Percussion is a terrific option for the student that enjoys variety. There are numerous variations of percussion instruments. Some can provide the melody and harmony whereas others provide the rhythm and heartbeat. For over 7,000 years, humans have been creating percussion instruments from their environment. Historically, these instruments provided a means of communication, supported ceremonies and rituals, and of course made music. Instruments described here in Percussion Instruments: An Introductory Guide have found a home in nearly every culture and civilization since.
Nearly every genre of today’s music features percussion in some capacity. From orchestral to Rock, to Afro-Cuban jazz, percussion instruments play a role.
Percussion instruments make sound when the player strikes the instrument, either directly with his or her hand, or indirectly with an object like a drumstick or mallet.
Definite Pitch Percussion Instruments
Many instruments in the percussion family produce definite notes. In other words, the instrument can be played to achieve specific pitch frequencies. Therefore, these instruments can generate the melody or harmony within a musical composition. For example this group includes the timpani, chimes, marimba, and glockenspiel.
Definite pitch percussion instruments are utilized to add melodic and harmonic depth. In orchestral and symphonic contexts, these instruments contribute to the overall melody and provide countermelodies, working in tandem with strings, woodwinds, and brass to create a cohesive musical narrative. These instruments can highlight specific moments in a piece, by using their unique timbres to create contrasts or to enhance the emotional impact of a passage. In jazz and contemporary music, definite pitch percussion instruments like the vibraphone or marimba might take on more of a lead role, playing improvised solos or stating the main theme of a piece.
Get started with a glockenspiel kit (paid link). Read Definite Pitch Instruments of the Symphony Orchestra to learn more.
Indefinite Pitch Percussion Instruments
Other instruments in the percussion family are of indefinite pitch meaning the instrument pitch. These instruments cannot be played to achieve specific pitch frequencies. For example, this group includes the tambourine, tom-toms, and sleighbells.
The drum set is composed of multiple indefinite pitch percussion instruments including the snare drum, bass drum, and cymbals.
While indefinite-pitch instruments cannot contribute to the melody or chord structure of a musical piece, they do frequently drive the music with a constant rhythm and intensity. They also provide dynamic accent, additional color, and unique sound effects.
Find you next percussion instrument or drum set (paid link). Or, read Indefinite Pitch Instruments of the Symphony Orchestra to learn more.
Good Luck on Your Musical Journey!
Selecting a musical instrument is a small but critical part of the process of developing as a musician. Thank you for reading Percussion Instruments: An Introductory Guide. Be sure to visit InquisitiveMaestro to learn more.
