197+ Fun Music Riddles for All Ages

Love music and word games? You’re not alone!

Many of us enjoy the fun of solving riddles, especially when they’re about our favorite tunes and artists. But finding good music riddles can be tricky.

Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered! In this post, I’ll share a huge collection of 197+ music riddles that keep you guessing and grinning. These riddles are perfect for all ages, from kids to adults.

Get ready to test your music knowledge, laugh at clever wordplay, and maybe learn something new.

Let’s dive into this musical treasure trove of riddles that’ll strike a chord with everyone!

Easy Music Riddles for Kids

1. I have keys but can’t open doors. What am I? – Piano

2. I’m tall and thin, with strings to play. I make music in a wooden way. What am I? – Violin

3. I’m round and flat, hit me with sticks, I make a loud sound that really kicks. What am I? – Drum

4. You blow into me and cover holes, to make sweet music with your soul. What am I? – Flute

5. I’m a noisy toy you shake to play, in mariachi bands, I have my say. What am I? – Maracas

6. I’m shaped like a pear, with strings in a row. Pluck me gently, and music will flow. What am I? – Ukulele

7. I’m a mini piano you can carry around, press my keys to make a sound. What am I? – Keyboard

8. I’m a stick with holes, you blow in me. My sound is high, can you guess me? – Recorder

9. I’m worn on your lips, you blow me to play. In marching bands, I lead the way. What am I? – Trumpet

10. I’m like a small guitar, my name rhymes with “hand-o”. In country music, I’m quite the star. What am I? – Banjo

11. I’m a percussion instrument that jingles and shakes, in tambourines, music I make. What am I? – Bells

12. I’m a woodwind instrument with a funny name, my sound is like a duck, that’s my claim to fame. What am I? – Oboe

13. I’m a string instrument that’s played with a bow, my sound is deep and my body is low. What am I? – Cello

14. I’m a brass instrument that’s long and curled, my sound is mellow in the music world. What am I? – French Horn

15. I’m a percussion instrument made of wood, hit me with mallets, it sounds pretty good. What am I? – Xylophone

16. I’m a wind instrument made of wood, my sound is low and understood. What am I? – Bassoon

17. I’m a string instrument you pluck to play, in Hawaii, I have my say. What am I? – Ukulele

18. I’m a brass instrument that’s small and bright, my sound is high and full of might. What am I? – Piccolo Trumpet

19. I’m a percussion instrument made of skin, hit me with hands, let the rhythm begin. What am I? – Bongo

20. I’m a wind instrument made of brass, my slide moves to change the notes I pass. What am I? – Trombone

21. I’m an electronic instrument with black and white keys, I can sound like many instruments with ease. What am I? – Synthesizer

22. I’m a string instrument you strum or pluck, in rock bands, I bring good luck. What am I? – Electric Guitar

23. I’m a percussion instrument that looks like a star, hit me with a mallet, you’ll hear me from afar. What am I? – Gong

24. I’m a wind instrument made of wood, my reed makes sound that’s understood. What am I? – Clarinet

25. I’m a string instrument that’s played upright, my sound is deep and full of might. What am I? – Double Bass

26. I’m a percussion instrument that’s small and round, shake me gently for a rattling sound. What am I? – Tambourine

27. I’m a brass instrument that’s big and round, my sound is deep and can be found in marching bands. What am I? – Tuba

28. I’m a string instrument that’s played with a pick, in country music, I do the trick. What am I? – Mandolin

29. I’m a percussion instrument made of metal discs, hit me together for a clashing bliss. What am I? – Cymbals

Intermediate Music Riddles for Teens

30. I can be acoustic or electric, with strings I’m often seen. What am I? – Guitar

31. I’m a keyboard instrument with pipes that reach the sky, in churches I often make people cry. What am I? – Organ

32. I’m a percussion instrument with metal bars, hit me with mallets and I’ll sound like stars. What am I? – Vibraphone

33. I’m a wind instrument with a single reed, in jazz bands I often take the lead. What am I? – Saxophone

34. I’m a string instrument that’s plucked or bowed, in orchestras I’m often showed. What am I? – Harp

35. I’m a percussion instrument from Cuba with style, my rhythms will make you want to dance for a while. What am I? – Conga

