Written by Ambre Montespan - Updated on May 8, 2026
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Want to learn how to relax using a musical instrument? Looking for instruments that can help you easily reach a state of calm and serenity? What are the most zen and soothing musical instruments you can treat yourself to?
As a music therapist and sound therapist with over 10 years of experience, I’ve explored every instrument used for relaxation and even meditation. So here’s a concise list of the ones that stood out to me and that I’ve found to be the most effective.
When it comes to relaxing or zen musical instruments, the most effective options include the Tibetan singing bowl, the tongue drum, the kalimba, the ocarina, and the handpan.
So, I’ll present them to you one by one:
- The Tibetan singing bowl
- The tongue drum
- The kalimba
- The ocarina
- The handpan
You can then choose the one that fits your needs—or the one you truly fall in love with. You’ll also have the opportunity to watch a video of each one to hear the relaxing sounds you can create yourself, so you can enjoy a truly incomparable moment of relaxation.
Now, let’s take a closer look at all these zen instruments.
Can playing a musical instrument help you unwind?
Numerous scientific studies have shown that music, in general, has a calming effect by reducing stress and blood pressure. One well-known example is the 2013 study published in the scientific journal PLOS One, “The Effect of Music on the Human Stress Response”. In this study, researchers observed how music affected the stress response by measuring physiological indicators such as cortisol. They noticed a clear improvement when music was present.
It turns out that playing an instrument can also lead to this kind of result—and can even amplify the benefits. In a 2011 issue of the magazine Neuropsychology, Dr. Hanna-Pladdy and Dr. MacKay of the University of Kansas conducted an in-depth study on musical instruments. The study highlights the overall benefits of musical practice, especially when it comes to mental well-being. Although the precise mechanisms of how the brain processes music are not yet fully understood, it’s undeniable that playing an instrument has many virtues.
This is also the idea behind a relatively recent medical discipline: music therapy or sound therapy, which involves using music and instruments as part of a therapeutic approach or to improve quality of life. These professionals are supervised by an official federation and focus primarily on health, but they may also work specifically on relaxation and stress relief. Once again, using instruments to feel calmer is a natural fit.
Music photo from Depositphotos
What are the best instruments for relaxing and staying zen?
Instruments considered “zen” or relaxing vary widely by culture, yet some favorites appear again and again across civilizations. When it comes to unwinding with music, the Tibetan singing bowl, tongue drum, kalimba, ocarina, and handpan stand out for their particularly soothing tones.
Bring zen into your daily life with the Tibetan singing bowl
Dear music and wellness enthusiasts, allow me to introduce you to the Tibetan singing bowl, an ancient instrument that has stood the test of time and become a staple of relaxation and zen. Originating in the Himalayan regions, this musical treasure is much more than just an object: it’s a true invitation to unwind and find inner peace. Listen to the sounds of this instrument by watching the video below:
Crafted from metal or quartz crystal, the Tibetan singing bowl produces rich, harmonious tones that can transport you into a state of deep relaxation. Its vibrations gently stimulate your nervous system, calming both mind and body. Picture coming home after a long day, softly striking your Tibetan singing bowl, and letting its soothing melody wash over you. Stress melts away, leaving you with a deep sense of fulfillment.
Not only is the Tibetan singing bowl an excellent relaxation tool, but it is also used in various wellness practices such as meditation, yoga, and even sound therapy. Studies have shown that regular use of this instrument can reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. The Tibetan singing bowl is not just a musical instrument; it’s a companion that can help you find balance and serenity. Its great strength is that no special knowledge of music or music theory is required. All you need to do is learn a few striking techniques, which only takes a few minutes.
