Percussion instrument | |
---|---|
Classification | Hand percussion |
Hornbostel–Sachs classification | 111.242 (Externally struck percussive idiophone) |
Playing range | |
Single note with timbral variations | |
Related instruments | |
Agogô |
The cowbell is an idiophone hand percussion instrument used in various styles of music, such as Latin and rock. It is named after the similar bell used by herdsmen to keep track of the whereabouts of cows. The instrument initially and traditionally has been metallic; however, contemporarily, some variants are made of synthetic materials.