The music of Paraguay contains a rich blend of traditional and European influences, featuring a variety of instruments. Key instruments in Paraguayan music include:

• Spanish guitar and European harp : These are among the most popular and emblematic instruments in Paraguayan folk music. The Paraguayan harp, in particular, is a national symbol, known for its bright, resonant tone and unique playing techniques involving fingernails and glissandos. It is lightweight, portable, and traditionally made of tropical hardwoods like cedar or mahogany

• Maracas : Common in Latin American folk music, maracas provide rhythmic accompaniment.
• Accordion, clarinet, and viola : These instruments are also used in various Paraguayan musical styles, contributing melodic and harmonic textures.

Paraguayan music features distinctive rhythms such as the Paraguayan polka and guarania, both of which often use the 6/8 rhythm. The guarania, created by José Asunción Flores in 1926, is characterized by slow, melancholic melodies, while the polka paraguaya is livelier. Traditional Paraguayan songs are often sung in Guaraní or a mix of Guaraní and Spanish

. The Paraguayan harp stands out for its cultural importance and unique construction and playing style. It was introduced by Jesuit priests in the 16th century and adapted locally, becoming central to folk music. The harp is played with the fingernails, with the right hand handling upper octaves and the left the bass, often incorporating percussive and glissando techniques. It is tuned diatonically and produces a rich, warm sound

. In summary, Paraguayan music contains Spanish guitar, European harp (notably the Paraguayan harp), maracas, accordion, clarinet, and viola, blending indigenous and European elements into a distinctive folk tradition.