Relax with a tongue drum
The second relaxing instrument we’re highlighting is the tongue drum. This fairly recent musical invention, created at the beginning of the 21st century by an American named Dennis Havlena, consists of two metal shells with tongue-shaped cutouts. Each cutout is a different size, so by striking them, the player can produce multiple notes. Listen to the soft sounds of the tongue drum in the video below:
One of the advantages of this percussion instrument is its simplicity: it’s played just like a xylophone. Each tongue corresponds to a single note that has already been tuned during manufacturing, so you’ll never need to spend time tuning your tongue drum. What’s more, by resting the instrument on your lap as you play, you’ll feel every vibration when the mallets strike the upper shell—a sensation that’s wonderfully relaxing.
Feel the calmness that the kalimba brings
The kalimba is an African musical instrument from the idiophone family. It is also known by other names such as "mbira" or "thumb piano." Originally from sub-Saharan Africa, the kalimba consists of a wooden soundboard with metal tines of varying lengths attached to it. These tines are played by pressing them with the thumbs, producing melodic notes. The instrument is very versatile and can be used in various musical genres, ranging from traditional African music to modern compositions, jazz, and pop music. Its sound is often described as soft and soothing, making it a popular choice for meditation and relaxation. Enjoy the sounds of the kalimba in this video:
The kalimba is also highly accessible to beginners thanks to its simplicity and quick learning curve. It comes in different sizes and ranges, letting musicians choose the best fit for their needs and skill level. Plus, it’s portable and requires no additional equipment, making it an excellent choice for musicians on the go. It’s a great way to relax anywhere, anytime.
The ocarina: a soothing instrument par excellence
The ocarina is a wind instrument from the flute family. It is usually made of ceramic, clay, plastic, or metal and has an ovoid shape with a mouthpiece and finger holes. The origins of the ocarina date back thousands of years, with primitive versions found in various ancient cultures, including China and Central America. The instrument has gained worldwide popularity, largely due to its use in video games such as "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time," where it plays a key role in the narrative. Its sound is soft and melodic, making it suitable for a variety of musical genres, and particularly for a zen-like mood. You can hear an ocarina by watching this video:
The ocarina is relatively easy to learn, making it a good choice for beginners. It’s also very portable, usually about the size of your hand, so it’s easy to take with you. Ocarinas are available in different sizes and ranges, offering a variety of options for musicians of all levels. Like the kalimba, but in a different style, this soothing instrument is perfect if you want something compact and portable to play outdoors, for example.
Choose a handpan to treat yourself to moments of intense relaxation
The handpan is an acoustic musical instrument from the idiophone family, invented in the early 2000s. It consists of two steel shells assembled in the shape of a lens or flying saucer. The upper part, called the "ding," has a central note surrounded by several tonal notes, while the lower part, called the "gu," is hollow and can be used as a percussion surface. Play it with bare hands or special mallets to produce a melodious, resonant sound. Its soothing, meditative tone makes it a popular choice for relaxation, meditation, and therapeutic music. See for yourself by watching the video below:
The handpan is unique in that it allows for great freedom of expression. It does not require formal musical training to play and is accessible to musicians of all levels. However, its growing popularity has led to higher prices, and it can be difficult to acquire due to strong demand and the time required to craft it by hand. You can expect to pay around $1,000 for a mid-range model. Most musicians who don’t have the budget for one usually opt for a tongue drum, which is much more affordable and similar in sound.
Find calm and serenity by purchasing a soothing instrument
Musical instruments are an excellent way to rest your mind and unwind. Of course, other instruments could have been mentioned, but those discussed in this article are renowned for the calm and tranquility they provide. Now you have an excellent list to choose from if you want to relax with the help of a musical instrument.
However, it’s not easy to find a reliable store that offers all these types of instruments in excellent quality. In fact, it’s not uncommon to come across mediocre models that won’t deliver the well-being and fulfillment you’re looking for. That’s why we recommend shopping at Instruments du Monde, which specializes in most of the instruments featured here. There, you can be sure to find an instrument that brings more zen into your daily life.
Click on the image below to discover all the magnificent tongue drums offered by Instruments du Monde:
Are you thinking of buying a sound therapy instrument? If so, you may have already consulted several professionals. It’s important to be vigilant, as some can be dishonest. With this in mind, I share my review of the Vibrations Positives store in another article.
