Illustrated Musical Instruments From A to Z

Music provides a soundtrack to our lives. A way of relaxing and often remembering key moments from the past. For those who play it can be a life-long pursuit to enjoy discovering the instrument and your own abilities and limitations.

Music - either listening to it or playing it - is one of the truly great things about being a human. A pleasurable experience that need cost nothing after the initial purchase of music or instruments. If you ever feel bored there is an instrument to pick up, new techniques or songs to learn, or simply play again the pieces you previously learned.

Some people aim to achieve concert level. Others play for relaxation. Some join a band. Music can be a solitary or a social experience. Jazz, classical, rock, blues - the choice is endless.

Is there a better way to spend free time than strumming a guitar or tinkling the piano? An absorbing, creative and harmless way to engage your brain.

Here is an illustrated A-Z list of musical instruments and stickman musicians because I like drawing, lists and music. If you already play an instrument you may spot yours or see another one that looks fun to try.

A Cappella

Group singing without any musical instruments. Voices doing some beat-boxing and actual singing - making a very pleasing sound.

See the film Pitch Perfect for a fun story about collegiate competitive a cappella singing groups.

A Cappella Stickmen Gifts >>

Accordion

The accordion is a fiendishly complicated looking piece of equipment.

Sometimes called a squeezebox it requires a lot more than just squeezing to create a good sound.

A pair of bellows in the middle blow air through reeds and the keys play a melody or chords.

A fine and loud traditional style instrument.

Accordion Playing Stickman Gifts >>

Bagpipes

Connected to Scotland, the bagpipes are an almost unique instrument. You blow in the bag, the bag inflates, the pressure from squeezing the bag makes the noise using the holes in the pipe to vary the note.

Some people claim to like the sound of the bagpipes.

I don't. I find them the most irritating, almost painful, sound from any instrument.

On the plus side, as something to draw, they are fun. Instantly recognisable.

Bagpipe Playing Stickman design features a hand drawn stick figure doing his best to play a tune on the bagpipes.

Bagpipe Playing Gifts >>

Banjo

Beloved country and western style twangy instrument.

Sometimes featured in backwoods scary movies about spoilt teenagers renting shacks in the middle of nowhere.

One of those instruments that you can hear playing whenever you think about it.

Most famous banjo player is probably Jon Ban Jovi.

Hand drawn Banjo Stickman design features player with banjo in a fun image for banjoists, pickers and players.

Banjo Stickman Gifts >>

Bass Guitar

Should be easier than guitar, right?

After all, the bass only has four strings.

The driving part behind the rhythm, the bass is an essential element to rock music, and indeed, music of all kinds.

The four strings easy is a fallacy. It makes guitarist think they could have a go only to find there is a skill to it. And man, those strings are thick!

Bass Guitar Stickman is a fun hand drawn image showing a stick figure playing their instrument with style. For bass guitarists (bassists) and music fans.

Bass Guitar Stickman Gifts >>

Bugle

The main times a bugle seems to be played is in the Forces. This is either to wake everybody up or when they lay someone to rest.

It is a simple instrument where the sound is made from the shape of the lips and the force of the blow. The Last Post is a fine example of music reaching deep into our souls and minds.

How can the first notes of the Last Post send shivers down the spine and bring moisture to the eyes?

That is the power of associating memories and meaning with music.

Bugle Gifts >>

Busking

Is there any more spontaneous and wonderful sound than walking down the street and hearing live music played by amateurs? Hearing the sound of a saxophone, violin, voice or any instrument drifting through the halls of the subway or tube is an immediate lift to the day.

Thanks are due to all buskers for getting out and being there for all of us. Plus a little spare change too.

With the ever advancing cashless society there needs to be a different way to reward street entertainers. Maybe you can wave your phone in a busker's direction and send credits that way. Like many 'advances' the transaction loses something in the process.

Busking Gifts >>

Cello

The cello is a big violin. That means you mostly need to sit down with it. And it's more tricky to take on the school bus.

