What are Georgian musical instruments called?
Panduri, chonguri, salamuri, doli and polyphonic singing.
Short answer
The best-known Georgian instruments are the three-string panduri and four-string chonguri, the salamuri flute, the duduki, the gudastviri bagpipe, the doli drum and the bowed chuniri. In Svaneti people play the changi harp. But the pride of Georgian music is polyphonic singing, recognised by UNESCO as a masterpiece of intangible heritage.
Why
- The Georgian flute is called the salamuri, and the drum the doli.
- UNESCO recognised Georgian polyphony in 2001.
- The panduri and chonguri accompany singing, often at feasts.
Details
You can hear live polyphony at ensemble concerts, in some restaurants and in churches during services. Instruments are sold in music and souvenir shops in Tbilisi.
Tip
Hear the panduri and chonguri live at folk concerts and restaurants with live music.
What may differ
Prices in tourist spots are higher than at markets and neighbourhood shops.
People also ask
- What are traditional Georgian instruments?
Sources
Information checked on October 3, 2026.
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