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Home » Review » The Ultimate Percussion Instruments List

The Ultimate Percussion Instruments List

Last updated April 28, 2025

The Ultimate Percussion Instruments List

  • Proudly written by Pro-Percussionist,
  • Sam Jowett
  • 5 Comments
  • Percussion | Drums/Percussion

Best

Xylophone

Yamaha YX35G AUTHENTIC PITCH AND FULL SOUND
  • Overall: Suitable for most styles of music from orchestral works through to wind bands and brass bands
  • Best Feature: Exclusive Yamaha tuning method ensures true pitch and full sound
  • TedScore™: 8/10
Click for Best Price

Best

Tubular Bells

Yamaha YCH6018 RESONANT AND ETHEREAL
  • Overall: Perfectly suited for large symphonic works and Brass tubes with a clear lacquer coating,
  • Best Feature: Boasts a new innovative hanger unit and suspension system, suited for large symphonic works
  • TedScore™: 9/10
Click for Best Price
Winner

Best

Marimba

Yamaha YM1430 FOR TRUE PITCH AND FULL SOUND
  • Overall: The durable frame's lower crossbar support maintains stability and, therefore, playability
  • Best Feature: Compact size fits well in rehearsal setting or where space/storage is limited
  • TedScore™: 9/10
Click for Best Price

Imagine your life as a grand symphony, and I’m here to introduce you to its most vibrant section: the Percussion Instruments List! These instruments have the power to shape the entire mood of a tune, as they are the heartbeats of any musical ensemble.

From the powerful bass drum boom to the playful jingle of a triangle, these instruments embody diversity and excitement in music. Together, we’ll discover how each unique piece contributes to the pulsating lifeblood of rhythm.

And what’s a catchy beat without a bit of fun to learn about it? Come along with me, and let’s explore this enchanting array of instruments to make your feet tap and your heart race with excitement. Get ready for a toe-tapping good read!

Table of Contents

Classification of Percussion Instruments

Percussion instruments are typically divided into two groups: membranophones and idiophones.

Membranophones

Membranophones

Membranophones are percussion instruments that make a sound when a stretched membrane is struck with drumsticks. The membrane can be made of animal skin or synthetic material.

The most famous membranophone is the drum, which comes in various shapes and sizes and can be played with hands or sticks. Other examples of membranophones include:

  • Timpani
  • Bongos
  • Congas
  • Djembe
  • Taiko drums

Idiophones

Idiophones

Idiophone percussion instruments create sound by vibrating the entire instrument, and they are made of solid materials that vibrate when struck. The cymbal, a well-known idiophone, is metal and comes in different sizes and shapes.

Other examples of idiophones include:

  • Tambourine
  • Xylophone
  • Maracas
  • Cowbell
  • Triangle

Percussion Instruments in the Orchestra

One of the most critical sections of the orchestra is the percussion section, which provides the beat and rhythm that keeps the music moving and adds interest and variety to the sound. Let’s look at some of the percussion instruments commonly used in the orchestra.

Timpani

The timpani, or kettle drums, are large drums played with mallets. They're usually positioned at the back of the orchestra and are used to provide a deep, resonant, distinctive sound. Timpani is often used to mark important moments in the music, such as the beginning or end of a piece.

Snare Drum

The snare drum is a smaller drum that is played with drumsticks. It produces a sharp, staccato sound often used to emphasize certain music parts. Snare drums also create a rolling sound that can add tension and excitement to the music.

Cymbals

Cymbals are metal plates that are played by striking them together. They produce a bright, shimmering sound often used to add drama or excitement to the music. Cymbals can be played in various ways, from a gentle tap to a crashing clash.

Bass Drum

The bass drum is a large drum played with a foot pedal. It produces a deep, booming sound that adds power and impact to the music. Bass drums are often used with other percussion instruments to create a rich sound.

Triangle

The triangle is a small, triangular-shaped instrument played by striking it with a metal beater. It produces a high-pitched, ringing sound often used to add a delicate touch to the classical music itself. Triangles are often used to mark the beginning or end of a music section

Glockenspiel

The glockenspiel is a percussion instrument that is similar to a xylophone. It consists of metal bars struck with mallets to produce a bright, bell-like sound. Glockenspiels often add a playful, whimsical quality, most especially to folk music.

