Within the realms of Dungeons & Dragons, there many musical instruments that can be used. Dozens – perhaps even hundreds. The basic instruments don’t have any magic associated with them. Nonetheless, this DnD instrument list provides a description of some of my favorite instrument ideas to use in your next roleplay.
DnD Woodwind Instruments
Woodwind instruments are simple to use and easy to learn. Within DnD, they range from the familiar flute to the more unique helusi and shawm. Each has its own personality, and each makes a wonderful additions to your next adventure. Below a list of favorite DnD woodwind instruments to consider.
DnD Bagpipes
Description: Bagpipes are a reeded woodwind instrument that consists of multiple pipes connected to a bladder that is filled with air. The bladder can be made of leather and produces a Celtic sound. Expensive bagpipes might boast silver or gold inlays along the pipes and chanter. The chanter is the pipe with holes that one covers up to produce different notes. Perfect for those looking to march into battle.
Price (GP): 30
Weight (lb.): 6
DnD Flute
Description: At its core, the flute is a very simple instrument. It typically consists of a wooden tube with holes that are covered to create sounds, although sometimes metals tubes can be used. Medieval flutes typically had a different appearance to modern-day flutes. They looked more similar to a sideways recorder vs. a modern flute which has multiple valves running along its body.
Perfect for beginner crafters looking for a simple instrument. Flutes can be made out of any suitable material, from reeds to sturdy vegetables.
Price (GP): 2
Weight (lb.): 1
DnD Hulusi
Description: The Hulusi is a unique woodwind instrument, in which three bamboo pipes pass into a hollowed-out vegetable gourd. The center pipe has holes which are used to change the pitch. The outer pipes are used to create a drone sound, as long as the player continues to blow air through the reeded mouthpiece. The gourd is often decorated.
Price (GP): 20
Weight (lb.): 3
DnD Pan Flute
Description: The pan flute is a favorite instrument in DnD and typically consists of multiple wooden tubes of different lengths that are joined together. The instrument resembles a triangle with the shortest tube on one side and the longest tube at the other side. The musician blows across the tubes, moving to different tubes to produce different notes.
Price (GP): 12
Weight (lb.): 2
DnD Shawm
Description: The shawm is another woodwind instrument for beginners. It is simple in design, resembling the modern-day recorder. The shawm consists of a long wooden item that is flared at the end, similar to a horn. Instead of a mouthpiece, the shawm has a reed which the musician vibrates to create pitches. Smaller shawms are higher pitched, while larger shawms are lower pitched… and both are adored by Gnomes.
Price (GP): 2
Weight (lb.): 1
DnD Whistle-Stick
Description: The whistle-stick is very similar to a flute. In DnD, this instrument is produced by the Grung and results in different pitches when air is blown through it. The Grung also tie cord to the stick which they use to swing it over their heads. This creates a unique sound and can also be used to communicate different messages.
Price (GP): 5
Weight (lb.): 1
Read more >>> Guide to DnD Musical Instruments
DnD Percussion Instruments
Starting off on our DnD instrument list, we begin with percussion instruments. Percussion instruments set the beat to any song and come in a wide variety, from simple drums to the ever elusive Udu. All are a welcome addition to any roleplay.
DnD Drums
Description: A drum is perhaps the simplest of all percussion instruments. Within the realms of DnD, a drum can be crafted from any round, hollow wood frame over which a piece of leather is stretched. Drums are very customizable. The sound and pitch of the instrument are affected by both the size of the frame and the tightness of the leather. A musician may use multiple drums at once to create a richer sound.
Price (GP): 6
Weight (lb.): 3
DnD Gong/Wargong
Description: A gong is simply a large metal plate that is hit with a hammer (or “mallet”) that is typically covered in cloth. Great for getting noticed, the gong is often used in ceremonies but can be used for other occasions as well. A wargong is simply a gong that is used by intrepid folk leading troops into battle.
Price (GP): 20
Weight (lb.): 15
DnD Maracas
Description: Maracas are typically small hand held percussion instruments that are shaken to produce a beat. They can be make of dried vegetable gourds (or hollowed wood in the shape of gourds), and filled with any variety of rice, dried beans, or similar loose material. Often played as a pair, maracas are great for entertaining and make a great accompaniment for the dance floor.
Price (GP): 5
Weight (lb.): 1 (0.5 each)
DnD Tambourine
Description: A tambourine is nothing more than a very flat drum, around which small metal discs are inserted. As the drum is hit, the little discs strike each other and create a jingling sound along with the drum’s natural bass. Tambourines are typically handheld instruments.
Price (GP): 10
Weight (lb.): 1
DnD Udu
Description: Typically made of clay, the udu is a unique instrument that resembles a water jug with an extra hole. The jug contains a small amount of water, and is curiously played by tapping or dragging fingers along the outside. The udu requires a light tough to play correctly, and is traditionally played by female musicians.
