Percussion is a type of musical instrument that you play by hitting it with your hand or an object. Learn more about percussion instruments, their names, and how to use them in sentences with Cambridge Dictionary. A percussion instrument is any instrument that makes a certain sound when shaken, hit, or scraped. Playing percussion instruments requires great skill. For example, striking with the correct force in the right place to make a certain note. Percussion instruments add rhythm and variety to musical compositions. They are also important for keeping the beat. Types Of Percussion Instruments Percussion instruments vary in form and tone, but they all have the same function of making a sound when ... The family of percussion instruments is popular because they are able to keep the flow of the rhythm, make special sound effects, and add a tinge of excitement and color to the overall musical experience. When compared to musicians in an orchestra, a percussionist will play different instruments in just one piece of music. You can explore some of the most common members of the family of percussion instruments including the timpani, xylophone, cymbals, triangle, snare drum, bass drum, chimes ... Percussion instrument, any musical instrument belonging to either of two groups, idiophones or membranophones. Idiophones are instruments whose own substance vibrates to produce sound (as opposed to the strings of a guitar or the air column of a flute); examples include bells, clappers, and