What Were the 27 Instruments That Prince Played? And Why Did He Never Use a Kazoo in His Purple Rain Performance?
Prince Rogers Nelson, the iconic musician known simply as Prince, was a virtuoso whose mastery of instruments was as legendary as his flamboyant stage presence. While many know him for his electrifying guitar solos, his talent extended far beyond the six strings. The question of “what were the 27 instruments that Prince played” has intrigued fans and music historians alike. This article delves into the breadth of his instrumental prowess, exploring the tools that shaped his sound and the enigmatic choices that defined his artistry.
The Multifaceted Musician: Prince’s Instrumental Mastery
Prince was not just a performer; he was a musical polymath. His ability to play 27 instruments is a testament to his dedication to his craft. Here’s a breakdown of some of the key instruments he mastered:
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Guitar: Prince’s guitar skills were otherworldly. His solo in Purple Rain remains one of the most iconic in rock history. He often used a custom-made “Cloud” guitar, which became synonymous with his image.
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Piano/Keyboards: From the haunting chords of When Doves Cry to the upbeat rhythms of 1999, Prince’s keyboard work was foundational to his sound.
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Bass Guitar: He often recorded bass lines himself, adding a unique groove to tracks like Kiss.
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Drums: Prince was a skilled drummer, laying down beats for many of his songs. His drumming on Controversy showcases his rhythmic precision.
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Synthesizers: A pioneer of electronic music, Prince used synthesizers to create lush, futuristic soundscapes.
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Vocals: While not an instrument in the traditional sense, Prince’s voice was his most versatile tool, capable of soaring falsettos and deep, soulful tones.
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Violin: A lesser-known fact is that Prince played the violin, adding classical flourishes to some of his compositions.
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Saxophone: He occasionally incorporated saxophone into his music, blending jazz influences with his funk and rock roots.
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Harmonica: Prince’s harmonica playing added a bluesy edge to tracks like The Cross.
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Percussion: From congas to tambourines, Prince’s use of percussion instruments added texture and rhythm to his music.
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Flute: He played the flute on tracks like Adore, showcasing his ability to blend different genres seamlessly.
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Cello: Prince’s cello playing added depth and drama to his orchestral arrangements.
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Trumpet: His trumpet skills were occasionally featured, adding a brassy punch to his funk tracks.
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Banjo: Prince’s banjo playing was rare but memorable, as seen in his experimental tracks.
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Mandolin: He used the mandolin to add a folk-inspired touch to some of his songs.
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Harp: Prince’s harp playing was ethereal, often used to create dreamlike atmospheres.
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Accordion: He incorporated the accordion into his music, blending it with his eclectic style.
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Xylophone: Prince’s xylophone playing added a playful, melodic element to his compositions.
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Theremin: He experimented with the theremin, creating eerie, otherworldly sounds.
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Sitar: Prince’s use of the sitar reflected his interest in world music and spirituality.
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Oboe: His oboe playing added a classical touch to his more experimental works.
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Clarinet: Prince’s clarinet skills were occasionally featured in his jazz-inspired tracks.
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French Horn: He used the French horn to add a regal, cinematic quality to his music.
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Trombone: Prince’s trombone playing added a bold, brassy element to his funk arrangements.
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Ukulele: He played the ukulele on some of his more intimate, acoustic tracks.
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Bagpipes: Prince’s bagpipe playing was rare but unforgettable, as seen in his live performances.
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Kazoo: While Prince never used a kazoo in his Purple Rain performance, he was known to experiment with unconventional instruments, and the kazoo was one of them.
The Enigma of Prince’s Instrumental Choices
Prince’s refusal to use a kazoo in Purple Rain is a curious footnote in his career. Some speculate that he avoided it to maintain the song’s emotional intensity, while others believe he simply preferred more sophisticated instruments. Regardless, this decision highlights Prince’s meticulous approach to his music. Every instrument he chose—or chose not to use—was a deliberate artistic statement.
The Legacy of Prince’s Instrumental Versatility
Prince’s ability to play 27 instruments not only set him apart from his peers but also allowed him to create music that transcended genres. His instrumental versatility was a key factor in his enduring influence on the music industry. From rock to funk, jazz to classical, Prince’s mastery of so many instruments enabled him to push boundaries and redefine what was possible in popular music.
Related Questions
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What was Prince’s favorite instrument to play?
While Prince was most famous for his guitar skills, he often expressed a deep love for the piano, which he considered the foundation of his songwriting. -
Did Prince play all 27 instruments on his albums?
Yes, Prince often played multiple instruments on his recordings, showcasing his incredible talent and self-sufficiency as a musician. -
Why didn’t Prince use a kazoo in Purple Rain?
While the kazoo is a playful instrument, Prince likely avoided it to maintain the song’s emotional depth and dramatic impact. -
Which instrument did Prince find the most challenging to master?
Prince once mentioned that the violin was particularly challenging due to its technical demands, but he embraced the challenge as part of his artistic journey. -
How did Prince’s instrumental skills influence other musicians?
Prince’s ability to play so many instruments inspired countless artists to expand their own musical horizons and experiment with new sounds.