36. I’m a wind instrument made of wood, with a double reed I’m understood. What am I? – English Horn

37. I’m a string instrument from India, sit cross-legged to play me with finesse. What am I? – Sitar

38. I’m a brass instrument that’s coiled around, my bell points up and I make a mellow sound. What am I? – Euphonium

39. I’m a percussion instrument from the Middle East, my goblet shape helps my sound release. What am I? – Darbuka

40. I’m a wind instrument from Australia, my drone is long and my sound peculiar. What am I? – Didgeridoo

41. I’m a string instrument from Japan, pluck my strings as fast as you can. What am I? – Koto

42. I’m a percussion instrument that hangs in a frame, hit me with hammers and I’ll make my name. What am I? – Glockenspiel

43. I’m a wind instrument with a sliding mechanism, in jazz I often create a cool schism. What am I? – Slide Whistle

44. I’m a string instrument from China, my pear shape and silk strings are quite fine. What am I? – Pipa

45. I’m a percussion instrument from West Africa, my talking drum sound is quite graphic. What am I? – Djembe

46. I’m a wind instrument from Peru, my pan pipes sound is hauntingly true. What am I? – Siku

47. I’m a string instrument from Greece, pluck my strings for a Mediterranean peace. What am I? – Bouzouki

48. I’m a brass instrument that’s small and agile, in mariachi bands I’m quite versatile. What am I? – Cornet

49. I’m a percussion instrument from Brazil, shake me for a samba thrill. What am I? – Chocalho

50. I’m a wind instrument from Armenia, my double reed sound is full of mania. What am I? – Duduk

51. I’m a string instrument from Iran, pluck me or bow me, whichever you can. What am I? – Tar

52. I’m a percussion instrument from Indonesia, strike my bronze plates for a gamelan nostalgia. What am I? – Kenong

53. I’m a wind instrument from Scotland, my bags and pipes make a sound that’s not bland. What am I? – Bagpipes

54. I’m a string instrument from Russia, shaped like a triangle, I’m quite a discussion. What am I? – Balalaika

55. I’m a percussion instrument from Vietnam, my bronze drum sound is quite a gem. What am I? – Đông Sơn drum

56. I’m a wind instrument from China, my bamboo flute sound is quite fine. What am I? – Dizi

57. I’m a string instrument from Mexico, in mariachi bands, I’m quite the show. What am I? – Vihuela

58. I’m a percussion instrument from Spain, click my castanets for a flamenco refrain. What am I? – Castanets

Advanced Music Riddles for Adults

59. I’m part of the orchestra, long and made of brass. My voice is deep, but I don’t play jazz. What am I? – Tuba

60. I’m a technique where notes overlap smoothly, in vocal music I’m used quite groovily. What am I? – Legato

61. I’m a group of instruments that bow and pluck, in orchestras we’re known for our luck. What are we? – String section

62. I’m a musical term for gradually getting louder, in classical music I make things prouder. What am I? – Crescendo

63. I’m a type of ensemble with four string players, in chamber music we’re major players. What am I? – String quartet

64. I’m a musical direction to repeat a section, look for my dots for the correct selection. What am I? – Repeat sign

65. I’m a type of musical composition for a soloist and orchestra, my name means “agreement” in Italian. What am I? – Concerto

66. I’m a musical term for a sudden emphasis, my accent can give listeners goose bumps. What am I? – Sforzando

67. I’m a type of musical scale with whole steps between each note, my sound is often described as float. What am I? – Whole tone scale

68. I’m a musical technique where notes are played separately and distinctly, in staccato pieces I’m quite insistently. What am I? – Staccato

69. I’m a type of musical form with a theme and variations, in classical music I’m a sensation. What am I? – Theme and variations

70. I’m a musical term for gradually slowing down, in endings I’m often found. What am I? – Ritardando

71. I’m a type of musical texture where melodies interweave, in Bach’s works I often achieve. What am I? – Counterpoint

72. I’m a musical term for a smooth transition between notes, in string instruments I’m often evokes. What am I? – Glissando

