There's a whole world of colorful, creative music out there, and these are the tools of the trade
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And today, we're counting down our picks for the top ten cool musical instruments.
For this list, we're ranking musical instruments that even posses a notion of coolness, or are the chosen instruments for a particularly cool musician.
We're also taking into account how various artists have taken an instrument and utilized it in a particularly cool way, and made it their own
All though we're omitting the marble machine, as there's only one known example of this instrument in the world.
Number ten: Didgeridoo
It doesn't take long to pick out the sound of a didgeridoo from a musical crowd, thanks to its loud, droning sounds, and uniquely elongated shape.
This wind instrument was first introduced by the Aboriginal Australians, as a tool closely tied in with their tribal culture.
With the didgeridoo continuing to be closely associated with the country's musical heritage to do this very day
Progressive musicians, such as Kate Bush and pop group Jamiroquoi, have even utilized the didgeridoo in a modern rock format,
thus proving its versatility across culture and genre.
Number 9: Harmonica
The next instrument on the list has long been the chosen side-arm accompaniment of blues men and folk heroes alike.
Although this reed instrument, also know as a French harp, or mouth organ,
never really sees use as a song leader, its ability to drive home a memorable melody,
has proven useful to artists as varied as Bob Dylan,
and Billy Joel, whose classic "Piano Man" features a plaintive melancholy harmonica in between the song's verses.
Its portable, easy to learn, and the perfect instrument to pull out when you just want to lay down a jam.
Number 8: Cello
Whoever said that the Cellos couldn't rock?
Don't spout such nonsense to Finland's Apocalyptica, who have made a career out of electrifying audiences with their heavy metal cello antics.
Apocalyptica aren't the only artists who have broke new ground when it comes to these classy string instruments however,
As evidences by the avant-garde alternative act Rasputina,
who combine the cellos root in beautiful classical music, and combine it with a dark, fresh, and very cool sound, all their own.
Number 7: Violin
Sure, some might not think there's much coolness to found within the humble violin,
but, one need only point out the infamous reputation of the classical outlaw, Niccoló Paganini, to uncover the true sinister origins behind this small stringed wonder.
The Italian violinist and composer was rumored to have sold his soul to the devil in order to develop his demonically fast and precise fingering technique.
While Paganini's amorous adventures with female admirers earned him gossip wherever he traveled.
If you're not a fan of the traditional sound of the violin, you better believe there is an electric counterpart.
Number 6: Bass guitar
We head next to the mighty rhythm section,
Where this lord of the low end holds down a steady beat to anchor any song.
The bass guitar is a versatile instrument when placed in the proper hands,
as it can hang back in the pocket, or fly off the handle;
depending on the musician's technique.
The bass guitar is often seen as an instrument of groove, however,
and saw some serious progression, thanks to Paul McCartney of The Beatles, whose performance on the band's "Come Together"
saw serious innovation in terms of the bass guitar finally stepping out of the shadows, and into the spotlight.
Number 5: Saxophone
Nothing says slinky and sexy, quite like the sensuous saxophone.
This woodwind instrument was particularly popular in the 1980s, thanks to its prominent placement in some massive pop hits,
as George Michael's "Careless Whisper", and Billy Ocean's "Caribbean Queen".
Elsewhere, the saxophone was put to good use in both R&B, and rock.
Not to mention the classic big band sound of its deeper tones cousin, the baritone sax.
Even Lady Gaga got into some sax action with her hit "The Edge of Glory", proving that this horn still has plenty of tooting to do.
Number 4: Synthesizer
The next instrument on our list also roasted some serious prominence in the 1980s,
but began to see proper implementation in the 1970's progressive rock boom.
The synthesizer revolutionized the electronic music field, when it was utilized by such forward thinking rock icons as Rush, and Emerson, Lake & Palmer.
While former Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman even drafted an entire concept album about King Arthur around the synthesizer.
Meanwhile, Germanese Tangerine Dream managed to created entire worlds with the synthesizer's almost limitless potential for atmosphere, and soundscapes.
A notion which has been continued today with such modern electronic artists, as Trent Reznor.
Number 3: Piano
The classics never go out of style, as evidence by the longevity of the mighty piano.
If you think this instrument is just for classical music, or soft teary ballads, then think again,
because the piano has long been a cornerstone in the gigantic castle wall, which is rock n' roll history.
But there's the classically bombast of Mozart,
Stevie Wonder's electrified funk,
or the formative rock of Jerry Lee Lewis, few instruments have driven as many musicians to coolness as the piano.
Want further proof?
Just watch Tori Amos tinkle those ivories, and be convinced that the piano is one massively cool instrument indeed.
Number 2: Drums
Everybody loves the drums, even your neighbors!
There's just something primal and propulsive about this ultimate rhythmic instrument that makes it an icon of cool.
Drums can be loud and boisterous, or dizzily technical,
but one thing can be for sure, they are a profoundly physical instrument, which demands a lifetime of dedication, and dexterity to master.
Fans may love to air guitar their favorite licks at concerts, but air drumming has to land a close second,
as evidenced by the legions of Neil Peart fans who flock to every Rush concert for yet another glimpse at their drum god and rock icon.
Before we reveal our coolest musical instrument, here are a few rockin' honorable mentions.
Number 1: Electric Guitar
There have been countless stories of rock n' roll icons who grew up idolizing their favorite guitarists.
It didn't matter if that guitarist was Eddie Van Halen,
Lindsey Buckingham,
or Ani DiFranco, and was the allure end siren call of the seductive six string, which brought them all together.
The guitar is cool enough on its own, but the addition of plugging it into an amp, and cranking it to 11 just set the bar so much higher.
Endlessly expressive, capable of an array of styles, tones, and sounds, and able to fit into any musical genre,
the electric guitar is a go to tool of creation, and there's nothing cooler than that.
So, do you agree with our list?
Which instrument do you think is the the epitome of cool?
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