Due to their versatility, electronic synthesizers are a primary instrument in a great deal of New Age arrangements. A single synthesizer provides an array of timbres, ranging from synthesized strings, voices and woodwinds to a number of original electronic sounds to create a soothing effect. Synthesizers also have the advantage of producing a more steady and consistent tone than human beings are capable of making on instruments; this is often an advantage in ambient music.
New Age music often features vocals, though these are typically sung with wordless vocalizations (such as "ah") or in non-English languages; this way, the meaning of words won't distract English-speaking listeners from attaining the mellow, meditative state that New Age music is generally intended to help bring about. Vocal styles in this genre are typically breathy, rather than full-voiced or edgy, and use minimal or no vibrato. Vocals may be performed by soloists or groups, male or female.
Woodwind instruments provide a light timbre many people find reminiscent of outdoor settings. This may include orchestral instruments, such as the clarinet, flute and oboe, but traditional folk instruments are also popular, such as pan pipes, Native American flutes (and similar end-blown instruments), penny whistles or ocarinas. Woodwind instruments are generally used as a solo instrument in a piece of New Age music.
The acoustic guitar lays down the foundations for many New Age music charts, sometimes with synthesized tones, or as a replacement for synthesizers in fully acoustic New Age music. The style of playing most often utilized for New Age music more closely resembles classical guitar playing than other styles of acoustic guitar music.
Drums sometimes make an appearance in New Age music, especially in musical selections designed to enhance spiritual or ritual work (as drumming is a major component of many shamanic and spiritual journeying practices). Drums used in New Age music are usually folk instruments with quiet, earthy sounds instead of louder, orchestral drums or drum sets.