Musical instruments beginning with U
Ukulele, udu, uilleann pipes, urumi: instruments under U are not numerous in common lists, but their playing techniques differ considerably. Ud is also a spelling of oud. Brands and dance names are not counted as additional instruments.
Instruments under U and how they work
| Instrument | Family | How to recognise it |
|---|---|---|
| Ukulele | Plucked strings | An instrument developed in Hawaii from Portuguese influences, usually with four strings. Soprano, concert, tenor and baritone models do not all have the same size or tuning. |
| Udu | Percussion, sounding pottery | A clay instrument from Nigeria’s Igbo traditions. Striking its wall and working its openings produce different sounds. |
| Ud | Plucked strings | Another spelling of oud: a short-necked lute, generally fretless. Its main entry is under O. |
| Uilleann pipes | Wind, bellows-blown bagpipe | An Irish bagpipe whose bag is supplied by arm-operated bellows. It is not inflated directly by blowing into it. |
| Urumi | Percussion, membranophone | A two-headed, hourglass-shaped drum associated particularly with Tamil practices. The name also appears in urumi melam ensembles. |
The ukulele does not have one universal tuning
Soprano, concert and tenor models often use a different tuning from the baritone. Some configurations have a high G string, others a low one. Before following a tutorial or buying strings, identify your instrument’s size and tuning: the same finger position does not necessarily produce the same notes on every model.
The udu sounds through its wall and cavity
The clay surface can provide percussive attacks, while movements at the openings involve the air inside the cavity. Describing it as a clay percussion instrument is therefore more helpful than equating it with a skin-headed drum. An acoustic study of the udu’s sound examines this interaction.
Uilleann pipes use bellows
On uilleann pipes, the arm operates bellows that supply the bag. The musician has an air reserve for playing without blowing through a mouth-held blowpipe. UNESCO presents the practice of uilleann piping and how it is passed on.
The urumi, in contrast, is a drum: Wesleyan University’s virtual museum classifies it as a membranophone and provides a video. A cymbal brand name such as UFIP does not add another instrument family to this letter.
For more on strings, explore the oud — French index and guitars — French index.