73. I’m a type of musical composition usually in three or four movements, in symphonies I’m one of the improvements. What am I? – Sonata form

74. I’m a musical direction to play softly and sweetly, in lullabies I’m used quite neatly. What am I? – Dolce

75. I’m a type of musical scale with a pattern of whole and half steps, in Western music I’m one of the concepts. What am I? – Diatonic scale

76. I’m a musical term for a gradual increase in tempo, in exciting pieces I often grow. What am I? – Accelerando

77. I’m a type of musical form with a recurring theme, in rondos I’m quite supreme. What am I? – Rondo form

78. I’m a musical direction to play in a singing style, in expressive pieces I’m quite worthwhile. What am I? – Cantabile

79. I’m a type of musical composition usually in triple meter, in ballrooms I’m quite a greeter. What am I? – Waltz

80. I’m a musical term for a sudden soft note after a loud one, in dramatic pieces I’m often done. What am I? – Subito piano

81. I’m a type of musical harmony with notes played one after another, in arpeggios I’m quite the charmer. What am I? – Broken chord

82. I’m a musical direction to gradually get softer, in endings I often falter. What am I? – Diminuendo

83. I’m a type of musical form with two contrasting sections, in marches I’m often the selections. What am I? – Binary form

84. I’m a musical term for playing notes slightly detached, in Mozart’s works I’m often matched. What am I? – Non-legato

85. I’m a type of musical scale with no definite tonal center, in modern music I often enter. What am I? – Atonal scale

86. I’m a musical direction to play with force and energy, in dramatic pieces I bring synergy. What am I? – Con forza

87. I’m a type of musical composition with multiple movements, in orchestras I’m one of the improvements. What am I? – Symphony

