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Which percussion instruments can play notes of definite pitch?
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percussion instrument
Flemish rommelpot friction drum; in the Musical Instruments Museum, Brussels.
Percussion instruments are categorized into those of definite pitch and those of indefinite pitch. Instruments of definite pitch are capable of producing specific, recognizable musical notes.1
Common percussion instruments that can play notes of definite pitch include:
- Timpani (or kettledrums): These are tuned by adjusting the tension of the membrane.21
- Xylophone: A melodic instrument consisting of wooden bars.21
- Marimba: Similar to a xylophone but featuring metal resonating tubes.3
- Vibraphone: A metal-keyed instrument with motor-driven resonators.23
- Glockenspiel: An instrument with metal bars that produce a bright, pitched sound.21
- Tubular bells (or chimes): Metal tubes tuned to specific pitches.21
- Celesta: A keyboard-operated percussion instrument.23
While many other percussion instruments exist, such as the snare drum, cymbals, or gongs, they are generally classified as having indefinite pitch.21