A steel drum, also known as a steel pan, is a percussion instrument made from a metal drum that is carefully tuned to produce different notes. It is played by striking the drum's surface with mallets, which creates a range of melodic and harmonic sounds. The steel drum has a distinctive, resonant tone and is widely associated with Caribbean music, especially from Trinidad and Tobago. Its unique sound and versatility make it popular in both solo performances and ensembles, contributing a vibrant and rhythmic quality to various musical genres.

What is a "steel drum"?

steel drum

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A drum is a percussion instrument consisting of a cylindrical shell with a stretched material covering one or both ends. The drum produces sound when the player strikes this material with their hands, sticks, or mallets. The pitch and tone can vary based on the size of the drum, the tension of the material, and how it is played. Drums are used in various musical genres and settings, including orchestras, marching bands, and rock bands, providing rhythm and dynamic support. They are fundamental to many types of music and are known for their powerful, resonant sounds.

What is a "drum"?

drum

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A glockenspiel is a percussion instrument with a set of metal bars arranged like a keyboard. The bars are tuned to different pitches and are played by striking them with mallets. Each bar produces a clear, bell-like tone when struck. The glockenspiel is used in various music genres, including orchestras, marching bands, and chamber ensembles, and is known for its bright, tinkling sound. Its precise, melodic notes make it suitable for both solo performances and ensemble settings.

What is a "glockenspiel"?

glockenspiel

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A marimba is a percussion instrument with wooden bars arranged in a keyboard-like layout. The bars are tuned to different pitches and are played by striking them with mallets. Underneath the bars are resonators, which are tubes that amplify the sound and give it a rich, resonant quality. The marimba is known for its warm, mellow tone and is used in a variety of music genres, including classical, jazz, and world music. It is valued for its melodic capabilities and is often featured in both solo performances and ensemble settings.

What is a "marimba"?

marimba

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A snare drum is a cylindrical percussion instrument with a set of metal wires, called snares, stretched across the bottom head. The drum produces a sharp, crisp sound when the top head is struck with sticks. The snares create a distinctive rattling or buzzing effect, adding to the drum's characteristic tone. The snare drum is commonly used in various musical settings, including orchestras, marching bands, and drum kits. It is known for its strong, precise rhythm and is essential for keeping time and adding dynamics to musical performances.

What is a "snare drum"?

snare drum

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A bell is a metal percussion instrument with a hollow, cup-shaped body that produces sound when struck. It typically has a clapper inside, which hits the sides of the bell when it is moved or shaken. Bells come in various sizes and shapes and are used in many different contexts, including church services, ceremonial events, and musical compositions. The sound of a bell is often described as clear and resonant, and its tone can vary depending on the size, shape, and material of the bell.

What is a "bell"?

bell

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A gong is a large, circular percussion instrument made of metal, with a flat, disk-like shape and a raised center. It produces sound when struck with a mallet or beater. The gong's sound is deep and resonant, with a rich, sustained tone that can carry across long distances. It is used in various musical and ceremonial contexts, including orchestras, traditional Asian music, and religious rituals. The size and thickness of the gong affect its pitch and resonance, making it a versatile instrument with a dramatic, powerful sound.

What is a "gong"?

gong

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A cymbal is a flat, round percussion instrument made of metal, typically bronze or brass. It produces sound when struck with drumsticks or by clashing two cymbals together. Cymbals are known for their bright, crashing sound and are used in a variety of musical genres, including orchestras, rock bands, and jazz ensembles. They come in different sizes and types, such as crash cymbals, ride cymbals, and hi-hats, each offering distinct tones and effects. Cymbals are essential for adding rhythm and dynamic accents to music.

What is a "cymbal"?

cymbal

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A bass drum is a large, cylindrical percussion instrument with a deep, resonant sound. It has a wide, rounded shell and is typically played by striking it with large mallets or sticks. The bass drum produces low, booming tones that add a powerful, foundational rhythm to music. It is commonly used in orchestras, marching bands, and drum kits. The size and construction of the bass drum allow it to deliver a broad, low-frequency sound, making it essential for creating a strong rhythmic presence and emphasizing beats in various musical settings.

