10 Complete Traditional Musical Instruments and How to Play them, Let's Get to Know and Protect the Preservation of Traditional Musical Instruments

InfoKekinian.com – When talking about Indonesian cultural heritage, we must not miss the traditional musical instruments that are owned by Indonesia.

From Sabang to Merauke, we can find various types of traditional musical instruments that have their own uniqueness and beauty.

But unfortunately, less and less people are interested in learning and playing this traditional musical instrument.

In fact, learning and playing a musical instrument can provide many benefits, not only for yourself, but also for Indonesian culture and society as a whole.

By studying traditional musical instruments, we can understand and appreciate the cultural values contained therein.

In addition, playing a musical instrument can also improve cognitive function, reduce stress, and increase self-confidence.

Therefore, in this article, we will discuss the types of Indonesian traditional musical instruments and how to play them.

By knowing more about traditional musical instruments, hopefully we can increase our awareness and appreciation of the richness of Indonesian culture.

What are Traditional Musical Instruments?

Traditional musical instruments are musical instruments originating from a particular region or culture, and are usually used in the context of traditional ceremonies or religious rituals.

This instrument is made from natural materials such as wood, bamboo, animal skin, or metal.

Traditional musical instruments have characteristics in shape, size, and sound they produce, and often have symbolic meanings and functions in the life of the local community.

Some examples of traditional musical instruments that are popular in Indonesia include gamelan, angklung, sasando, lute, tambourine, calung, talempong, and saluang.

Musical instruments play an important role in preserving the culture and heritage of a nation or region.

Through musical instruments, people can express their identities, values and beliefs and maintain the preservation of local arts and culture.

Although modern musical instruments have taken over the role of most traditional music, traditional artists and musicians in Indonesia continue to use and develop traditional musical instruments.

In this way, our ancestral culture and heritage can continue to live and be known by the younger generation in the future.

Types of Traditional Musical Instruments and How to Play them

Indonesia has various types of traditional musical instruments scattered in various regions.

Each musical instrument has its own uniqueness and characteristics that distinguish it from other traditional musical instruments. Here are some types of popular Indonesian traditional musical instruments:

1. Gamelan Musical Instruments

Gamelan is an ensemble musical instrument originating from Indonesia, especially from Java and Bali. This musical instrument consists of various types of gongs, drums, saron, bonang, and other instruments.

How to play the gamelan can vary depending on the type of gamelan being played.

However, in general, the gamelan players sit in a circle around the instrument and play the instrument using their hands and a small hammer.

The gamelan leader, who usually sits in the center of the circle, gives signals and determines the tempo or rhythm of the music.

Each player must pay attention to the cues from the gamelan leader and play the instrument properly and in sync with the other players.

When playing gamelan, the players must pay attention to the dynamics and the beauty of the music produced.

Players must be able to set the tone and rhythm well, and express feelings and emotions through the musical instruments they play.

Gamelan is one of Indonesia's most enchanting traditional musical treasures.

Apart from being a means to enjoy the beauty of traditional music, gamelan can also be used as a means to strengthen a sense of love and pride for Indonesian culture.

2. Angklung musical instrument

Angklung is a typical Indonesian musical instrument made of bamboo. This instrument is played by shaking and producing a beautiful sound.

How to play the angklung is quite easy. Angklung consists of several bamboo pipes with different sizes and depending on the tone you want to produce.

Each bamboo pipe has a different size and is measured according to the desired tone interval. The angklung players sit in a circle and hold several angklungs.

Each angklung is given a different number and tone. The leader of the angklung will give signals and determine the rhythm or tempo of the music being played.

The angklung players then play their musical instruments by shaking them. The sound produced from each angklung complements each other and forms a harmony.

Angklung has its own uniqueness and is one of the most popular symbols of Indonesian traditional music.

Now, the angklung has even become a regional musical instrument in Indonesia and is often played at important events such as weddings, traditional ceremonies and traditional music performances.

In addition, angklung is also often used as a musical instrument in learning in schools as a form of preserving Indonesian traditional culture and arts.

3. Drum Musical Instruments

Kendang is a traditional Indonesian percussion instrument consisting of two cylindrical drums made of wood. Kendang is often played in traditional music such as gamelan and wayang kulit.

To play drums, it takes skill to set rhythm and tempo. Kendang is usually played with two hands, with one hand playing the larger drum and one hand playing the smaller drum.

4. Flute Musical Instruments

Suling is a wind instrument made of bamboo which is usually played in traditional Sundanese and Javanese music. Suling can be played solo or in a group.

