MrC's Travels

The Colorful World of Musical Instrument Slang

Music has its own language, and within that language lies a vibrant world of slang and jargon specific to musical instruments. From guitars to trumpets, pianos to drums, each instrument comes with its own set of unique terms and expressions used by musicians to communicate and connect. Let's take a journey into this colorful lexicon and uncover some interesting facts along the way.

1. Guitar Slang: From Axes to Six-Strings

Guitars are perhaps one of the most iconic instruments in modern music, and with that iconic status comes a plethora of slang terms.

One of the most commonly used terms is "axe," which refers to a guitar. Legend has it that this term originated from the idea of wielding a guitar like a lumberjack wields an axe, chopping through the music with power and precision.

Another popular term is "six-string," which simply refers to a standard guitar with six strings. This term is often used interchangeably with "guitar," especially among musicians.

Interesting Fact: Did you know that the term "shredding" refers to playing the guitar with incredible speed and technical proficiency? It gained popularity in the 1980s during the rise of heavy metal and glam rock.

2. Drum Slang: From Skins to Sticks

Drums are the heartbeat of any band, providing rhythm and groove to the music. Drummers have their own set of slang terms to describe their instruments and techniques.

One common term is "skins," which refers to the drumheads. This term harkens back to the days when drumheads were made from animal skin, although modern drumheads are typically made from synthetic materials.

Another term you might hear is "sticks," which simply refers to drumsticks. Drummers use sticks to strike the drums and create beats and rhythms.

Interesting Fact: The term "breakbeat" originated in the 1970s in the Bronx, New York, and refers to a drumbeat that features a series of syncopated rhythms. Breakbeats played a crucial role in the development of hip-hop music.

3. Brass and Woodwind Slang: From Horns to Reeds

Brass and woodwind instruments, such as trumpets, saxophones, and clarinets, have their own unique slang terms that reflect the rich history and culture of these instruments.

One common term is "horn," which is a colloquial term for any brass instrument. This term likely originated from the fact that many brass instruments have a curved shape resembling a horn.

Another term you might encounter is "reed," which refers to the thin piece of wood or synthetic material that vibrates to produce sound in woodwind instruments like the saxophone and clarinet.

Interesting Fact: The term "jam session" originated in the jazz clubs of New Orleans in the early 20th century. It refers to an informal gathering of musicians who come together to improvise and play music.

In Conclusion

Exploring the world of musical instrument slang is like delving into a secret language spoken by musicians around the world. Whether you're a guitarist, drummer, or brass player, understanding these terms adds depth and color to your musical vocabulary. So the next time you pick up your axe, grab your sticks, or blow your horn, remember the rich history and culture behind the slang that brings music to life.