In contemporary music, certain instruments dominate the soundscape — the guitar, piano, drums, and synthesiser are staples in countless tracks. Yet, beyond these familiar instruments, there exists a wealth of sounds that often go unnoticed. These underrated instruments can bring fresh textures, unusual tones, and distinctive character to modern compositions, helping artists stand out in a crowded musical landscape.

In this article, we explore five such instruments that deserve more attention and showcase how they can transform modern music.

The Harp: Ethereal Sounds Beyond Classical Music

The harp is traditionally associated with classical or orchestral music, yet its versatility is often overlooked in contemporary genres. With its delicate, resonant tones, the harp can add a layer of elegance or dreamlike quality to a track. Beyond classical compositions, modern musicians have incorporated the harp into pop, electronic, and indie music to create ethereal textures that captivate listeners.

Artists such as Joanna Newsom have demonstrated the harp’s potential in modern songwriting, combining intricate fingerpicking with poetic lyrics. Producers can also sample or digitally manipulate harp sounds to create entirely new sonic landscapes, making it a surprisingly flexible instrument for experimentation.

The Accordion: Breathing New Life Into Popular Genres

Often associated with folk or regional music, the accordion is another instrument that deserves a place in contemporary tracks. Its expressive range and ability to sustain chords while providing melodic flourishes make it ideal for adding depth to modern music. From indie folk to alternative pop, the accordion can inject a sense of warmth, nostalgia, or whimsy into a composition.

Artists like Beirut have revitalised the accordion in modern indie music, blending traditional textures with contemporary production. Incorporating the accordion in subtle or prominent ways can help tracks stand out, providing a unique sonic identity that audiences immediately recognise.

The Marimba: Rhythmic Richness And Harmonic Depth

The marimba is a percussion instrument often overshadowed by drums or electronic beats. However, its rich, resonant tones and wide harmonic range make it an excellent tool for adding rhythmic and melodic complexity to a track. Contemporary musicians have begun using the marimba in genres ranging from jazz fusion to pop, exploiting its ability to produce warm, mellow tones alongside percussive attack.

Incorporating the marimba can transform a standard rhythm section into something more textured and engaging. Sampling or layering marimba notes with synthesised sounds allows producers to merge organic warmth with modern electronic aesthetics, giving music a distinctive, tactile quality.

The Theremin: Otherworldly Sounds For Modern Innovation

Few instruments are as instantly recognisable as the theremin, known for its eerie, floating tones. While it is most commonly associated with vintage sci-fi soundtracks, the theremin has untapped potential in modern music. Its unique method of playing — controlling pitch and volume without physical contact — allows for expressive glides and haunting melodies that are difficult to replicate with other instruments.

Electronic, ambient, and experimental musicians have increasingly turned to the theremin to add futuristic or otherworldly textures to their compositions. Using it in conjunction with synthesised or digital elements can create a compelling juxtaposition between organic and electronic sounds, offering listeners something truly distinctive.

The Bassoon: Deep Resonance Beyond Classical Borders

The bassoon is often relegated to orchestral or classical settings, yet its deep, reedy tone can bring a unique character to contemporary tracks. Its expressive low register and capability for lyrical passages make it perfect for adding emotional depth, especially in cinematic or atmospheric music.

Innovative composers and producers are beginning to experiment with the bassoon in jazz, electronic, and indie music, exploring its ability to blend with synthesised textures or provide an unexpected counterpoint to modern beats. Its inclusion can surprise listeners and enrich a track with a sense of sophistication and depth that few other instruments offer.

How These Instruments Can Transform Modern Music

Incorporating underrated instruments like the harp, accordion, marimba, theremin, or bassoon offers musicians an opportunity to expand their sonic palette. These instruments bring unique textures, emotive qualities, and rhythmic variety that standard instrumentation often cannot replicate. For producers, blending these instruments with electronic elements or contemporary production techniques can lead to innovative soundscapes that capture attention.

Musicians seeking to differentiate their work should consider exploring these underutilised instruments. Even subtle additions, such as a marimba riff in the background or a theremin melody, can elevate a track and provide listeners with a memorable auditory experience.

Giving Underrated Instruments Their Well-Deserved Spotlight

Contemporary music thrives on innovation and experimentation. While guitars, pianos, and synthesisers dominate the charts, there is immense potential in giving underappreciated instruments a place in modern compositions. The harp, accordion, marimba, theremin, and bassoon are just a few examples of instruments capable of adding fresh textures, emotional resonance, and distinctive identity to music.

By embracing these lesser-known sounds, musicians and producers can not only stand out creatively but also push the boundaries of contemporary music. Elevating these instruments from obscurity to the spotlight is not just about variety — it is about reimagining what modern music can sound like.