The tambourine is a musical instrument that has been used for centuries in various cultures around the world. It is a percussion instrument that is played by shaking or hitting the instrument with the hand or a stick. The tambourine is a versatile instrument that can be used in various musical genres. In this article, we will explore some of the most popular types and variations of tambourines from around the world.
Middle Eastern Tambourine
The Middle Eastern tambourine, also known as the darbuka, is a popular percussion instrument in the Middle East. It is a small, hand-held drum that is played with the fingers or a stick. The darbuka has a thin, drum-like body made from wood or metal and a head made from animal skin. The skin is stretched tightly over the body of the instrument, and the player can adjust the tension of the skin to change the sound of the instrument.
The darbuka is a versatile instrument that can be used in a variety of musical styles, including traditional Middle Eastern music and modern pop music. It is commonly used in belly dancing and other forms of Middle Eastern dance, and it is often played in small ensembles or as a solo instrument.
Indian Tambourine
The Indian tambourine, also known as the manjira or jhanj, is a small, hand-held instrument that is commonly used in Indian classical music and devotional music. It is a circular frame drum that is made from wood or metal and has metal jingles around the edge. The player holds the instrument in one hand and strikes it with the other hand to create a rhythmic pattern. The manjira is an important instrument in Indian music and is often used in folk music, devotional music, and classical music.
Brazilian Tambourine
The Brazilian tambourine, also known as the pandeiro, is a percussion instrument that is commonly used in Brazilian music, particularly in samba and choro music. It is a hand-held instrument that is similar in shape to a frame drum, but it has metal jingles around the edge that create a bright, ringing sound when shaken.
Irish Tambourine
The Irish tambourine, also known as the bodhran, is a percussion instrument that is commonly used in Irish traditional music. It is a large, circular drum that is played with a special type of drumstick called a tipper. The bodhran is made from wood or synthetic materials and has a head made from animal skin. The bodhran is an important instrument in Irish music and is often used in traditional dance music and ballads.
Italian Tambourine
The Italian tambourine, also known as the tamburello, is a percussion instrument that is commonly used in Italian folk music. It is a hand-held instrument that is similar in shape to a frame drum. The tamburello is often played in a rhythmic pattern with the fingers or a stick. The tamburello is an important instrument in Italian music and is often used in folk music and traditional dance music.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the tambourine is a versatile percussion instrument that has undergone various changes and modifications over the years. From the Middle Eastern darbuka to the Irish bodhran, there are many different types and variations of tambourines from around the world. Each instrument has its own unique sound and is an important part of the musical culture of its respective region.