- Guitar: The guitar is a fundamental instrument in Latin American music, particularly in genres like salsa, bachata, and boleros.
- Charango: A small Andean string instrument with a distinctive high-pitched sound.
- Cuatro: A small, four-string guitar-like instrument, commonly used in Venezuelan music.
- Tres: A Cuban string instrument closely related to the guitar, played with a unique technique using all five fingers.
- Vihuela: A guitar-like instrument from Mexico, often used in traditional mariachi music.
2. Percussion Instruments:
- Congas: A set of single-headed drums, varying in sizes, used in salsa, merengue, and many other Latin styles.
- Bongos: A pair of small, double-headed hand drums, frequently accompanying congas.
- Maracas: Shaken percussion instruments, traditionally made from gourds filled with seeds or beads.
- Claves: A pair of short wooden sticks, hit together to create a high-pitched rhythmic pattern.
- Guiro: A percussion instrument made from a notched gourd or metal tube, scraped with a stick.
- Timbales: A set of double-headed, tunable drums, played with sticks, predominantly used in salsa.
3. Wind Instruments:
- Trumpet: A brass instrument with a bright sound, often used as lead in salsa, merengue, and brass bands.
- Trombone: A brass instrument known for its low, versatile sound, commonly heard in Latin big bands and brass ensembles.
- Flute: A woodwind instrument featuring in many Latin American genres, such as salsa, Andean music, and some regional genres.
- Clarinet: Another woodwind instrument widely used in various Latin American styles.
4. Keyboards:
- Piano: A staple in many Latin genres like salsa, boleros, and romantic ballads, providing harmonic and rhythmic support.
- Organ: A keyboard instrument extensively used in traditional cumbia and salsa, adding rich textures and soloing capabilities.
5. Other Instruments:
- Accordion: A common feature in vallenato, norteño, and Tex-Mex music, particularly for the melody and the bass lines.
- Pan Flute: A series of pipes of varying lengths, played by blowing across the top, often used in Andean folk music.
- Cajon: A box-shaped percussion instrument, originally from Peru, played by slapping the front surface with hands.