Is it better than a violin because it's bigger? That's debatable.

In School of Rock, Jack Black puts a bass guitar on it's side and says "Cello". Like "Hello". Because there are four strings. However, they are not tuned the same. It fooled me until I Googled it.

Cello Playing Stickman features a hand drawn stick figure playing the cello with bow and style. For cellists and fans of this wonderful string instrument.

Cello Playing Stickman Gifts >>

Clarinet

Part of the woodwind family of instruments the clarinet is smooth-sounding. Somewhat like a grown-up recorder but with the addition of a reed which gives it that appeal.

Clarinet Stickman Gifts >>

Conductor

A conductor is the head guy of the orchestra.

Organising practice sessions and conducting the performance - he controls many musicians with a small non-lethal baton and a wave of his hands.

A conductor is expected to be flamboyant and outgoing in personality and with an iron grasp of the sometimes unruly mob of musicians.

Orchestra Conductor Gifts >>

Conga

African style percussion creating an additional part of the rhythm. A fairly pleasing sound and less ear troubling than rock style drums. At beginner level these are simple to play too.

There are African percussion groups where you can take along a drum for the evening. Sit with others and get into some shared rhythmic beats.

See the bands Santana and Osibisa for some serious conga playing.

A conga player with a pair of floor standing congas. African percussion music producing beats to get into.

Conga Playing Stickman Gifts >>

Didgeridoo

I have tried many of the instruments on this page, albeit sometimes briefly. But the didgeridoo is one I haven't come across in local music shops.

Of Australian origin, it is a hollowed out eucalyptus branch. It doesn't have any extra holes or pedals to modify the sound, just one long continuous note. Want a lower or higher note? Choose a different branch.

Don't believe me, I am not an expert. The other thing I picked up from Wiki was the need for circular breathing. Nope. I got nothing.

The didgeridoo. Hope your neighbours enjoy the sounds you make.

A fine addition to this collection.

Didgeridoo Stickman is a fun hand drawn stick figure playing the didgeridoo. They come in different sizes, this guy has chosen one of the larger ones.

Didgeridoo Stickman Gifts >>

Double Bass

Is this the largest 'portable' instrument? Dunno. It's big enough to be a consideration if you're planning on travelling with it.

The double (or upright) bass can be played with a bow in a classical orchestra, or with the fingers in a more relaxed jazz or rock and roll setting.

It is a key part of the rhythm in a musical setting. Take Five by Dave Brubeck is a fine example of the importance of this instrument. It doesn't need to shout.

Double Bass Stickman is a fun hand drawn design showing our guy playing the upright bass with some style.

Double Bass Stickman Gifts >>

Drums

Drums are a fun piece of musical equipment. Officially a percussion instrument they hold the beat in a band.

Easy to make the noise by bashing a drum with sticks.

No immediate need to master chords and scales - drums make an alternative to arguably more demanding musical instruments.

As with all things in life and music - drums can start simple and become ever more complex and skillful.

Stickman Drummer with arms raised and crossed sticks—capturing the joy of percussion in bold, expressive style. This design channels rhythm, motion, and attitude in one iconic gesture. Perfect for drummers, beat‑makers, and anyone who knows what a paradiddle is.

Drumming Stickman Gifts >>

Flute

A flute player is called a flautist. The flute is one of those mythical instruments - think of Pan playing in forests.

Ian Anderson of the band Jethro Tull showed how cool the flute could be in rock music.

Cockney rhyming slang for suit is whistle and flute.

Flute Playing Stickman Gifts >>

Guitar

There are many types of guitarist. Classical, flamenco and other acoustic pluckers making beautiful sounds.

Or you could take a 100 watt amplifier and turn it up. Add a little reverb and distortion to make it ugly. Plug the electric guitar in and feel the instrument come alive.

There is a huge feeling of achievement when you make those first proper sounds followed by years of effort and frustration as you try to progress.

