Percussion Family
Percussion instruments can be broadly categorized into two types: tuned (or pitched) and untuned (or unpitched) instruments. The primary distinction between these two categories lies in their ability to produce definite pitches. Percussion instruments are most commonly placed at the back of the orchestra.
Tuned (pitched) percussion instruments
Tuned percussion instruments are capable of producing specific musical notes or pitches. These instruments can play melodies and harmonies and are often used to complement the harmonic structure of a piece of music. Examples include the xylophone, marimba, glockenspiel, vibraphone, timpani (kettledrums) and chimes.
Untuned (Unpitched) Percussion Instruments
Untuned percussion instruments do not produce specific pitches. Instead, they generate sounds that are used for rhythmic, textural, or coloristic effects. Examples include snare drum, bass drum, cymbals, tambourine, triangle, castanets and maracas.
Timpani
Timbre: Deep, resonant, and booming
Range: D2 to A3 (varies with the size of the drum)
Transposition: Non-transposing (concert pitch)
Clef: Bass clef
Family: Tuned percussion
Xylophone
Bright, percussive, and sharp
Range: F3 to C7
Transposition: Sounds an octave higher than written
Clef: Treble clef
Family: Tuned percussion
Vibraphone
Timbre: mellow, smooth, and resonant timbre. It produces a rich and sustained sound, often with a vibrato effect created by motor-driven fans in the resonators.
Range: Typically F3 to F6
Clef: Treble clef
Transposition: Non-transposing (concert pitch)
Family: Tuned percussion
Marimba
The marimba consists of wooden bars and resonators. It is played with mallets and has a larger range than the xylophone.
Timbre: Warm, rich, and resonant. It produces a deep and mellow sound, particularly in its lower range.
Range: Typically A2 to C7
Clef: Grand staff (both treble and bass clef)
Transposition: Non-transposing (concert pitch)
Glockenspiel
The glockenspiel consists of metal bars and is played with mallets. It is known for its distinctive, high-pitched sound.
Timbre: bright, bell-like, and piercing. It produces a clear and metallic sound.
Range: Typically G5 to C8
Clef: Treble clef
Transposition: Sounds two octaves higher than written
Bass drum
The bass drum is a large drum that is struck with a large, padded mallet. It provides the fundamental beat and depth in the percussion section.
Timbre: deep, powerful, and resonant. It produces a low, booming sound.
Range: Indefinite pitch
Clef: Percussion clef
Triangle
The triangle is a small, metal instrument shaped like a triangle and is struck with a metal beater. It adds a bright, sparkling accent to the music.
Timbre: clear, ringing, and bright timbre. It produces a high-pitched, metallic sound.
Range: Indefinite pitch
Clef: Percussion clef
Snare Drum
Timbre: Sharp, crisp, and penetrating
Range: Indefinite pitch
Clef: Percussion clef
Cymbals
Timbre: Bright, crashing, and shimmering
Range: Indefinite pitch
Clef: Percussion clef
Tambourine
The tambourine is a small drum with metal jingles attached to the frame. It is played by shaking, striking, or rolling, and is often used to add rhythmic and coloristic effects.
Timbre: bright, jingling timbre. It produces a combination of drum and jingling sounds.
Range: Indefinite pitch
Clef: Percussion clef
Gong
The gong is a large, flat, circular metal disc that is struck with a mallet. Gongs can vary in size, and larger gongs produce lower and more resonant sounds. The instrument is frequently employed to create tension, signify transitions, or highlight climactic moments.
Timbre: Deep, resonant, and often metallic timbre.
Range: Indefinite pitch
Clef: Percussion clef