What is a "bass drum"?

bass drum

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A bongo drum is a pair of small, hand-played drums that are typically attached together. Each drum has a cylindrical shape with a wooden or plastic shell and a drumhead made of animal skin or synthetic material. The bongo drums are played by striking the drumheads with the fingers or palms, producing sharp, lively sounds. They are commonly used in Latin American music, especially in genres like salsa and Afro-Cuban music, as well as in various other musical styles. The bongo drums add a rhythmic, percussive element to performances and are known for their bright, energetic tones.

What is a "bongo drum"?

bongo drum

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A tabor is a small, cylindrical drum with a shallow shell and two drumheads, one on each end. It is typically made of wood and is played with a stick or hand. The tabor produces a sharp, crisp sound and is often used in traditional and folk music, frequently alongside a pipe or flute. Historically, it was popular in medieval and Renaissance music for dance and ceremonial occasions. The tabor’s compact size and distinctive rhythmic tone make it ideal for adding a lively beat to performances.

What is a "tabor"?

tabor

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A tambourine is a handheld percussion instrument with a circular frame and a series of small metal jingles or cymbals attached around its edge. The frame is often made of wood or plastic and may include a stretched drumhead in the center. The tambourine produces sound when shaken or struck with the hand or fingers, creating a bright, jingling rhythm. It is commonly used in various music genres, including folk, pop, and classical, to add texture and accent to the rhythm section.

What is a "tambourine"?

tambourine

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Timpani, also known as kettle drums, are large, bowl-shaped percussion instruments with a drumhead stretched over a copper or fiberglass shell. They are played with mallets and produce a deep, resonant sound. Timpani have adjustable tension mechanisms, allowing the player to change the pitch by tightening or loosening the drumhead. They are commonly used in orchestras and bands, providing powerful rhythmic and melodic support. The timpani's ability to produce specific pitches makes it unique among drums, enabling it to play both rhythmic patterns and tuned notes in a musical composition.

What are "timpani"?

timpani

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A triangle is a small, metal percussion instrument shaped like a triangle with an open corner. It is played by striking the metal frame with a metal beater. The triangle produces a clear, bright, and resonant sound with a shimmering quality. It is often used in orchestras, bands, and various musical genres to add a delicate, ringing tone and enhance rhythm. The sound of the triangle is distinctive and can be heard clearly even in larger ensembles.

What is a "triangle"?

triangle

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A steelpan, also known as a steel drum, is a percussion instrument made from a large, shallow metal drum. The drum is carefully shaped and tuned to create different pitches on various sections of its surface. Players use mallets with rubber or plastic heads to strike the drum, producing a rich, melodic sound with bright, resonant tones. Steelpans are a central feature of Caribbean music, particularly in Trinidad and Tobago, and are used in a wide range of musical styles.

What is a "steelpan"?

steelpan

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A Hang drum, also known simply as a Hang, is a hand-played percussion instrument made of metal. It has a distinctive, rounded shape with two curved surfaces, one on top and one on the bottom. The top surface has a series of tuned notes arranged in a circular pattern, while the bottom is a resonating chamber. The player strikes the surface with their hands to produce a range of melodic and harmonic tones, creating a soothing, resonant sound. The Hang drum is used in various musical genres and is particularly valued for its meditative and calming qualities.

What is a "Hang drum"?

Hang drum

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A tabla is a pair of hand-played drums used in Indian and Pakistani classical music. The set includes a smaller drum called the dayan, meaning "right," and a larger drum called the bayan, meaning "left." The dayan, played with the dominant hand, produces a high-pitched, crisp sound, while the bayan, played with the non-dominant hand, creates a deeper, resonant tone. The drums are struck with the fingers and palms to produce intricate rhythmic patterns and complex rhythms. The tabla is essential in many traditional and contemporary music styles from both India and Pakistan and is known for its expressive and dynamic performances.

What is a "tabla"?

tabla

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Tubular bells are a percussion instrument consisting of a set of metal tubes, each of which is tuned to a specific pitch. The tubes are hung vertically and struck with mallets to produce a clear, resonant tone. Each tube produces a distinct, bell-like sound, and the instrument is often used to add a bright, shimmering quality to music. Tubular bells are commonly found in orchestras, concert bands, and various other musical settings. Their clear, melodious tones make them suitable for both dramatic effects and melodic lines.

What is a "tubular bells"?

tubular bells

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A clapper is a simple percussion instrument made from two solid pieces of wood or metal that are struck together to produce a sharp, clicking sound. The clapper is typically used to create rhythmic accents or to enhance the texture of a musical performance. It is often used in traditional and folk music, as well as in some orchestral works. The sound of a clapper is bright and clear, and its simple design makes it easy to play and integrate into various musical settings.