Famous Musicians and Bands Riddles

88. Which famous musician can’t stop the feeling and brought sexy back? – Justin Timberlake

89. This band’s name is a heavy metal, but their music is pure rock and roll. Who are they? – Iron Maiden

90. I’m the King of Pop, known for my moonwalk and thriller. Who am I? – Michael Jackson

91. We are four lads from Liverpool who started a musical revolution. Who are we? – The Beatles

92. I’m a Canadian pop star who asked, “What do you mean?” Who am I? – Justin Bieber

93. This band’s name is a zeppelin made of lead. Who are they? – Led Zeppelin

94. I’m a pop queen known for my cone bra and material girl lifestyle. Who am I? – Madonna

95. We are an Australian rock band with a name that means lightning. Who are we? – AC/DC

96. I’m a British singer who said “Hello from the other side.” Who am I? – Adele

97. This band’s name is a type of insect, but they sting you with their rock. Who are they? – The Beatles

98. I’m a country pop star who shook it off and has bad blood. Who am I? – Taylor Swift

99. We are four guys who want it that way and made everybody rock their body. Who are we? – Backstreet Boys

100. I’m a rapper from Detroit known as Slim Shady. Who am I? – Eminem

101. This band’s name is a day of the week, but they’re always working for the weekend. Who are they? – The Weeknd

102. I’m a pop star who roared and kissed a girl. Who am I? – Katy Perry

103. We are a British rock band with a very cold name. Who are we? – Coldplay

104. I’m a singer who puts on her poker face and was born this way. Who am I? – Lady Gaga

105. This band’s name is a gun flower, but their music is sweet child o’ mine. Who are they? – Guns N’ Roses

106. I’m a pop star from Barbados who found love in a hopeless place. Who am I? – Rihanna

107. We are a rock band that wants to break free and will rock you. Who are we? – Queen

108. I’m a country star who took a Louisville slugger to both headlights. Who am I? – Carrie Underwood

109. This band’s name is a rodent, but they’re actually from London. Who are they? – The Arctic Monkeys

110. I’m a pop star who kissed a girl and liked it. Who am I? – Katy Perry

111. We are a rock band that believes in a thing called love. Who are we? – The Darkness

112. I’m a singer who says “Hello, is it me you’re looking for?” Who am I? – Lionel Richie

113. This band’s name is a seasoning, but they’re pretty hot. Who are they? – Red Hot Chili Peppers

114. I’m a pop star who just can’t get you out of my head. Who am I? – Kylie Minogue

115. We are a rock band that won’t stop believing. Who are we? – Journey

116. I’m a country star who’s been everywhere, man. Who am I? – Johnny Cash

Musical Instruments Riddles

117. I am shaped like a violin but played much lower. Who am I? – Cello

118. I’m a percussion instrument that looks like a small drum, but I’m played with the thumbs. What am I? – Bongos

119. I’m a wind instrument made of brass, with valves you press to change my class. What am I? – Trumpet

120. I’m a string instrument with a long neck, in rock bands I provide the bass. What am I? – Bass guitar

121. I’m a keyboard instrument that uses hammers to strike strings. What am I? – Piano

122. I’m a wind instrument made of wood, with a single reed that’s understood. What am I? – Clarinet

123. I’m a percussion instrument that’s hit with sticks, in drum sets I’m the one that kicks. What am I? – Bass drum

124. I’m a string instrument played with a bow, in orchestras I’m the highest, you know. What am I? – Violin

125. I’m a wind instrument made of brass, with a slide that moves to change my class. What am I? – Trombone

126. I’m a percussion instrument made of metal bars, hit me with mallets and I’ll sound like stars. What am I? – Xylophone

127. I’m a string instrument with a triangular shape, in orchestras I’m plucked to make. What am I? – Harp

128. I’m a wind instrument with a double reed, in orchestras I’m often in the lead. What am I? – Oboe

129. I’m a percussion instrument that’s hit with hands, in Latin music I’m in high demand. What am I? – Conga

130. I’m a string instrument with a curved neck, in bluegrass music I’m often a speck. What am I? – Banjo

131. I’m a wind instrument made of wood, with a low sound that’s understood. What am I? – Bassoon

132. I’m a percussion instrument that’s shaken not hit, in salsa music I often fit. What am I? – Maracas

133. I’m a string instrument with four courses of strings, in mandolin orchestras I often sing. What am I? – Mandolin

134. I’m a wind instrument made of brass, with a bell that points up to surpass. What am I? – French horn

135. I’m a percussion instrument that’s hit with soft mallets, in jazz music I often set the talents. What am I? – Vibraphone