To play the flute, skills are needed in blowing and closing the holes on the flute.

The flute player must master the technique of playing high and low notes by positioning his fingers over the holes on the flute.

5. Sasando musical instrument

Sasando is a musical instrument originating from Rote, a small island in East Indonesia. This musical instrument is made of palm leaves and rattan, and has a shape similar to a harp.

How to play Sasando is quite unique and requires special skills. Sasando players must use both hands to play this instrument.

The right hand will pluck the strings while the left hand will press the strings and set the resulting musical tone.

Sasando players usually sit in an upright position and hold Sasando in front of them. There are 28 or 56 Sasando strings, depending on the type of Sasando being played.

Sasando produces a very beautiful and melodious sound. The sound resembles the sound of flowing water or the sound of a gentle wind.

Sasando is one of the most stunning treasures of Indonesian traditional music.

This musical instrument continues to be preserved and played by the people of Rote and its surroundings as part of their cultural heritage.

Now, Sasando is also often played at important events in Indonesia and is a form of preserving Indonesian art and culture.

6. Lute Musical Instrument

Kecapi is a typical Indonesian musical instrument originating from West Java. This musical instrument is made of wood and has strings made of nylon or silk.

How to play the harp is quite easy. Lute players sit in an upright position and place the instrument in their laps. The lute is played by plucking using fingers or fingernails.

The harp has strings that are either 6 or 7, depending on the type of lute being played.

Each string of the lute has a different pitch and can be played solo or as part of a traditional musical ensemble.

Besides being played with fingers or fingernails, the lute can also be played using tools such as pencon or plectrum.

This amplifies the sound of the instrument and gives the resulting tone a unique effect.

Kecapi has a soft and melodious sound, and is one of the most popular musical instruments in Indonesia.

This instrument is often played at important events such as traditional ceremonies, art performances, and traditional music events.

Kecapi is also an important part of learning music in schools as a form of preserving Indonesian art and culture.

7. Tambourine musical instrument

Rebana is an Islamic musical instrument that is usually played on religious occasions such as prayers, recitations, and Eid al-Fitr celebrations. This musical instrument is made of wood and animal skin membranes.

How to play Tambourine is quite easy. Tambourine players sit in an upright position and place this instrument on their laps.

Tambourine is played by being hit with the palm of the hand or a wooden stick called "talempong".

Tambourines are of two types, namely large tambourines and small tambourines. Large tambourines are usually played by one person, while small tambourines are played by several people.

Rebana produces a strong and melodious sound, and is one of the most popular Islamic musical instruments in Indonesia.

This musical instrument is often played at religious events and is a form of preserving Indonesian art and culture.

In addition, Rebana is also often played at other events such as weddings and traditional music events.

Rebana is also an important part of learning music in schools as a form of preserving Indonesian art and culture.

8. Calung musical instrument

Calung is a typical Sundanese musical instrument originating from West Java. This musical instrument is made of bamboo and consists of several bamboo tubes of different sizes.

How to play Calung is quite easy. Calung players sit in an upright position and place this instrument in their laps. Calung is played by being hit using a bamboo or wooden stick.

Each calung tube has a different tone and is played alternately to produce a beautiful rhythm.

Calung is often played together with other musical instruments such as the angklung and lute, and is used as an accompaniment to traditional Sundanese dances.

Calung has a unique and melodious voice, and is one of the most popular musical instruments in Indonesia.

This instrument is often played at important events such as traditional ceremonies, art performances, and traditional music events.

Calung is also an important part of learning music in schools as a form of preserving Indonesian art and culture.

Even though there are more sophisticated modern musical instruments, Calung's presence is still appreciated and maintained as one of Indonesia's cultural treasures.

9. Talempong Musical Instruments

Talempong is a traditional musical instrument originating from Minangkabau, West Sumatra. This instrument is made of metal such as copper or bronze, and consists of several bells of different sizes.

How to play talempong is quite unique and interesting. Talempong players sit in an upright position and place this musical instrument in front of them. Talempong is played by being hit using a wooden stick or bamboo blade.

Each talempong bell has a different tone and is played alternately to produce a beautiful rhythm.

This instrument is often played at important events such as traditional ceremonies, art performances, and traditional music events.

Talempong is one of the most popular musical instruments in Indonesia, especially in West Sumatra.

This instrument is often played at religious events such as selawat and recitations, and is an important part of preserving Indonesian art and culture.

Even though there are more sophisticated modern musical instruments, Talempong's presence is still appreciated and maintained as one of Indonesia's cultural treasures.

