A small, glinting instrument with a clear, chiming voice: finger cymbals have long accompanied dance and rhythm practice. This 5.5 cm pair sits easily in the hand and is ready to play in a moment.
What are finger cymbals?
They are an early Asian percussion instrument, traditionally used by dancers. Small cymbals with no specific pitch, they are usually fixed to the thumb and middle finger of one or both hands and struck together in a rhythmic pattern. The alloy is copper and zinc (62% copper, 38% zinc), giving a clear, ringing tone.
What are they good for?
They are an excellent way to build a sense of rhythm, for children and adults alike. Most often they are played in a set of two at once, one for each hand. They suit dance, singing and group music-making, and are also used in meditative practice as a gentle signalling sound.