Cymbals, acoustic drums, electric drums, world percussion, and marching percussion are the five basic types of percussion groups. These five groups, or variations on them, are commonly used major music retailers to categorize their percussion instruments. Percussionists may also require accessories to achieve the desired sounds.
Cymbals are a common percussive instrument that produces resonant tones and higher pitches. They are almost always circular in shape and can be found in a variety of genres, including jazz, heavy metal, and marching band music. A ride cymbal, a crash cymbal, and hi-hat cymbals are typically included in a basic drum set. Accessories, such as cymbal stands, clamps, and add-ons, are separate from the percussion groups themselves.
The hardware of a drum set is referred to as acoustic drums. When an acoustic drum is struck, it produces sound and does not require amplification. A basic drum set’s hardware consists of a snare drum, a floor tom, a rack tom, and a bass drum, also known as the kick drum. Mics can be placed on these drums for added amplification during live performances in medium to large-sized clubs and concert halls. In small rooms, it is not necessary to mic the drums.
Acoustic drum sets are imitated electric drums. Plastic, rubber, or mesh skins are used. When a musician strikes the drum’s skin, a preprogrammed, prerecorded sound of the drum in question is played. When the electric snare drum is triggered, for example, a prerecorded acoustic snare hit will reverberate.
Electric drums have multiple channels or settings that allow the drummer to get a variety of tones and drum set sounds. Electric drums are ideal for practicing because the user can adjust the volume to their liking. An electric drum set can be connected directly to a PA system or amplifier.
Bongos, congas, wood box Cajuns, and a variety of other hand percussion instruments are used in world percussion groups. The percussion-driven sound of world music is well-known. Shakers, tambourines, and other small, handheld percussive instruments are also classified as world percussion, despite the fact that they are used in all types of music.
Marching percussion ensembles use marching snare drums, tom sets, and bass drums, as well as modified cymbals and a variety of other accessories. Shoulder straps and harnesses are added to the drums to fit the musicians’ shoulders or necks. To make their sound more powerful, marching bands use multiple players of the same instrument. A concert percussion group requires sticks and mallets as well as other percussion instruments.