Percussion: Drums, Mallet Instruments

Introduction to Percussion

Percussion in music is universal.  There is not a country in the world that does not make percussion instruments of some kind to provide a rhythmic backbone for its music.  Drums are probably the word's oldest musical instruments, but percussion is used for many effects that are not simply rhythmic.  While many instruments such as cymbals, shakers and sleigh bells make more repetitious, but exciting sounds, a single stroke on a gong may create a dramatic climax to a musical work.

There are two major types of percussion instruments: Mallet, and Drums. Mallet played instruments are normally tuned to a definite pitch, such as a timpani, xylophone, or marimba.  Drums are of indefinite pitch, and are normally played with thinner, straight sticks.  Percussion accessories such as the triangle, shakers, and maraca are classified as indefinite pitch.