Increase your percussion musical instrument knowledge with our educational guides and resources. Instrument history, players, composers and compositions.
What are Congas Drums? The Congas are a set of tall, narrow, single-headed drums originating from Afro-Cuban music traditions. Known for their warm, resonant tone, congas are essential in Latin American music, including genres like salsa, rumba, and mambo. Played…
What is a Tamborim Instrument? The Tamborim is a small, high-pitched Brazilian frame drum widely used in samba and other Brazilian music genres. Played with a stick or hand, the tamborim produces sharp, staccato rhythms that add energy and complexity…
What is an Agogô Instrument? The Agogô is a traditional percussion instrument originating from West Africa, widely used in Afro-Brazilian music and other global music genres. It consists of two or more conical metal bells connected by a metal rod.…
What is a Surdo Instrument? The Surdo is a large bass drum commonly played in Brazilian music, particularly in samba and other Afro-Brazilian styles. Known for its deep, resonant sound, the surdo provides the foundational rhythm in samba ensembles. Played…
What is a Pandeiro Instrument? The Pandeiro is a traditional Brazilian hand percussion instrument, similar to a tambourine, known for its versatility and dynamic sound. Featuring a round wooden or synthetic frame with a drumhead and small metal jingles, the…
What is a Marimba Instrument? The Marimba is a percussion instrument originating from Africa and developed in Latin America, known for its warm, rich sound produced by resonating wooden bars. The bars are arranged like a piano keyboard and are…
What are Claves Wooden Sticks? Claves are a traditional percussion instrument consisting of two cylindrical wooden sticks that are struck together to produce a sharp, resonant sound. Known for their bright, cutting tone, claves are a key rhythmic element in…
What is a Hang Instrument? The Hang is a modern percussion instrument originating from Switzerland, known for its ethereal, melodic sound. Shaped like a UFO, the hang consists of two convex metal shells fused together, with tuned notes arranged on…
What is an Alphorn Instrument? The Alphorn is a traditional wooden horn originating from the mountainous regions of Switzerland, Germany, and Austria. Known for its long, straight, or slightly curved shape and rich, resonant tone, the alphorn is a natural…
What is a Glockenspiel Instrument? The Glockenspiel is a percussion instrument known for its bright, bell-like sound. Originating in Germany, the glockenspiel consists of tuned metal bars arranged in a keyboard-like layout. Each bar produces a clear, resonant tone when…