What is a "clapper"?

clapper

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A rattle is a percussion instrument consisting of a container filled with small objects, such as beads, seeds, or pellets. When shaken, these objects move around and strike the inside of the container, producing a rhythmic, shaking sound. Rattles come in various shapes and sizes, from handheld versions to larger, more complex instruments. They are used in many musical traditions around the world, including folk, ceremonial, and contemporary music, to add texture, rhythm, and a distinctive sound effect to performances.

What is a "rattle"?

rattle

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A chenda is a traditional cylindrical drum from Kerala, India, commonly used in classical and folk music performances. It has a wooden body with a pair of large, tightly stretched drumheads made of animal skin. The chenda is played with two wooden sticks, one of which strikes the drumhead to produce a sharp, resonant sound, while the other controls the rhythm and dynamics. The drum is known for its deep, powerful tones and is often used in temple festivals, processions, and energetic performances, adding a vibrant and rhythmic element to the music.

What is a "chenda"?

chenda

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A dholak is a traditional hand-played drum from South Asia, commonly used in Indian and Pakistani music. It has a cylindrical shape with two drumheads made of animal skin stretched over the ends. The drum is played with the hands, with each head producing different tones depending on where and how it is struck. The dholak is known for its rich, resonant sound and is often used in folk music, religious ceremonies, and festive celebrations, providing rhythmic support and adding a lively, rhythmic element to performances.

What is a "dholak"?

dholak

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A ghatam is a traditional Indian percussion instrument made from clay. It has a wide, rounded shape with a narrow opening at the top. The player produces sound by striking the surface and sides of the ghatam with their hands and fingers. The instrument is known for its deep, resonant tones and versatile sound, which can range from low, bass-like notes to high, sharp sounds. The ghatam is commonly used in South Indian classical music, as well as in various folk and devotional music traditions, adding a distinctive rhythmic texture to performances.

What is a "ghatam"?

ghatam

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Castanets are small percussion instruments made of wood, plastic, or metal, shaped like a pair of hinged, oval or crescent-shaped clappers. They are held in the hand and produce sound by rapidly closing the clappers together. The player creates rhythm by clicking the castanets with their fingers or thumb. They are commonly used in Spanish and Latin American music, especially in flamenco dancing, to add sharp, rhythmic accents and enhance the performance's dynamic and lively character.

What are "castanets"?

castanets

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A Jew's harp is a small, handheld instrument made of metal or bamboo with a flexible reed attached to a frame. To play it, the musician holds the frame against their teeth or lips and plucks the reed with their finger. This action causes the reed to vibrate and produce a unique, twangy sound. The pitch and tone can be modified by changing the shape of the mouth and the airflow. The Jew's harp is used in various musical traditions around the world and is known for its distinctive, resonant sound.

What is a "Jew's harp"?

Jew's harp

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A pakhavaj is a traditional cylindrical drum used in Indian classical music, particularly in North Indian or Hindustani music. It has a wooden body with two drumheads made of animal skin stretched over its ends. The drum is played with the hands, and each drumhead produces different tones depending on where and how it is struck. The pakhavaj is known for its deep, resonant sound and is often used in classical performances, including in accompaniment to vocal music and dance, adding a rich, rhythmic texture to the music.

What is a "pakhavaj"?

pakhavaj

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A mridangam is a traditional cylindrical drum from South India used in Carnatic classical music. It is made of wood and has two drumheads stretched over its ends. The drum is played with the hands, with each head producing distinct tones depending on where it is struck. The mridangam is known for its versatile sound, capable of producing both deep, resonant bass notes and sharp, rhythmic accents. It is essential in South Indian music and is often used in solo performances, accompanying vocal music, and dance, providing a complex and dynamic rhythm.

What is a "mrindangam"?

mrindangam

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A daf is a traditional frame drum used in Middle Eastern and Central Asian music. It consists of a circular wooden frame with a single drumhead stretched over it. The drumhead is usually made of animal skin or synthetic material. The daf is played by striking the surface with the hands, often while the player holds it vertically or at an angle. It produces a rich, resonant sound with a distinctive, deep tone and is commonly used in folk music, religious ceremonies, and festivals to provide rhythmic accompaniment and enhance the musical experience.

What is a "daf"?

