What instrument has been one of the most popular and influential instruments in music throughout history?

Answer 1

This depends on a multitude of things, including which area we are discussing, what style of music, and so on and so forth. There are no "correct" answers but here are some insights:

• The drums, while overlooked in modern music, were the first instrument to be invented, and have played an important role in music, throughout history as keepers of rhythm, but also used as solo instruments, due to the ability to tune them. Percussive instruments are easy to create and maintain, and no technical skill is required to keep their sound.
• The piano (and related instruments) have been important since their inception, due to their vast range (bass up to high treble) and their ability to play chords. Pipe organs have been used for centuries by churches, and harpsichords have been popular in and out of history, mostly during the baroque period.

• The harp; another primitive Instrument. It has a large range similar to piano, and yet is much easier to create and maintain.
• The Flute/woodwind, despite being a little more technical, have been popular, from fifes to reeded instruments, (and later horns) have been a part of Folk Music for years.
• Last but not least, the guitar has recently come into its own as an instrument, combining the visual notation method of the piano, with the portableness and tone of a small harp. Fairly easy to manufacture, and easy to write for, Guitars have dominated the last century of music.