The percussion instrument is an integral part of many musical arrangements, providing a driving and steady beat which is essential for creating the right atmosphere and energy It is composed of instruments which produce their sound through striking, shaking, rubbing, or any combination of those means. The sound it produces can be loud and powerful or soft and mellow and is used to create a rhythmic accompaniment to various genres of music.
The five best examples of percussion instruments are the drum set, marimba, bongos, tambourine and the cymbals. The drum set is the cornerstone of any percussion section, consisting of a bass drum, snare drum and various toms, cymbals and hi-hat combinations. It is typically used in genres such as rock, jazz, blues, funk and reggae. The marimba is a percussion instrument made of wooden bars which are struck with mallets. It has a mellow, melodic sound and is used in general to create an upbeat, tropical atmosphere. The bongos are a set of two small drums connected together and struck with the hands. They are popularly used in Latin-style music such as salsa and cha cha. The tambourine is a handheld instrument which consists of a shallow frame with metal discs or jingles which produce a ringing sound when shaken. It is commonly used in many styles of music to bring texture and movement to the arrangement. Lastly, the cymbals are metal discs that are either struck together or with a stick or mallet to create a bright, crash sound. They are often used in rock, jazz and other styles of music to add punctuation to certain sections.
Overall, the percussion instrument plays an important role in many musical styles, providing the vital beat and momentum which is essential to create the right atmosphere. The five best examples of this type of instrument are the drum set, marimba, bongos, tambourine and the cymbals, each of which has its own unique sound and uses.