Rock on!

Guitar Stickman Gifts >>

Harp

Looks like a piano on its side with all the covers removed leaving just the strings. Played by harpist who sits at one end and plucks the strings. Think heavenly choirs and stuff.

There is a Marx Brothers scene where Harpo takes a piano apart to remove the harp bit and then does some playing. Also famous as part of the Guiness logo and a symbol of Ireland.

Let's not keep harping on about it.

Harp Playing Stickman shows a stick figure harpist sat at a beautiful harp. Hand drawn fun for those who love this instrument.

Harp Playing Gifts >>

Karaoke

An often drunken entertainment - like all the best music - karaoke is performed in bars at social functions.

Performers take it in turns to get up on stage and sing the scrolling displayed words of popular tracks to a canned backing accompaniment.

Karaoke Singing Microphone Gifts >>

Keyboard Instruments

Electronic keyboards are generally easier to get a decent sound from than a traditional piano or organ. With a range of sounds, backing rhythms and effects on offer, they are a good instrument to gain a pass to the world of musicianship.

The entry level cost for keyboards is low. As you move into pressure sensitive, multi note instruments the price rises but is still reasonable when compared to the costs of purchasing and maintaining a real piano or organ.

Keyboardist design shows a relaxed keyboard player sat at electronic keyboard.

Keyboardist Gifts >>

Oboe

What do you call someone who doesn't like the oboe?

Oboephobic.

Joking apart and yes, it was a joke - the oboe is a large complicated looking woodwind instrument.

It makes quite a loud noise so don't be fooled into thinking it is some gentle flute like creation.

An oboe player is called an oboist.

Oboe playing design features an expert oboe player or oboist leaning into a tune on the instrument.

Oboe Gifts >>

Piano

The piano is arguably the best all-round instrument to play. The notes are laid out in front of you. There is no need to make the sound by bowing a string or blowing in a certain way.

It is logical with a structure and scales. It can be used for all types of music from playing a sing along at home, classic prog-rock and concert hall pianists.

In theory the piano is an instrument that you can learn without too much effort. There are a huge number of YouTube videos explaining how to play favourite songs offering endless possibilities for learning and pleasure.

Stickman Pianist in full flow - leaning into the keys with colorful energy and expressive charm. This hand-drawn design features bold black lines and a playful wash of color: green torso, blue legs, red feet, and yellow hair, seated on a purple stool at a stylized beige piano. A celebration of musical joy, perfect for pianists, music lovers, or anyone who plays with feeling.

Piano Playing Stickman Gifts >>

Saxophone

The saxophone is a brass wind instrument with attitude.

It is extremely complicated in terms of the number of twiddly bits to learn and then there is the correct way of blowing into it. This is no kazoo.

The saxophone is an instrument ideally suited to posing on stage due to the leanability factor.

Banned in the UK because " No sax please - we're British".

Hand-drawn Saxophone Stickman blasting bold brass in motion. With exaggerated curves, vibrant colors, and a giant yellow sax, this playful design captures the joy of music and movement in a quirky, minimalist style. Perfect for jazz lovers, band geeks, saxophonists, and anyone who hears art in every note.

Saxophone Stickman Gifts >>

Singing

The stickman below is belting it out. Not a care in the world. Hit the right notes, remember the words and sing like you mean it.

It's a pity you can't hear him. Trust me, it's the best karaoke session we've had so far at the office party.

Stickman Singer in full voice - gripping the mic and stand with expressive flair and colorful confidence. This hand-drawn character features yellow hair, a green top, blue pants, and red shoes, caught mid-performance with an open mouth and bold posture. A celebration of musical passion and personality, perfect for vocalists, karaoke fans, or anyone who sings like they mean it.

Singing Stickman Gifts >>

String Quartet

Here is a colourful string quartet playing a recital.

The four instruments are two violins, a viola and a cello - that's the big one.

