1. Xylophone (Africa, Southeast Asia): The xylophone consists of tuned wooden bars that, when struck with mallets, produce a pentatonic scale.
2. Gamelan (Indonesia): Gamelan is a traditional Indonesian ensemble featuring various instruments, including xylophones, metallophones, gongs, drums, and more. They are often tuned to pentatonic scales.
3. Chinese and Japanese traditional instruments: Numerous Chinese and Japanese musical instruments, such as the Guzheng (zither), Pipa (lute), Shakuhachi (bamboo flute), and Koto (zither), are commonly tuned to a pentatonic scale.
4. African instruments: The pentatonic scale is prevalent in many African musical traditions. Instruments like the Djembe drum, Balafon (West African xylophone), Mbira (thumb piano), and Kora (a 21-stringed harp-like instrument) often utilize the pentatonic scale.
5. Native American flute: Many Native American flutes, such as the Anasazi flute and Pueblo flute, employ the pentatonic scale for their traditional melodies.
These instruments illustrate the widespread historical and cultural use of the pentatonic scale. Despite varying instrument types and origins, many cultures have embraced the harmonious beauty found within the five tones of the pentatonic scale.