Percussion instruments produce sounds by being hit with a stick/mallet, shaken, scraped or rubbed. Historians often cite percussion as the first musical instrument because ancient people only needed their hands, sticks, or rocks to create rhythmic sounds. Over the years, people have found that stretching a membrane-material over a hollowed space will create louder, resonating sounds–thus the invention of the drum. Drums are the most common percussive instrument and they come in many forms, from a simple bongo to the popular drum set used in rock and roll.

However, drums aren’t the only percussion instrument. Pianos are also considered to be percussive because hammers strike the strings to produce musical notes. Since there is some confusion regarding classification, musicians have come up with classification for the different types of percussion instruments.

The easiest classification-system puts instruments into two categories based on what sounds they make: definite and indefinite pitch. As stated above, pianos and other key instruments (including xylophones, marimbas, Glockenspiels) are definite pitch because the each striking surface is separately tuned. With definite pitch instruments, it’s possible to play the chromatic scale or even perform a solo without sounding sparse or experimental. Classical musicians like Chopin made a living writing/performing pieces solely for the piano!

Indefinite-pitched instruments make up the majority of all percussion or anything that’s undiscernibly tuned. Snare drum, cymbals, bass drum and bongos are all examples indefinite percussive instruments that produce complex frequencies but no clear pitch. Drum solos are popular in rock music, but people typically don’t write drum solo pieces.

One kind of instrument that’s harder to classify is a timpani. Timpani are large copper kettledrums used extensively orchestral music. Like tom drums, they produce a deep, thunderous sound–but players can tune them depending on the accompanying style of music. Near the bottom of the drum, there is a foot pedal that players can depress which will control the tension of the head, thereby changing the pitch. Timpani is also responsible for the for the jungle drum theme of George of the Jungle. Since they fuse aspects of definite and indefinite classifications, the timpani is one of the most unique percussion instruments.

Many beginning musicians start on percussion instruments because they are perfect for developing rhythm, stamina and dexterity. Drumming also produces heightened levels of ambidexterity in students.

A standard, 5-piece drum set includes a snare drum, bass drum, two toms and one floor tom–hi-hats and cymbals are auxiliary pieces. Most companies will offer a 5-piece set for beginners who are considering taking up the instrument. Drums are a very expensive investment and players should consider renting a set to make sure that it’s something they want to stick with.