Bass: Played either in electric or stand-up version, this is a low pitched string instrument that often helps establish the beat and chord changes.
Drum Set: Comprised of a snare drum, toms, a bass drum, high hat, and cymbals, this is the instrument that lays down the beat.
Guitar: The guitar is a stringed instrument that establishes chord changes and sometimes has a melody or countermelody.
Piano: This is a percussion instrument that helps with rhythm, chord changes, and the melody.
Saxophone: This is a woodwind instrument played with a reed. The body of the saxophone is metal and "s" shaped. The different types of saxophone range from the high soprano down to the alto, tenor, baritone, and finally, bass saxophone.
Trombone: This is also a brass instrument, but instead of valves, it has a slide that changes the pitch of the notes.
Trumpet: This is a brass instrument with three valves that are pressed to form different notes. Brass players must also use the formation of their embrochure to change the note pitches.
Clarinet: Used often in Dixieland, the clarinet is not a typical part of a big band. It is a high pitched woodwind instrument.
Flute: A metal woodwind instrument, the flute is rarely used. Mostly, it doubles the melody in the charts that call for it.