Percussion instruments are the simplest, and most primitive musical
instruments. The easiest definition of a percussion instrument is
something that produces a sound through being struck. Percussion
instruments are usually rythm or accent instruments, although
instruments like bells, xylophone, or glockenspiel can play melodies.
Since they are so simple, percussion instuments are extremely varied -
from symbols and maracas to normal drums and vibraphones. A symphony
orchestra usually has many different percussion instruments for each
piece played.
Making Sound
Percussion instruments make sound by being hit. Drums have a hollow
body that amplifies the noise of a stretched membrane being hit. Some
instruments are shaken, like the maracas. Others resonate when hit, like
bells. Yet others, like cymbals, just plain make a noise when they're
hit. Percussion instruments can even be odd things like ratchets or
castanets.
Playing Different Notes
While different notes are not usually played on percussion
instruments, drums are usually tuned to a specific note. They are tuned
by tightening or loosening the head of the drum. The tighter the drum,
the higher the note. Some drums are also arranged so different pitches
can be played. The larger the drum, the lower the pitch. You can try
this out with the four tom-toms below. Just click a drum to hear it.
Note that bigger drums are lower than smaller ones.