There are many types of “wind instruments,” but when considered in terms of how they produce sound, they can be broadly divided into three categories. Although the way each instrument is played to produce sound differs, they all share the commonality that the muscles around the mouth and the use of breath (air) play a crucial role. Here is a brief introduction to the characteristics of each instrument. Please use this as a guide to find the wind instrument you’d like to play. 
Lip-reed Instruments
Brass instruments—such as the trumpet, trombone, French horn, tuba, and euphonium—are mostly made of brass. To produce sound, players place a part called a “mouthpiece” against their lips and vibrate them. Each instrument uses its own specific mouthpiece.
Trumpet
With its bright and brilliant sound, the trumpet is used in a wide range of genres, from orchestral music to jazz. It is a star instrument that often takes the lead role.
Cornet
Smaller than the trumpet, it produces a warm, rounded tone that matches its shape. It plays a leading role in New Orleans jazz and British-style brass bands.
Flügelhorn
Characterized by a tone that is even softer and deeper than that of the cornet. It is popular in brass ensembles and for jazz solos. French Horn Characterized by its “snail-like” appearance—with a long tube coiled in spirals—and a bell that faces backward. It appears more frequently in orchestras and wind ensembles than the trumpet.
Trombone
The pitch is adjusted by changing the length of the extendable tube—called the slide—with the right hand. While they are classified into alto, tenor, tenor bass, and bass based on differences in the diameter and size of the tube and bell, the mechanism for producing sound is the same.
Euphonium
Its range is almost the same as that of the trombone, but it is characterized by a soft, rounded tone. It is primarily used in British-style brass bands and wind ensembles.
Tuba
The largest brass instrument, capable of producing the lowest notes. In wind ensembles, along with the contrabass, it serves as the unsung hero that underpins the entire ensemble.
Reed Instruments
These instruments are best represented by the saxophone and clarinet.They produce sound by vibrating a thin strip of material called a “reed,” which is made from the stem of a plant known as cane (a type of reed). Since saxophones and clarinets produce sound by placing a single reed against the mouthpiece and causing it to vibrate, they are also called single-reed instruments. On the other hand, the oboe and bassoon do not have a mouthpiece; instead, they use two reeds stacked together to produce sound, so they are called double-reed instruments.
: A popular wind instrument that is relatively easy to play. Depending on the range of notes they can produce, there are the following types: Soprano: Plays the high register with a light, airy tone. Often used as a solo instrument. Alto: Covers a wide range of genres, from concert bands to orchestras and jazz.Tenor: While it often plays the counter melody in ensembles, it takes center stage in jazz and popular music. Baritone: Handles the low register. It often provides the rhythm. It uses a dedicated mouthpiece and reed.
Clarinet
A popular instrument often used for solos and melodies, ranging from classical to jazz. The body is made of wood. Depending on the range, there are various types of clarinets, such as the E♭ clarinet, B♭ clarinet, alto clarinet, and bass clarinet. The B♭ clarinet is the most commonly used across all genres. Each requires its own specific mouthpiece and reed.
Oboe, Bassoon (Fagotto), and English Horn (
)
These are double-reed instruments that produce sound by vibrating two reeds stacked together. While each has a different range and timbre, they are all characterized by a delicate and clear tone. They blend well with string instruments and are indispensable wind instruments in the orchestra. Each uses its own specific type of reed.
Air-reed instruments
These instruments are best represented by the flute. Sound is produced by blowing air into the mouthpiece, causing the tube to resonate. They are also known as air-reed instruments. They do not use a mouthpiece or a reed. The recorder—which almost everyone has played at least once—is also a type of air-reed instrument. Although they may seem effortless to play, they actually require more breath than a trumpet.
- Flute
Its elegant tone is its charm. It is used in a wide variety of genres, including orchestras, wind ensembles, jazz, and bossa nova. While it has a long form when played, it can be disassembled into three parts for storage in a case. It is also popular because it can be carried compactly.