Instruments Used to Play Jazz
The roots of jazz date back to the late 1800s with the introduction of blues music. Jazz music came together in the early 1900s in New Orleans, where pieces of blues, opera, folk and ragtime music molded into one sound. A standard jazz band will typically feature the music of specific instruments to create the rhythm and harmonies found in jazz.
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Piano
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The piano is one of the most commonly used instruments in jazz music. Pianists in a jazz band must exhibit versatility and improvisation skills. Some of the most famous jazz pianists are Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington and Count Basie.
Saxophone
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The saxophone is another staple in jazz music. The saxophone provides powerful, smooth music that helps it stand out in a jazz band. Saxophonists must also be able to reach a wide range of notes. Some sax players considered to be the best ever include John Coltrane, Charlie Parker and Stan Getz.
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Clarinet
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The clarinet is another popular instrument in jazz music. The clarinet is a brass jazz instrument that may be made out of wood, metal, ivory or plastic. The clarinet gained popularity in jazz with the introduction of swing music. Two of the most famous jazz clarinet players were Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw.
Other Instruments
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There are a handful of other instruments that are sometimes used in jazz music. The trumpet, drums, trombone, flute, guitar, bass and tuba also lend a hand in creating jazz's rhythm and harmony.
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References
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