136. I’m a string instrument from Hawaii, with four strings I’m quite the guy. What am I? – Ukulele

137. I’m a wind instrument that’s small and shrill, in orchestras I’m the highest bill. What am I? – Piccolo

138. I’m a percussion instrument that’s scraped not hit, in Latin music I often fit. What am I? – Güiro

139. I’m a string instrument from India, with a long neck and a gourd for my media. What am I? – Sitar

140. I’m a wind instrument from Australia, with a drone that’s quite peculiar. What am I? – Didgeridoo

141. I’m a percussion instrument that’s hit with hands, in African music I’m in high demand. What am I? – Djembe

142. I’m a string instrument from Japan, with 13 strings I’m quite the plan. What am I? – Koto

143. I’m a wind instrument from Peru, with pipes of different lengths, it’s true. What am I? – Pan flute

144. I’m a percussion instrument that’s hit with hammers, in Caribbean music I often glamour. What am I? – Steel drums

145. I’m a string instrument from Greece, with a round body and long neck, I’m quite the piece. What am I? – Bouzouki

Riddles About Musical Notes and Theory

146. I’m the note that gets the longest rest. What am I? – Whole note

147. I’m a symbol that tells you to play the note higher. What am I? – Sharp

148. I’m a group of notes played together in harmony. What am I? – Chord

149. I’m the space between two pitches. What am I? – Interval

150. I’m the pattern of strong and weak beats in music. What am I? – Rhythm

151. I’m the speed at which music is played. What am I? – Tempo

152. I’m the note that’s half a step lower than the one written. What am I? – Flat

153. I’m the distance between the highest and lowest notes in a piece. What am I? – Range

154. I’m the group of sharps or flats at the beginning of a piece. What am I? – Key signature

155. I’m the gradual increase in loudness in music. What am I? – Crescendo

156. I’m the note that’s neither sharp nor flat. What am I? – Natural

157. I’m the combination of different notes played simultaneously. What am I? – Harmony

158. I’m the main pitch or central tone in a piece of music. What am I? – Tonic

159. I’m the gradual decrease in loudness in music. What am I? – Diminuendo

160. I’m the distance between two notes of the same name. What am I? – Octave

161. I’m the symbol that cancels out a sharp or flat. What am I? – Natural

162. I’m the group of five lines where notes are written. What am I? – Staff

163. I’m the symbol at the beginning of the staff that determines note placement. What am I? – Clef

164. I’m the pattern of whole and half steps in a scale. What am I? – Scale

165. I’m the relative duration of notes in music. What am I? – Rhythm

166. I’m the distance between two adjacent notes in a scale. What am I? – Step

167. I’m the note that’s held longer than its usual value. What am I? – Tie

168. I’m the repetition of a musical phrase at a higher or lower pitch. What am I? – Sequence

169. I’m the degree of loudness or softness in music. What am I? – Dynamic

170. I’m the note that gets half the duration of a whole note. What am I? – Half note

171. I’m the symbol that tells you to repeat a section. What am I? – Repeat sign

172. I’m the distance between two notes that are three whole steps apart. What am I? – Tritone

173. I’m the note that’s played separately and distinctly. What am I? – Staccato

174. I’m the set of notes that form the basis of a composition. What am I? – Key

Funny Music Riddles

175. Why did the pianist break up with the metronome? He just couldn’t keep time.

176. What do you call a cow that can play a musical instrument? A moo-sician!

177. Why couldn’t the pirate play the piano? Because he kept hitting the C’s!

178. What kind of music are balloons afraid of? Pop music!

179. Why did the fish make such a good bass player? He knew all the scales!

180. What do you call a sad raspberry? A blue berry!

181. Why did the drummer get upset? Someone stole his beat!

182. What do you call a musical insect? A humbug!

183. Why did the band go to the gym? To get their instruments in tune!

184. What do you call a bear with no teeth playing the piano? A gummy bear!

185. Why couldn’t the orchestra find their composer? He was Haydn!

186. What do you call a dog who can do magic tricks? A Labracadabrador!

187. Why did the music teacher need a ladder? To reach the high notes!

188. What do you call a cat who works for the Red Cross? A first-aid kit!

189. Why did the guitar player get arrested? For fingering A minor!

190. What do you call a trumpet player who only plays one note? A mono-tonist!

191. Why did the chicken join the band? Because it had the drumsticks!

192. What do you call a rock star who’s also good at math? A rock-et scientist!

193. Why did the man put his piano in the freezer? He wanted to play cool jazz!

194. What do you call a cow on a trampoline? A milk shake!

195. Why did the jazz musician go to jail? Because he was caught with sax and violins!

196. What do you call a group of musical whales? An orca-stra!

197. Why did the DJ go to the farm? To learn how to drop the beet!

198. What do you call a sleeping bull? A bulldozer!

199. Why did the music note go to the doctor? It was feeling a bit flat!

200. What do you call a broken can opener? A can’t opener!

201. Why did the violin player go to the gym? To work on his string-th!

202. What do you call a duck that steals? A rob-bird!

203. Why did the conductor go to the bank? To check his tempo!

Conclusion

We’ve just taken a musical journey through some fun riddles!

From easy teasers for kids to brain-twisters for adults, we’ve covered it all. These riddles aren’t just for laughs – they’re a great way to learn about instruments, music theory, and famous musicians.

Why not use these riddles at your next party or family gathering? They’re sure to get people talking and thinking about music in new ways. You might even learn something new yourself!

Remember, music is a universal language that brings us together. These riddles are just one more way to enjoy and appreciate the world of melody, rhythm, and harmony.

So, keep guessing, keep laughing, and most importantly, keep the music playing!