A cymbal is a thin, circular metal plate that produces a bright, shimmering sound when struck. Orchestral cymbals are often played in pairs, crashed together. Drum-set cymbals include the ride, crash, hi-hat, and various effects cymbals mounted on stands.

The alloy, thickness, and size determine the character of the sound. A thin crash cymbal explodes and decays quickly; a heavy ride cymbal offers a clear stick definition and a longer wash. Players use different sticks, mallets, or even bows to draw varied colors from the same instrument.

Cymbals punctuate climaxes, keep time, and add color in almost every musical genre. In the orchestra a single well-placed crash can cut through the full ensemble. On a drum set the cymbals form an essential part of the rhythmic and textural vocabulary.

• Circular metal percussion instrument
• Struck with sticks or crashed in pairs
• Varies widely in size and alloy
• Used for accents, timekeeping, and color