Musical Instruments

Articles with musical instruments and musical expressions.

BeginnerPlay the + Musical Instrument

Use the before the name of a musical instrument after the verb play when referring to the ability or activity in general.

Examples include play the piano, play the guitar, play the violin, play the flute and play the drums.

Use a/an or the when referring to a particular instrument rather than playing it generally.

Compare "She plays the piano." and "She bought a piano yesterday." The first refers to the activity, while the second refers to a specific object.

When a musical instrument is treated as an object, use articles according to the normal rules for countable nouns.

Examples include "I need a guitar.", "The violin is expensive." and "She sold her old piano."

Using the after play is the standard form in both British and American English.

Although informal variations occasionally occur, "play the piano" and similar expressions are considered standard English.

Do not omit the after play when referring to a musical instrument in general.

Incorrect: "She plays piano." Correct: "She plays the piano." Use normal article rules when the instrument is a physical object.