In the right hands with skill and practice this can be a beautiful sound.

String Quartet Gifts >>

Triangle

The triangle is one of the first instruments we might learn to play at school. Part of the percussion family. It requires the ability to hold the triangle and hit it - WHEN INSTRUCTED - at the right time.

It does not mean bashing it repeatedly and randomly.

A beautiful passage of music and singing followed by a perfectly timed "ting". That is what years of training and total concentration can achieve.

The triangle is an ideal musical instrument for a child who needs to take a break from playing the recorder. You can sometimes have too much music in my opinion.

Triangle Playing Gifts >>

Trombone

The trombone is an amazing brass instrument. It's enormous! And strangely comedic in terms of shape and that odd sound where the note is changed by sliding the movable part.

This is not a shy, retiring, back-of-the-stage kind of musical instrument.

It's a trombone! Don't stand in the way.

Extra points are awarded for knocking the hat off the player in front of you.

A fun cartoon drawing of a stick figure playing the trombone - complete with bold colors, exaggerated limbs, and musical energy. For fans of brass instruments, quirky art, and expressive minimalism. The design features a yellow trombone, red feet, and a green-blue body in full performance mode.

Perfect for trombonists, music teachers, band geeks, and anyone who loves a good blast of personality with their apparel.

Trombone Stickman Gifts >>

Trumpet

The trumpet is a fine wind instrument. But you don't just blow. You have to make a raspberry kind of shape with your lips. It takes some practice to get it right.

Loud, fun, jazzy and definitely brassy. Elephants know all about it. Trumpeting that is.

Stickman Trumpet Blast - bold lines, wild posture, and a splash of color that hits the high notes. This hand-drawn design features a yellow-haired figure in green, blue, and red, caught mid-performance with knees bent and trumpet raised. It’s a celebration of musical energy, perfect for trumpet players, jazz lovers, or anyone who plays with flair and fun.

Trumpet Playing Stickman Gifts >>

Ukulele

The ukulele is an often unfairly mocked instrument - played for self-effacing fun by masters such as George Formby.

Ukulele Gifts >>

Viola

A viola is like a violin, only slightly bigger. The strings are heavier, giving it a deeper, richer sound.

There is something about an alto clef too. As I don't know what that is and don't want to seem like I don't know what I'm talking about - I'll leave that to the experts.

The stickman below is playing his viola with some real style. He probably knows what an alto clef is.

Viola Playing Stickman is a fun hand drawn design showing a viola player standing with some style. For violists with a sense of occasion.

Viola Playing Stickman Gifts >>

Violin

In the wrong hands a violin can be an instrument of torture. Take school recitals for eight year old beginners as an example.

The violin is of course a beautiful instrument both in construction and sound. It is the mainstay of classical music and the backdrop to so many film scores, adverts and even the occasional pop song.

The violin is also used in folk music, jazz, blues and rock and can be known as a fiddle.

Famous players include Stephane Grappelli and Nigel Kennedy.

Violin Stickman Gifts >>

Xylophone

The great thing about xylophone, apart from it being a cool instrument in the musical percussion family, is that it is one of the few words beginning with "X".

For Scrabble, quizzes and general wordplay - xylophone comes in handy time after time.

One of the instruments where the sound is provided for you. No blowing or stringing required, just hit the thing.

Xylophone Gifts >>

More Musicians Coming Soon...

The rest of the band hasn't got here yet. There might be a full stick figure orchestra one day. That would be quite something.

These are the next ones on my list to tackle. Backing Singers, Bassoon, Cor Anglais, Euphonium (the cello of the brass family), Fiddle (essentially a violin), French Horn, Lute, Mandolin, Organ (church style), Recorder, Sitar, Tuba.

Making music is one of the wonderful things that humans can achieve - it takes us away from the humdrum of ordinary life into a different place. Hope you enjoyed these efforts.

Created by Mark Ewbie. Last Updated: December 26, 2025.

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