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Which percussion instruments have indefinite pitch?
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percussion instrument
Flemish rommelpot friction drum; in the Musical Instruments Museum, Brussels.
Percussion instruments are categorized by whether they produce a definite or indefinite pitch. Instruments with indefinite pitch do not produce a clear, identifiable musical note, but rather a complex spectrum of sound.
Common percussion instruments of indefinite pitch include:
- Drums: Snare drum, bass drum, tenor drum, tom-tom, bongos, and Latin American timbales.12
- Idiophones: Castanets, rattles, claves, maracas, temple blocks, and various clappers.123
- Other: Many types of cymbals, gongs, and triangles.2
While some sources may classify certain instruments like gongs or triangles differently depending on their specific construction and tuning, they are frequently cited as examples of indefinite pitch in orchestral and ensemble contexts. These instruments are valued for their unique timbre and rhythmic contribution rather than their melodic capability.12