History

• Tambourines have been used in many types of music throughout history. This instrument, which is a member of the percussion family, can be found in classical, gospel, Persian and pop music. Tambourine use can be traced back to many ancient cultures, including Rome, Greece, China and Egypt, where it was traditionally played for celebratory purposes. In Turkey, tambourines were played by "Janissaries," or Turkish army musicians. In 1782, Mozart incorporated the tambourine into his musical scores. During the 18th and 19th centuries, tambourine use became more widespread. The tambourine could be found in musical compositions, ballets and operas. Tambourines have traditionally been used as an accompaniment to other instruments, and today are used for many spiritual activities and worship services.
  
  

Features

• The tambourines is a member of the percussion family. It is made of a wooden or plastic frame. Zils, which are small metal disks that jingle, are placed in pairs around the frame. Calfskin or goatskin is stretched across the frame and provides a surface for tapping or hitting. The tambourine can be held in the hand or placed on a stand. Tambourines are usually circular, but can be found in other shapes as well.
  
  

Types

• There are several different types of tambourines. Dayereh tambourines are usually around 30 centimeters wide, with goatskin drumheads and metal rings inside the frame. These tambourines are traditionally used to accompany Macedonian music. Riq Tambourines are 20 to 25 centimeters across and contain 10 pairs of jingles. They have drumheads made of fish skin or synthetic material.
  
  Buben tambourines are held by hand and feature metal or wooden frames. Jingles range from simple rings to cymbals or tiny bells. Buben tambourines are usually used to accompany traditional dance or folk music. Daf tambourines are large and are played by hitting the drumhead. They contain five jingles and thick drumheads.
  
  

How to Play

• Hold the tambourine in your weaker hand, gripping it in the space where there is a break in the jingles. Professionals recommend holding the tambourine at a 45 degree angle. Tapping on the tambourine in different areas can create differing sounds and volumes. Hitting with the fist toward the center will produce louder sounds, while tapping with the fingers toward the edge results in softer sounds. Tambourines can also be hit against the knee. Rotating the arm and wrist will produce a shake roll, while thumb and finger rolls are created by moving the thumb or finger over the rim of the instrument, causing a fast roll from the jingles.
  
  

Pop Culture

• Tambourines may not be one of the most popular instruments in today's society, but they have been celebrated in a variety of musical compositions. Bob Dylan's "Mr. Tambourine Man," Prince's "Tamborine," the Lemon Pipers' "Green Tambourine," Beck's "Black Tambourine," and Eve's "Tambourine" all feature the instrument in their songs.