Membranophone Percussion Instruments: Pitched and Unpitched Types

Summary

This document explains membranophone instruments, which produce sound through a vibrating membrane, and how they are divided into pitched and unpitched groups. It describes timpani, congas and bongos among the pitched types, and the bass drum, drum and snare drum among the unpitched types. It also explains how the snare drum gets its distinctive sharp sound.

Key points

Membranophones produce sound through a vibrating membrane, struck by hands or sticks called drumsticks or mallets.
Membranophones are classified into pitched and unpitched groups.
Pitched membranophones, such as timpani (kettledrums), can emit notes tuned to a musical scale.
Timpani use a pedal to adjust membrane tension and are usually played with felt-wrapped drumsticks.
Congas and bongos are played with the hands and can produce a wide variety of sounds depending on where the membrane is struck.
Unpitched membranophones, such as the bass drum, drum and snare drum, do not emit tuned sounds but can be adjusted in pitch by tensing the membranes.
The snare drum's sharp sound is produced by metal wires in contact with the bottom drumskin that vibrate along with it.

Test yourself

Membranophone Instruments Explained

Membranophone instruments produce sound through a vibrating membrane. Percussionists make the membrane vibrate by striking it with their hands or hitting it with wooden sticks called drumsticks or mallets.

Although many membranophone instruments have a system for adjusting the tension of the membrane or drum skin, only a few membranophones allow the percussionist to determine the precise pitch of the sounds the instrument emits. Membranophones are classified into two groups: pitched and unpitched.

Pitched Membranophones

Most instruments in this group have a single membrane and can emit a note that is tuned to a musical scale. The best-known instruments in this group include timpani (also called kettledrums), which are the percussion instrument par excellence in a symphonic orchestra, and bongos, which are two essential instruments in any Latin music ensemble.

Timpani (Kettledrums)

Timpani have a pedal that is used to adjust the tension of the membrane so the instrument can play notes. The instrumentalist uses drumsticks, usually wrapped in felt, to produce sound.

Congas and Bongos

Congas and Bongos are played with the hands. By using different parts of the hand to strike the instrument and hitting different parts of the membrane, it is possible to obtain a vast variety of sounds.

Unpitched Membranophones

The instruments in this group do not emit tuned sounds. Nevertheless, they play a crucial role in many musical works. These instruments often have two membranes, one on top and one on the bottom. They can be played using one or two drumsticks. Even though these instruments are not tuned, the pitch can be adjusted by tensing the membranes (the tenser the membrane, the higher the pitch).

Some of the most typical instruments include the bass drum, the drum, and the snare drum.

The Snare Drum

The snare drum is easy to distinguish thanks to its sharp sound. This distinctive sound is produced by a series of metal wires that are in contact with the bottom of the drum and vibrate along with the drumskin.

FAQ

What is the difference between pitched and unpitched membranophones?

Pitched membranophones can emit notes tuned to a musical scale, such as timpani, while unpitched membranophones do not emit tuned sounds, such as the bass drum, drum and snare drum. Unpitched instruments can still have their pitch adjusted by tensing the membranes.

How is the sound of a snare drum produced?

The snare drum's distinctive sharp sound is produced by a series of metal wires that touch the bottom of the drum and vibrate along with the drumskin.

How are timpani tuned?

Timpani have a pedal that adjusts the tension of the membrane so the instrument can play specific notes.