Tubular Bells

Tubular bells, also known as chimes, are a set of metal tubes that are struck with mallets to produce a deep, resonant sound. They often create a sense of mystery or foreboding in the music.

Pitched and Unpitched Percussion Instruments

Percussion instruments can be broadly classified into two categories: pitched and unpitched.

Pitched percussion instruments produce musical notes of one or more pitches, while unpitched percussion instruments produce sounds of indeterminate pitch. In this section, we’ll look at some of the most popular examples.

Xylophone

The xylophone is a percussion instrument that belongs to the pitched category. It consists of wooden bars laid in a specific order and struck with mallets to produce musical notes of different pitches. Xylophones are also musical instruments commonly used in orchestras and are popular in jazz and pop music.

Vibraphone

The vibraphone is another percussion instrument that belongs to the pitched category. It consists of metal bars that are struck with mallets and produce a sound similar to that of a xylophone. However, the vibraphone has a unique feature that sets it apart from other percussion instruments - it has a series of metal discs that rotate inside the resonators, creating a vibrato effect.

Marimba

The marimba is a percussion instrument similar to the xylophone, but it has larger wooden bars and produces a warmer, more mellow sound. It's commonly used in Latin American music and popular in jazz and contemporary music.

Celesta

The celesta is a percussion instrument that belongs to the pitched category. It consists of metal bars struck with hammers that produce a soft, bell-like sound. The celesta is often used in orchestral music and is particularly popular in Christmas music.

Gongs

Gongs are percussion instruments that belong to the unpitched category. They consist of a large metal disc struck with a mallet to produce a deep, resonant sound. Gongs are commonly used in orchestras and are popular in traditional Asian music.

Claves

Claves are percussion instruments that belong to the unpitched category. They consist of two wooden sticks struck together to produce a sharp, clicking sound. Claves are commonly used in Latin American music and are popular in jazz and pop music.

Percussion Instruments in Popular Music

When it comes to popular music, percussion instruments play a crucial role in creating the rhythm and groove of a song. This section will explore some of the most popular percussion instruments in popular music.

Drum Kit

The drum kit , a drum set, is the backbone of many popular music genres, including rock, pop, and jazz. Consisting of a bass drum, snare drum, tom-toms, hi-hat cymbals, and various other cymbals, the drum kit provides the rhythmic foundation for the rest of the band.

Conga

Originating in Cuba, the conga is a tall, narrow drum played with the hands. It produces a deep, resonant sound perfect for creating a driving rhythm in Latin music, jazz, and other genres.

Bongos

The marimba is a percussion instrument similar to the xylophone, but it has larger wooden bars and produces a warmer, more mellow sound. It's commonly used in Latin American music and popular in jazz and contemporary music.

Maracas

Maracas are a type of shaker that produce a rattling sound when shaken. They're often used in Latin, pop, and other genres. Maracas are a simple yet effective way to add a percussive element to a song.

Steel Drum

The steel drum, a steel pan, is a percussion instrument that originated in Trinidad and Tobago. It is made from a full metal frame drum and oil drum tuned to produce a range of notes. Steel drums are often associated with Caribbean music but are also used in other genres to add a unique, tropical flavor to the sound.

Top 5 Tuned Percussion Instruments

1

Yamaha YX35G Xylophone

The Yamaha YX35G Xylophone is a high-quality, 3.5-octave instrument designed for beginners and experienced players. It features precision-tuned Padauk wood bars that deliver a rich, resonant tone, while the sturdy frame ensures stability during performances. 

With its exceptional craftsmanship and sound, the Yamaha YX35G Xylophone is an excellent choice for musicians in educational settings, orchestras, or solo performances.

Yamaha YX35G Xylophone

Yamaha Yx35G Xylophone, 3.5 Octaves Review 1
AUTHENTIC PITCH AND FULL SOUND
PERFECT FOR: student players

FEATURES: Exclusive Yamaha tuning method ensures true pitch and full sound

OTHER INFO: Graduated bars produce a full tone and projection
Check Price >
8/10
PROS
  • Height adjustable frame provides extra comfort
  • The frame is compact which is great for a travelling musician
  • Suitable for most musical styles from orchestral works through to wind bands and brass bands
CONS
  • Smaller bars create a lesser quality tone and dynamic range
What Retailer to Buy From?

