Meaning of Tambourine in Music
A tambourine is a musical instrument that is classified as a percussion instrument. It is typically made up of a circular wooden frame with a single drumhead of skin stretched over it. The frame is often adorned with pairs of metal discs or jingles that produce a jingling sound when the instrument is struck or shaken. The tambourine is played by striking it with the knuckles, shaking it, or using other percussive techniques.
The tambourine is a versatile instrument that is used in various genres of music, including folk, rock, pop, and world music. It is commonly used to provide rhythmic accompaniment and add texture to a musical piece. In addition to its percussive role, the tambourine can also be used to create melodic patterns and embellishments. It is often played by hand, but it can also be played with drumsticks or other mallets.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The tambourine has a long history and is found in various cultures around the world. It is believed to have originated in the Middle East and has been used in traditional music from different regions, including Europe, Asia, and Africa. In some cultures, the tambourine is associated with religious or ceremonial music. For example, the rebana is a Malay tambourine that is used in Islamic devotional music in Southeast Asia.
Use in Popular Music
The tambourine has also made its way into popular music. It has been used by numerous artists and bands to add a distinctive sound to their songs. In rock and pop music, the tambourine is often used to enhance the rhythm and provide a sense of energy and excitement. It can be heard in songs by artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, and ABBA.
Playing Techniques
There are various playing techniques associated with the tambourine. These techniques include striking the drumhead with the knuckles, shaking the instrument to produce a jingling sound, and using other percussive techniques such as thumb rolls. Thumb rolls, in particular, involve rolling the thumb across the drumhead to create a continuous rhythmic pattern.
Conclusion
In summary, the tambourine is a percussion instrument that consists of a circular wooden frame with a drumhead of stretched skin. It is played by striking or shaking the instrument and is commonly used in various genres of music. The tambourine adds rhythmic accompaniment, texture, and melodic embellishments to musical pieces. It has a rich historical and cultural significance and continues to be a popular instrument in both traditional and popular music.
A percussion instrument consisting of a shallow wooden ring across which often is stretched a membrane. In the wooden ring are suspended several metal disks which jingle when the instrument is struck.
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