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A wobbleboard is a percussion instrument made from a flat, flexible board, usually made of metal or wood, with a resonating chamber. It is played by striking or shaking the board, which causes it to vibrate and produce a distinctive, wobbling sound. The pitch and tone can vary depending on the size and material of the board. The wobbleboard is often used in various musical genres, including folk and experimental music, to add a unique, rhythmic effect and enhance the texture of a performance.

What is a "wobbleboard"?

wobbleboard

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A xylophone is a percussion instrument consisting of a series of wooden bars arranged in a keyboard-like layout. Each bar is tuned to a specific pitch and is supported by a frame. The bars are struck with mallets to produce a clear, bright sound. The xylophone’s notes are organized from low to high, allowing the player to create melodies and harmonies. It is commonly used in orchestras, concert bands, and educational settings, and is valued for its precise, melodic tones and versatility.

What is a "xylophone"?

xylophone

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A conga drum is a tall, narrow drum with a single drumhead stretched over the top. It is typically made from wood or fiberglass and is played with the hands. The conga drum produces a deep, resonant sound when struck with the fingers and palms. It is often used in Afro-Cuban music, salsa, and other Latin music styles. Conga drums are usually played in sets of two or more, and they are known for their rich, versatile tones and their ability to add rhythm and texture to musical performances.

What is a "conga drum"?

conga drum

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Crotales are a percussion instrument consisting of a set of small, tuned metal discs or plates arranged in a row. Each disc is tuned to a specific pitch and produces a clear, bell-like tone when struck with mallets. The instrument can produce bright, shimmering sounds with a distinctive, resonant quality. Crotales are used in orchestras, chamber music, and various other musical settings to add melodic accents and highlight intricate rhythms. They are valued for their precise, ethereal tones and ability to enhance the overall sound of a musical ensemble.

What are "crotales"?

crotales

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carillon

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An agogô is a percussion instrument consisting of two or more metal bells or tubes of different sizes mounted together on a stand. The bells are struck with a stick to produce a sharp, rhythmic sound. Each bell or tube produces a distinct pitch, allowing the player to create simple melodies and intricate rhythms. The agogô is commonly used in Afro-Brazilian and Latin music, especially in samba and other traditional rhythms, to add bright, metallic accents and drive the rhythm of the music. Its clear, resonant tones make it a valuable tool for enhancing the percussive texture of a performance.

What is an "agogô"?

agogo

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A balafon is a traditional West African percussion instrument similar to a xylophone. It consists of a series of wooden bars of varying lengths, which are arranged in a row and mounted on a frame. Each bar is tuned to a specific pitch and is played by striking it with mallets. Underneath the bars are resonators, often made from gourd or metal, that amplify the sound and give it a rich, resonant quality. The balafon is used in various West African musical traditions to provide melodic and rhythmic support and is known for its warm, resonant tones.

What is a "balafon"?

balafon

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A keyboard glockenspiel is a percussion instrument with metal bars arranged in a keyboard-like layout, similar to a piano. Each metal bar is tuned to a specific pitch and is struck with mallets to produce a bright, clear, bell-like sound. The bars are mounted on a frame with resonators underneath to enhance the sound. This instrument is used in orchestras, concert bands, and various musical settings to add melodic and harmonic elements. Its distinctive, sparkling tones make it a popular choice for adding texture and brightness to musical compositions.

What is a "keyboard glockenspiel"?

keyboard glockenspiel

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A lamellophone is a type of percussion instrument that produces sound through the vibration of metal or bamboo tongues or strips, which are attached to a resonating body. The player plucks these tongues or strips to create sound, and each tongue is tuned to a different pitch. Lamellophones come in various forms, including thumb pianos and other similar instruments. They are known for their clear, melodic tones and are used in a variety of musical traditions worldwide. The lamellophone’s resonant, bell-like sounds make it popular in both traditional and contemporary music.

What is a "lamellophone"?

lamellophone

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An idiophone is a type of percussion instrument where the primary sound is produced by the vibration of the instrument's own material, rather than by the vibration of a membrane or string. Examples include bells, cymbals, and xylophones. When an idiophone is struck, shaken, or otherwise activated, its entire body vibrates to create sound. These instruments are valued for their ability to produce clear, resonant tones and are used in a wide range of musical genres and settings.

What is an "idiophone"?

idiophone

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Here you will learn some English words related to percussion instruments such as "drum", "tambourine", and "gong".

English Words for "Percussion Instruments"