When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item.  Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.

They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

The TedScore™: 8/10
The TedScore™ is our unique system of scoring products.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
2

Yamaha YG250D Glockenspiel

The Yamaha YG250D Glockenspiel is a well-crafted 2.5-octave instrument with a bright, clear sound. It features high-quality steel bars that are precisely tuned, ensuring accurate pitch and excellent tone production.

The YG250D’s compact size and lightweight design make it perfect for musicians who need a portable instrument for performances, rehearsals, or educational settings.

Yamaha YG250D Glockenspiel

Yamaha Yg250D Glockenspiel, 2.5 Octaves Review 1
BEST ALL-ROUND GLOCKENSPIEL
PERFECT FOR: beginners to professional players

FEATURES: High-carbon steel materials treated with a unique tempering process create a pure, bright tone

OTHER INFO: Nodal point support string with single pin bar mounting increase sustain and maximize resonance
Check Price >
9/10
PROS
  • Includes rectangular case and me-101 mallet
  • Full F57-C88 range satisfies more repertoire requirements
CONS
  • Stand not included
What Retailer to Buy From?

When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item.  Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.

They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

The TedScore™: 9/10
The TedScore™ is our unique system of scoring products.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
3

Yamaha YM1430 Marimba

The Yamaha YM1430 Marimba is a professional-grade, 4.3-octave instrument with exceptional sound quality and playing experience. It features premium Honduran Rosewood bars that are carefully selected and aged to ensure rich, warm tones and excellent resonance.

The YM1430’s robust frame and height-adjustable resonators provide optimal sound projection and stability, making it an ideal choice for advanced players in solo, ensemble, or orchestral settings.

Yamaha YM1430 Marimba, 4.3 Octaves

Yamaha Ym1430 Marimba, 4.3 Octaves Review 1
FOR TRUE PITCH AND FULL SOUND
PERFECT FOR: all percussion instrument players

FEATURES: Padauk wood bars provide natural wood sound and feel

OTHER INFO: Graduated bars produce a full tone and projection throughout the instrument's range
Check Price >
9/10
PROS
  • Compact size fits well in rehearsal setting or where space/storage is limited
  • Height adjustable frame allows the most comfortable playing position for all players
CONS
  • Sound quality is not as good as Honduras rosewood bars
What Retailer to Buy From?

When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item.  Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.

They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

The TedScore™: 9/10
The TedScore™ is our unique system of scoring products.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
4

Yamaha YCH6018 Tubular Bells

The Yamaha YCH6018 Tubular Bells are a set of 18 precision-crafted chimes that produce a clear, pure, and sustained tone.

Made from high-quality aluminum alloy, these bells are carefully tuned to ensure accurate pitch and a rich, resonant sound. The YCH6018 Tubular Bells are mounted on a sturdy, height-adjustable frame, making them suitable for various musical settings, from orchestras to churches and educational institutions.

Yamaha YCH6018 Tubular Bells

Yamaha Ych6018 Tubular Bells Review 1
RESONANT AND ETHEREAL
PERFECT FOR: players of small stature

FEATURES: Boasts a new innovative hanger unit and suspension system

OTHER INFO: Brass tubes with a clear lacquer coating
Check Price >
9/10
PROS
  • Perfectly suited for large symphonic works
  • Redesigned damper box and rod clamp system
CONS
  • Mallets not included
What Retailer to Buy From?

When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item.  Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.

They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

The TedScore™: 9/10
The TedScore™ is our unique system of scoring products.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
5

WHD Complete Timpani

The WHD Complete Timpani set is a high-quality, professional-grade collection of kettledrums for orchestral and symphonic performances. This set includes four timpani (20″, 23″, 26″, and 29″) crafted from premium copper bowls and fitted with calfskin heads, ensuring a rich, warm, and authentic sound.