Price (GP): 30
Weight (lb.): 5
Read more >>> Guide to DnD Musical Instruments
DnD String Instruments
Next on our DnD instrument list are the string instruments. Both versatile and delightful to listen to, string instruments are quite popular in Dungeons & Dragons. They run the gamut from simple acoustic guitars to mountain dulcimers to ethereal harps and lyres. Learn about a handful of the more popular DnD string instruments below.
DnD Dulcimer
Description: Dulcimers are known for their sweet sounds, and are likely derived in name from Latin dulce melos (or “sweet song”). Dulcimers come in many shapes and sizes, but generally consist of a hollow wooden body with strings, similar to a violin or guitar. The strings on mountain dulcimers are typically plucked, while those on hammered dulcimers are typically struck with small hammers to produce notes. A charming instrument, the dulcimer has a long and proud history.
Price (GP): 25
Weight (lb.): 10
DnD Erhu
Description: A very simplistic instrument by construction, the Chinese erhu consists of only two strings along the handle of what resembles a large mallet. Traditionally, the strings of an erhu are struck with a bow – similar to how one might play a violin. Don’t underestimate this instrument. While simple, the erhu produces a complex sound when played proficiently.
Price (GP): 10
Weight (lb.): 3
DnD Harp
Description:
With ancient origins, the harp produces a lovely sound that few string instruments can replicate. It is a large, heavy upright lyre which is played in a stand and whose strings are plucked. Given the size and weight of the instrument, the harp player sits while playing. This also allows access to the full range of strings.
Price (GP): 20
Weight (lb.): 40
DnD Hurdy-Gurdy
Description:
No DnD instrument list would be complete without mention of the hurdy-gurdy. Bards love this instrument, and it’s always a hit for entertaining around a hearth. Both unique and beautiful, the hurdy-gurdy is an instrument that needs to be cranked while playing. One side of the instrument consists of a keyboard, while the other side has a hand-cranked wooden wheel that hits strings as it rotates. When the player presses certain keys, the tautness of the strings (and resulting pitch) change when rotating the crank.
Price (GP): 60
Weight (lb.): 5
DnD Lute
Description: Another favorite instrument of Bards, the lute is a string instrument with a deep hollow wooden body. Typically lutes have an opening on the front to allow sound to escape. However, some lutes enclosed which results in a more muffled – some might say eerie – sound. Lutes are plucked by the musician.
Price (GP): 35
Weight (lb.): 2
DnD Lyre
Description: One of the oldest instruments known to man, the lyre is a popular choice for creating music in the realms of DnD. Known for their angelic sounds, lyres have U-shaped wooden bodies with a connecting bar that runs along the top. The top piece holds several strings which are plucked by the musician. A standard lyre contains 7 strings, but can have any number of strings. Lyres also range from simple to wonderfully ornate.
Price (GP): 20-100
Weight (lb.): 2
DnD Psaltery
Description: Often appearing in biblical references, the psaltery is a type of zither that has a very pronounced tone. Often triangular in shape, the psaltery is uniquely shaped and consists of strings that are either plucked or played with a bow.
DnD Viol
Description: The viol is a precursor for many stringed instruments, such as the cello or violin. The instrument consists of six strings which line a hollow wooden body. The strings are either plucked or pressed against the instrument at different lengths along the neck. They also have a string or bow drawn against them, and this creates a unique vibrating sound. Popular with many realm adventurers.
Price (GP): 30
Weight (lb.): 1
Read more >>> Guide to DnD Musical Instruments
DnD Brass Instruments
Rounding out our DnD instrument list, brass instruments produce big, bold sounds and exude confidence. Both in real life and in roleplay. Horns and trumpets are common within the realms, but some of the less well known DnD brass instruments are worth exploring as well.
DnD Horn
Description: Horns are generic in nature and include a wide range of instruments. All consist of a metal tube (typically brass) with a bell-like opening at one end, and a mouthpiece on the other. The length of pipe controls the pitch – longer instruments produce lower pitch, while shorter produce higher pitch. Horns may also have valve-like openings (such as in the French horn) which change the pitch when pressed.
Price (GP): 3-50
Weight (lb.): 2-20
DnD Sackbut
Description: Ah, the sackbut. A strange name for a non-so strange instrument. The sakbut is essentially a medieval version of the modern-day trombone. It is a horn instrument that has a U-shaped length of pipe that slides back and forth to change the length of the instrument, and therefore its pitch.
Price (GP): 30
Weight (lb.): 3
DnD Trumpet
Description: One of the oldest brass instruments known to man, the trumpet is known to all. Loud and confident, the trumpet makes a perfect instrument in a fantasy world. It’s easy to make in DnD and works well in any regal setting, ceremony, or when heading into battle.
Read more >>> Guide to DnD Musical Instruments
DnD Instrument List: Final Words
We hope you enjoyed this DnD instrument list for the 5th Edition. There are many choices of musical instruments that span the four main categories – woodwind, percussion, string, and brass. Ultimately the choice is yours, and will depend on how you interact within the realms.
This list is by no means exhaustive, but hopefully it will provide inspiration for your next roleplay.
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