For the Minangkabau people, Talempong is also a symbol of cultural identity and ancestral heritage that must be maintained and preserved.

10. Saluang Musical Instruments

Saluang is a typical musical instrument Minangkabau, West Sumatra. This musical instrument is made of bamboo with a shape like a flute or flute, and has holes to set the tone.

How to play Saluang is quite simple. Saluang players blow on the top of this instrument, while their fingers close and open the holes at the bottom of the Saluang to produce different tones.

The resulting tone varies depending on the number of holes opened.

Saluang is often played as accompaniment in traditional Minangkabau dance and orchestral music.

This instrument is also used as a means of entertainment and as part of traditional ceremonies, such as weddings and welcoming important guests.

Although modern musical instruments have taken over the role of the Saluang in modern music, these musical instruments are still popular and become a symbol of Minangkabau culture and identity.

In an effort to preserve Indonesia's cultural heritage, Saluang continues to maintain and hone its skills by traditional musicians in West Sumatra.

The beauty of Indonesian Traditional Music

Indonesian traditional music has its own beauty that is difficult to describe in words.

Each type of musical instrument has different characteristics and nuances, resulting in music that is very diverse and rich in color.

Through musical instruments, we can feel the rich culture and history of Indonesia. In addition, traditional music can also be a means of introducing Indonesia to the international community.

Not only that, traditional music can also provide benefits for mental and physical health.

Several studies have shown that listening to traditional music can help reduce stress and improve mood.

However, unfortunately, Indonesian traditional music is often forgotten and does not get the attention it deserves.

Therefore, we as the younger generation must preserve and appreciate the beauty of Indonesian traditional music so that it remains sustainable and can be enjoyed by future generations.

By learning, playing and enjoying Indonesian traditional music, we can help preserve the richness of Indonesian culture and strengthen our sense of love for our country.

FAQ Regarding Traditional Musical Instruments

Here are some frequently asked questions about traditional music:

1. What is meant by traditional musical instruments?

Traditional musical instruments are musical instruments originating from the traditions or culture of an area, which are maintained and passed down from generation to generation.

2. What are the differences between traditional musical instruments and modern musical instruments?

The difference between traditional musical instruments and modern musical instruments lies in the materials they are made of, their shapes and how to play them.

3. What are the uses of traditional musical instruments?

Traditional musical instruments are used to accompany dances, traditional ceremonies, religious events, and as a means of entertainment.

4. What are the types of Indonesian traditional musical instruments?

Types of traditional Indonesian musical instruments include drums, angklung, gamelan, fiddle, flute, harp, and others.

5. Are Traditional Musical Instruments Only Played by Old People or Old People?

No, traditional musical instruments can be played by anyone, from children to adults.

6. Are Indonesian People Still Interested in Traditional Musical Instruments?

Yes, traditional musical instruments are still in great demand by the people of Indonesia, especially as a cultural heritage that must be maintained and preserved.

7. What are the Benefits of Learning Traditional Musical Instruments?

The benefits of learning traditional musical instruments include increasing creativity, enriching knowledge of local culture, and increasing social sensitivity.

8. What Should You Look For When Buying Traditional Musical Instruments?

When buying a traditional musical instrument, pay attention to the material and quality, and make sure that the musical instrument matches the user's abilities and interests.

9. How to Take Care of Traditional Musical Instruments?

How to care for traditional musical instruments, among others, by cleaning them regularly, protecting them from humidity and drastic changes in temperature, and paying attention to their storage conditions.

10. Can Traditional Musical Instruments Be Used as a Profession?

Yes, traditional musical instruments can be turned into a profession, such as becoming a musician, teaching music, or making traditional musical instruments.

Conclusion

Those are some of Indonesia's traditional musical instruments which are very valuable cultural heritage.

With the diversity of musical instruments that are owned, Indonesia has a wealth of traditional music that is very diverse and fascinating.

In playing traditional musical instruments, it takes perseverance and skills that are continuously honed.

However, by practicing regularly and diligently, we can master and enjoy the beauty of Indonesian traditional music.

Through traditional music, we can feel the rich culture and history of Indonesia. In addition, traditional music can also be a means of introducing Indonesia to the international community.

We as the younger generation must preserve and appreciate the beauty of Indonesian traditional music so that it remains sustainable and can be enjoyed by future generations.

By learning, playing and enjoying Indonesian traditional music, we can help preserve the richness of Indonesian culture and strengthen our sense of love for our country.