WHD Complete Timpani Drum Set

Whd Complete Timpani Drum Set Review 1
BUILT TO LAST AND SOUND GREAT
PERFECT FOR: any classroom or orchestra

FEATURES: Premium bundle containing 23", 26", 29" and 32" Orchestral Timpani

OTHER INFO: Lightweight and rugged fibreglass bowls
Check Price >
9/10
PROS
  • Provide a cost-effective alternative to copper bowled timpani without compromising on quality
  • Also includes protective covers and pairs of Timpani mallets
CONS
  • Mallets not included
What Retailer to Buy From?

When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item.  Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.

They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.

The TedScore™: 9/10
The TedScore™ is our unique system of scoring products.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.

Percussion Instruments List
Summary

I’ve had a great time discussing percussion instruments with you. They’re like the seasoning in the musical kitchen, adding remarkable versatility and endless variety to the oldest and largest family in the music world.

I’ve discovered instruments from around the world, used in various genres—from jazz and samba to classical and rock—showing their adaptability and universal appeal. It’s fascinating how each culture infuses its percussion with local flair.

It’s been a joy exploring these rhythmic wonders, as they truly bring a delightful beat to the tapestry of music. Whether you shake a tambourine or beat a drum, the percussion family invites everyone to share in the rhythm.

Wait, there’s more!!!

Get ready to rock out with the ultimate guide to the top drum set brands in the world – your one-stop shop for all things percussion!

Go here to find out more: 10 Best Drum Set Brands – The Ultimate Guide

FAQ's

What are 10 examples of percussion instruments?

Some examples of percussion instruments are drums, cymbals, maracas, tambourines, xylophones, castanets, triangles, cowbells, gongs, and timpani. They produce sound by being struck, shaken, or scraped.

What are the 3 percussion categories?

The three percussion categories are idiophones, membranophones, and chordophones. Idiophones produce sound by vibrating their own body, membranophones produce sound by striking a membrane, and chordophones produce sound by vibrating a string.

How many percussion instruments are there?

It’s difficult to determine the exact number of percussion instruments, as new ones are constantly being developed and invented. However, hundreds of different types of percussion instruments are used in various music genres worldwide.

What is the name of the most popular percussion instrument?

Determining the most popular percussion instrument is difficult, as it varies greatly depending on the music genre and cultural context. However, the drum kit, which consists of various drums and cymbals played simultaneously, is a widely recognized and popular percussion instrument in many music genres.

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  • Sam Jowett
    Sam Jowett

    Sam is a first class graduate of the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama. He has played for a number of professional ensembles including the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, British Sinfonietta and the Novello Orchestra, which have led him to perform on some of the countries finest stages including the Royal Albert Hall and London Palladium. Alongside Tongwynlais Music Academy, Sam is also a tutor for Rhondda Cynon Taf Music Service. Sams current project is exploring the world of junk percussion, he also enjoys making whisky based cocktails.

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  1. BeatMaster99 says:
    January 10, 2025 at 12:39 pm

    didnt know tubular bells could be so interesting. might sample some in my next track. nice write up
    Sam Jowett

    Reply
  2. XyloPhil says:
    November 29, 2024 at 3:53 pm

    I’ve always been fascinated by the range of sounds mallet instruments like marimbas and xylophones can produce. It’s pretty cool to see them get some limelight. The Yamaha models listed are top-notch. Have played on a few of them and they’re a delight.

    Reply
    • PercussiveMind says:
      January 10, 2025 at 12:39 pm

      Absolutely agree, XyloPhil. The depth and versatility of these instruments are unmatched. Adds a whole new layer to any composition.

      Reply
  3. drumbeat_danny says:
    October 6, 2024 at 12:27 pm

    hey, got a question about the drum kit section. how do you think electronic drum sets fit into popular music compared to traditional ones? just curious cause i got one recently and been thinking about this a lot.

    Reply
  4. MelodyCraft says:
    September 6, 2024 at 12:52 pm

    It’s truly refreshing to see such a comprehensive outline dedicated to percussion instruments, Sam . Your inclusion of both traditional orchestral pieces and more modern, popular instruments offers a broad perspective that’s invaluable for educators. The classification segment could serve as an excellent basis for lesson planning, while the detailed list of tuned percussion instruments, like the Yamaha YX35G Xylophone, provides concrete examples for students. Have you considered adding more resources or suggested activities for each instrument type to further aid educators in integrating these into their teachings?

    Reply

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