How Hard Can It Be to Shake A Tambourine?

Quite often we regard instruments such as the piano, violin and guitar with having a high virtuosic potential. While this is true, we also view other instruments in a light where we may think they are "easy" or sub-par to their more popular companions. Here's a list of a few instruments that you would never expect to be downright difficult to play!

1. Tambourine: This instrument has been around since ancient times, but really began to shine in the Medieval and Renaissance time period. It doubles both as the traditional "jangly" sounding instrument but also contains a drumhead.

2. Harmonica: Coming from a family of instruments known as aerophones, the harmonica requires a surprising amount of skill to play. There are two main types of harmonicas; ones that are tuned using the pentatonic scale and ones that are chromatic.

3. Congas/Bongos: While the two drums are different, the fact that they are usually seen as "auxiliary" instruments puts them into the same part on the list. Both are incredibly difficult to play when put in the hands of a professional.

4. Castanets: Used mainly in Spanish music, this instrument again is usually used in an auxiliary position. Here we see just how difficult they are to play!

5. Maracas: This instrument contains a lot more versatility than you think! Listen to all the different sounds the musician is able to create by timing his strokes differently.