Angklung Instrument

Angklung: Traditional Musical Instrument

The word "angklung" comes from the Sundanese term "angkleung-angkleung", referring to the players' movements following the rhythm. Meanwhile, "klung" represents the sound produced by this unique instrument.

Construction of Angklung
Each musical note is produced by differently sized bamboo tubes. When shaken, these tubes create beautiful melodic sounds. This design requires collective playing to produce complete melodies.

Angklung is typically crafted from black bamboo (Awi wulung) or ater bamboo (Awi temen), which turns yellowish-white when dried. Instruments are assembled by binding 2-4 different sized bamboo tubes together using rattan.

Playing Techniques
Playing angklung is relatively simple - players hold the frame (upper part) and shake the lower section to produce sound. There are three fundamental techniques:


Kerulung (Vibration)

The most basic technique, where both hands hold the bamboo tubes and shake them side-to-side repeatedly while playing notes.

Centok (Snap)

This technique involves quickly pulling the tube with fingers against the palm, creating a single percussive sound.

Tengkep (Mute)

Players vibrate one tube while holding the other tube still, producing only one tone.


Types of Angklung
Throughout its history, various Indonesian regions have developed distinct angklung types:


Angklung Kanekes

Originating from the Baduy people, played exclusively during rice planting ceremonies. Only the inner Baduy community creates this type.

Angklung Reog

Used in Reog Ponorogo dance performances from East Java. Notable for its distinct shape, loud two-tone sound, and decorative use. Also called "klong kluk".

Angklung Dogdog Lojor

Part of rice plant honor rituals in Banten Kidul. Performed by six players - two play the Dogdog Lojor angklung while four handle larger angklung.

Angklung Badeng

From Garut, originally used in rice planting rituals, later adapted for Islamic da'wah. Requires nine instruments including roel, kecer, indung, anak, dogdog, and gembyung variations.

Angklung Padaeng

Pioneered by Daeng Soetigna in 1938, features modified diatonics allowing integration with modern music. Later refined by Handiman Diratmasasmita and popularized by Udjo Ngalegena for international recognition.