What sorts of instruments were originally used to accompany hymns? In ancient and medieval times, there were few instruments that didn't have strings. Most were instruments such as a harp, lute (an early version of the guitar), and in later times a harpsichord. However, in modern Christian churches, also known as Contemporary Christian churches, a hymn (Christian of course) is played with instrumentation indistinguishable from any sort of rock, funk, or R&B band. There are modern additions such as the drumset, electric guitars, and keyboards.



However, hymns in the East are sung much differently than hymns Christians sing in the West. Eastern Orthodox hymns are not sung so much as they are chanted -- you may have heard of Gregorian chants -- with voices only. The songs are often done a capella, if the hymns are accompanied with any instrumentation at all it is minimal such as a piano or an organ.



There are many famous Christian hymns, to name all of them would take a book (there are actually many hymn booklets found in Christian churches all over the world), but the best of them transcend religious affiliations and are celebrated by people of all denominations and orientations.