Woodwind instruments generally have two shapes, one is cylindrical, such as flute and clarinet. The other is conical type, such as oboe and bassoon.

Woodwind instruments have a wide range of voice, soft timbre and strong expressiveness. They play an important role in ensemble and are also important solo instruments. In the wind orchestra, the woodwind instruments commonly used include flute, clarinet, saxophone, oboe, bassoon, English wind and bass.