What Are Percussion Instruments?
Percussion instruments are played by striking them with a hand, stick, or mallet. They are some of the oldest musical instruments and can produce a wide range of sounds and rhythms. Common percussion instruments include drums, tambourines, and cymbals.
Categories of Percussion Instruments
- Drums: From the bass drum to the snare, drums are the backbone of many musical genres.
- Metallophones: Such as the glockenspiel, these instruments produce sound by striking metal bars.
- Idiophones: Instruments that produce sound through their own vibration, like maracas and xylophones.
Famous Percussionists
Some legendary percussionists include Sheila E., known for her dynamic drumming with Prince, and Tito Puente, the "King of Latin Music."