What Instruments Are Used in Bollywood Music
.jfif "music instruments") |
| music instruments |
Introduction
Bollywood music is very popular. It plays in movies, parties, and on the radio. People love to sing and dance to Bollywood songs. But do you know what makes the music so fun? It is the instruments. These are the tools that make the sound.
Some instruments are old. Some are new. Some come from India. Others come from other countries. All of them come together to make magic. In this article, we will learn about these instruments. It will be fun and easy to understand.
What Is an Instrument
An instrument is something that makes music. It can be small or big. It can make soft sound or loud sound. Some instruments you play with your hands. Some you blow air into. Some you hit with sticks. All instruments make different sounds.
Three Kinds of Instruments
There are three main kinds of instruments. One is string. Another is wind. The last one is percussion.
String Instruments
These have strings. You play them by moving your fingers or using a stick called a bow. They make soft or strong sounds.
Wind Instruments
You blow air into these. They make long or short sounds. The sound changes when you press buttons or holes.
Percussion Instruments
You hit or shake these. Some make loud sounds. Others make soft beats. They help keep the rhythm of the song.
Traditional Indian Instruments in Bollywood
Bollywood started many years ago. In old movies, songs used Indian instruments. These are still used today in many songs. Let’s look at some of them.
Tabla
Tabla is a small drum. It comes in two parts. One part is small and makes high sound. The other is big and makes deep sound. You play it with your hands. It keeps the beat in songs.
Sitar
Sitar is a big string instrument. It has a long neck. You play it by plucking the strings. It makes sweet sounds. Many soft songs use sitar.
Dhol
Dhol is a big drum. It is very loud. People play it in weddings and dances. You hit it with sticks. It brings energy to songs.
Shehnai
Shehnai is a wind instrument. It looks like a small pipe. You blow air into it. It is often used in wedding songs and sad songs.
Harmonium
Harmonium is like a small piano. It has keys and a bellows. You press keys and pump air. It is used in many classical and folk songs.
Modern Instruments in Bollywood
Today, Bollywood songs also use modern tools. These are from other countries but now are part of Bollywood music.
Guitar
Guitar is a string instrument. You play it by plucking or strumming. It is used in romantic and fun songs. Both acoustic and electric guitars are used.
Keyboard
Keyboard is like a piano. It has many sounds inside. You press keys to make music. It can sound like many instruments. It is easy to carry and use.
Drums
Modern drums are used in fast songs. These include bass drums, snare drums, and cymbals. They make the beat strong and powerful.
Synthesizer
This is an electronic tool. It makes many kinds of sounds. It is used in dance and club songs. It makes music feel fresh and cool.
Violin
Violin is a string instrument. You play it with a bow. It makes soft and sweet music. Many Bollywood love songs use violin music.
Mix of Old and New
Good Bollywood music uses both old and new instruments. This mix gives it a rich sound. A song may have tabla and guitar. Or sitar with keyboard. The sound becomes full and fun to hear.
Why This Mix Is Special
Indian music has a deep past. Western music has fresh sounds. Together, they make something new. Bollywood uses this to make each song different. This is why people around the world enjoy Bollywood songs.
Role of Music Director
A music director chooses the instruments. They decide what sound the song should have. They guide the players. They mix sounds to make the final song.
Recording the Music
The music is recorded in a studio. All instruments are played. The sound is checked many times. It is then added to the movie.
How Instruments Change the Mood
Instruments help tell the story. A flute may play in a sad scene. A dhol may play in a happy dance. Each sound has a feeling. Music makes the scene more strong and clear.
Happy Songs
Use fast instruments like drums and dhol. They make people dance.
Sad Songs
Use soft sounds like flute, violin or piano. These make you feel calm or cry.
Love Songs
Use sitar, violin or guitar. These sound sweet and soft. They match the feeling of love.
Conclusion
Bollywood music is full of colors. It has many sounds. These sounds come from many instruments. Some are from India. Some are from other places. Each one has a job. Each one helps tell the story of the song.
Now, next time you hear a Bollywood song, listen closely. Try to find the instruments. You will enjoy the music more. Music is not just sound. It is a feeling. And instruments help bring that feeling to life.
Sources:
Books on Indian music culture, music teacher interviews, Bollywood movie soundtracks, and music production blogs.