', it is sometimes referred to as 'Sinh Tiền'. Essentially, this instrument is a type of sênh with coins attached, which gives it the name 'Sênh Tiền'. It is commonly used in royal orchestras, ritual ceremonies, Ca Huế performances, Bát Âm, Sắc Bùa singing, and even in A Đào folk songs. The instrument is played to accompany other instruments, maintain rhythm, or as part of dance performances.

To play the Sênh Tiền, the performer uses two to three fingers of the right hand to pinch the blade of the instrument while the left hand holds two rods connected by a string. One rod has two coin cogs, and the other has one, placed alternately (the top rod is slightly behind, the bottom one protrudes). The goal is to have the three cogs close together. The right thumb is placed on the top rod, while the remaining fingers support the bottom one. When the rods are struck or opened, the sound of the cymbals and coins is heard. The right hand moves gracefully, often rubbing the blade along the serrated edges of the rods or sliding it back and forth, producing a distinct scraping sound.

Đàn Tranh is one of Vietnam's most distinctive traditional instruments. While it originated in China, it has become an essential part of Vietnamese music and is widely used in festivals and artistic performances.

Resembling a smaller version of the zither, Đàn Tranh typically has between 16 to 25 metal strings, which are arranged in parallel rows across its surface. The strings are often made of bronze or aluminum and are tightly tensioned over pegs to produce a sharp, clear sound. Playing the Đàn Tranh requires dexterity and finesse, with the musician skillfully gliding their fingers over the strings to create melodies, scales, and deep tones. The sound of the Đàn Tranh is often soothing and romantic, though it can also produce fast-paced and lively tunes.

Trống Cơm is a unique and special traditional instrument of Vietnam. Shaped like a small pan, it is typically made from metal materials such as bronze, brass, or iron. The drum has a flat surface with slightly curved edges, producing its distinct sound when struck.

To play the Trống Cơm, the musician uses a pair of small mallets attached to their fingers to strike the drum's surface. By varying the intensity and placement of the strikes, the musician can create different sounds. The Trống Cơm produces a lively, festive, and vibrant tone, often used in traditional music performances, festivals, and cultural events. This drum is not only important in traditional Vietnamese music but also features in folk songs, country music, and other artistic expressions. It is an essential element in the traditional Vietnamese orchestra, contributing to the richness and diversity of the nation's music.

Đàn Nguyệt is considered a symbol of traditional Vietnamese music. Not only does it have a unique shape, but it also produces a distinctive and refined sound. The instrument resembles a crescent moon. Its body is typically made from wood, while the top is covered with animal skin. The Đàn Nguyệt has two tightly stretched strings that run across the body, passing through a bridge and connecting to a tuning mechanism. The player uses a wooden pick to pluck the strings while their fingers glide across the strings to create sound.

Playing the Đàn Nguyệt requires skill and finesse. By adjusting the fingers and the technique used to pluck the strings, the musician can create unique melodies and sounds. The sound of the Đàn Nguyệt is often deep, warm, and romantic, evoking emotional and soulful expressions. It is commonly used in traditional Vietnamese music, particularly in folk songs and classical music. The instrument is also featured in artistic performances and royal court music. With its distinct tone and ability to convey emotions, the Đàn Nguyệt adds a unique and beautiful element to Vietnamese music.

Đàn Bầu, also known as Độc Huyền Cầm, is a traditional Vietnamese string instrument. There are two types of Đàn Bầu: the bamboo-bodied version and the wooden box version. The instrument features a single string that runs along the length of the body. Originally, the string was made from silk thread but is now typically made of metal. The neck of the instrument was once crafted from bamboo, though it is now commonly replaced with buffalo horn.

The resonator of the Đàn Bầu is made from the dried shell of a gourd or shaped wood, resembling a gourd. The tuning peg is made from bamboo or wood, positioned close to the player. The playing stick is traditionally made from bamboo or rattan, with a sharp tip and a fluffy end that helps to produce a warmer sound. The Đàn Bầu is widely used in traditional Vietnamese music ensembles.

For generations, Sáo Trúc has been a symbol of Vietnamese culture and spirituality. This traditional wind instrument is crafted from bamboo or reed, typically about 1.5 cm in diameter and 30 cm in length. The tube is carved with a whistle-like opening and features 6 or 10 finger holes.

Sáo Trúc is capable of expressing a wide range of emotional tones, with a pitch range spanning over two octaves. Its bright, clear sound evokes the peaceful rural landscapes of Vietnam. Sáo Trúc can be played solo, showcasing intricate melodies, or blended with traditional orchestras, symphonies, light music, and chamber music ensembles.

Đàn Nhị, also known as Đàn Cò, is a traditional string instrument played with a bow. It consists of five main parts: the neck, body, fingerboard, bridge, and strings. The Đàn Nhị has a wide range of over two octaves, producing a clear, bright, and smooth sound.

With a variety of expressive techniques such as plucking, pressing, and vibrato, the Đàn Nhị is an indispensable instrument in Vietnamese orchestras, including Nha Nhac, Ba Tam music, Chầu Văn bands, as well as in genres like Cheo, Tuồng, and Cải Lương. Today, it is also featured in sad songs or works reflecting the beauty of rural life.