what instruments did duke ellington play

Duke Ellington primarily played the piano. He is also sometimes described as having played the organ occasionally, and some sources mention early experience with the trumpet , but piano was his main instrument.

Quick Scoop

• Main instrument: piano.

• Occasionally played: organ.

• Early musical experience: trumpet, according to some sources.

Duke Ellington is best known as a pianist, composer, and bandleader, not as a multi-instrument performer in the way some jazz musicians were.