Cymbals are thin and round percussion instruments. They can be played alone or with a drum set. Some musicians play them in a marching band. Other musicians play them with drums in rock, country, classical, and alternative groups.

Cymbals can also be played in an orchestra. They are part of the percussion section. The cymbal is an instrument that adds power and surprise to many pieces of music.

Modern day cymbals have an indefinite pitch. This means that they can be played differently to make different sounds. Some older cymbals have only one pitch.