Swing music, which is a sub-genre of Jazz music generally had a four-beat structure and was rhythmic, and a fast form of music. In this music, several types of instruments were used. In fact, the Big Bands usually consisted of five saxophonists, five trumpeters, a bassist, a pianist, a drummer, and more. So, you can understand that various instruments were used in swing music in USA. To help you know about the most commonly used instruments in this music form we have shared some of the details here. Just take a look, and find out what are some of the most common instruments that were used in swing music.
Top 5 Instruments Used in Swing Music
Among the various instruments that were in swing music here are some of the most commonly used instruments. Just take a look to understand.
1. Trumpets
It is needless to say that in swing music in USA, trumpet has been an essential instrument. Its powerful music presence, the brash buzzing sound produced with a blow on the mouthpiece accompanied well with the swing music compositions. It gave the music a distinct identity and has been successful in leaving an everlasting impression.
Popular trumpet pieces in Swing songs
· April In Paris
· I’ve Got You Under My Skin
· In The Mood
· Route 66
2. Keyboards
If you talk about a versatile instrument that has been accompanying the swing music genre and other genres of music, and still evolving, then it is none other than the keyboard. This instrument can be used to produce melodies for many styles of music. In swing music, mainly piano or keyboards were especially used as a harmonic element. Generally, it accompanied the swing band’s rhythm section, or for playing a quiet harmony, which was used according to the composition of the song.
Best keyboard pieces in Swing songs
· Autumn Leaves
· All The Things You Are
· Fly Me To The Moon
3. Saxophone
Just like trumpets, the saxophone was another signature instrument that accompanied most of the swing songs. This instrument is also built of brass and hence produces a buzzing-like sound just like the trumpet. There are 23 keys on the saxophone, these keys help to switch the note or pitch and help to enhance the melodies of the song. In the swing songs where both the trumpets and saxophones are used, a presence of multi-toned vibrant swing melody is felt.
Famous Swing songs with saxophone pieces
· Let Yourself Go
· Oh, Lady Be Good
· Saturday Night
· The Song Is You
Want to catch up on these songs? Then, tune into one of the top swing music radios in USA.
4. Double bass
This is another staple instrument that was used in swing music by many bands. The instrument notably produces an extremely low-pitch sound. It is mainly used for its rhythmic and harmonic elements in swing music. This instrument in shape is like any other string instrument, for instance, violin or guitar. However, is bigger, and the bassist places it next to him/her in an upright position to play it. In swing bands, the bassist generally used to pluck the strings of this instrument to produce the sound he/she required.
Popular Swing songs with double bass
· Another Land
· Oceanic
· In Your Own Sweet Way
· Once I Loved
5. Drums
We don’t have to introduce or describe drums to you. Drums are one of the oldestinstruments that have been accompanying music over the years. In swing music also this instrument played a vital role in providing the rhythm to the song. Although drum sets were used by most bands, and it was a vital part of the songs, solo drums were also sometimes used in the songs.
The best drum solo in Swing songs
· Sing, Sing, Sing
· The Drum Thunder Suite
· A Night in Tunisia
Conclusion
Every instrument described here had a crucial role in creating swing music in USA in what it was. While these were essential instruments in the music there were other instruments as well such as the clarinets, tuba, etc. If details like this about swing music, and jazz music interests you, then you can check out one of the top swing music radio stations- Swing Street Radio’s website for more Swing, Jazz and Big Band news, and songs.