Even though the tambourine is one of the easiest instruments to play, it is an extremely versatile percussion instrument. It offers various sounds and many techniques. This tutorial will explore playing the tambourine and practising different methods, making it perfect for beginners and professional musicians. The tambourine is an easy instrument to learn and can be an enjoyable experience as the sounds from it can provide energy to any performance.
Choosing the Right Tambourine
Choosing the right tambourine depends on sound, material, and playing style, which is why you should explore our tambourine collection featuring instruments in various styles, sizes, and designs. Each tambourine produces a unique tone: the Pyara tambourine from Pakistan has a goatskin head that delivers a warm, earthy sound ideal for folk and traditional music; Indonesian tambourines are made from solid, durable wood for reliable performance; the Dafli tambourine combines a wooden frame with metal jingles for a distinctive rhythmic character; and the Hebei jingle stick produces a bright, crisp sound using small metal jingles.
Tambourines are commonly available in round frame or crescent (moon-shaped) designs. While the playing technique is similar, the frame shape affects balance, comfort, and overall feel, making personal preference an important factor when choosing the right instrument.
How to hold the tambourine
Hold the tambourine with your non-dominant hand (left hand if you’re right-handed) and play it with your dominant hand. Keep the tambourine at waist height or slightly higher, holding the frame firmly but not tightly so the jingles can move freely. Your fingers should rest on the outside of the frame, with your thumb supporting the inside for stability and control.
If using a stand, place the tambourine flat with the jingles facing up. Hold the frame lightly with your non-dominant hand and strike or shake it with your dominant hand for a clearer, louder sound.
Basic Playing Technique
Learning how to play the tambourine is simple, making it a great instrument for beginners. Start by getting comfortable holding the tambourine and keeping a steady beat, focusing on timing rather than speed. Once you understand the basics, you can begin to explore simple rhythms and accents that add movement and expression to your playing. With regular practice, anyone can build confidence and develop their own style, while more advanced rolls and techniques are best learned through structured guidance.
Hold the tambourine securely and strike the edge or face using your fingers or palm. The angle of the tambourine affects the sound: holding it more upright creates a loose, ringing tone, while a slight tilt produces a tighter, more controlled sound. Experiment gently to find what feels and sounds best.
Gospel Technique
The gospel technique is an advanced tambourine style that involves rotating the instrument while striking it to create a textured rhythmic sound. Different tambourines respond differently depending on their size, frame, and jingle material, which affects tone and feel. Exploring these variations helps players discover what suits their sound, but mastering this technique takes guided practice.
Putting It All Together
More advanced rhythms, accents, and movement-based techniques can be added gradually as confidence grows. Tambourines with drum heads introduce a fuller, drum-like sound and open up additional musical possibilities but keeping your playing simple and musical is key as you advance to the next level.
Want to Go Further?
If you want to play with confidence, consistency, and technique, the Complete Tambourine Player eBook (coming soon.) takes you step by step beyond the basics covered here.
Tambourine (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is a tambourine?
A tambourine is a handheld percussion instrument with a circular frame and metal jingles, sometimes fitted with a drumhead, used to create rhythmic, shimmering sounds in folk, pop, rock, classical, and world music.
What is the History of the Tambourine?
The tambourine has ancient origins, dating back to Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome, where it was used in religious and ceremonial settings. Known as the tympanon in ancient Greece, it spread through Europe and the Middle East via trade and cultural exchange, later becoming common in folk, court, orchestral, and popular music.
How to choose the right tambourine?
Choose a tambourine based on your music style, comfort, and use. Plastic half-moon tambourines are lightweight and versatile, while wooden tambourines with drumheads suit traditional and world music. Smaller tambourines are easier to handle, and larger ones produce a fuller sound.
What are the Pros and Cons of Buying a Second-Hand Tambourine?
Second-hand tambourines are more affordable and may offer vintage or unique character, but they can have worn skins, loose jingles, or hidden damage. New tambourines provide reliable sound, longer lifespan, and cleaner condition, making them better for beginners or frequent use.
What are some unique Tambourine Accessories?
Common tambourine accessories include padded carrying cases for protection, natural oils to maintain wooden frames, mounts or foot pedals for drum kit use, replacement jingles or tuning keys for tuneable models, and display hooks for safe storage and easy access.
What popular music feature Tambourines?
Tambourines are commonly used in folk, rock, pop, gospel, Latin, and worship music. They appear in performances and recordings by artists such as The Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac, and Janis Joplin, and are also widely used in Brazilian, Middle Eastern, and Indian music for rhythm and texture.
What are the different types of tambourines?
Tambourines come in three main types: headless tambourines with just a frame and jingles, headed tambourines with a drumhead for added tapping tones, and jingle sticks with a handle for precise control. They typically range from 6 to 12 inches in size—6" models are lightweight and easy to handle, 10" tambourines are the most versatile for beginners and experienced players, and 12" tambourines produce a louder, fuller sound but are heavier to play.
Whats the best material for a Tambourine?
Tambourines are typically made with plastic or wooden frames, synthetic or animal-hide heads, and metal jingles. Plastic frames are lightweight and durable, while wooden frames produce a warmer tone. Synthetic heads are weather-resistant, and animal-hide heads create a more natural sound. Jingles are usually made from nickel-plated steel, brass, or copper, each affecting brightness and warmth.
What are the most popular tambourine brands?
Popular tambourine brands include Meinl Percussion, known for durable ABS plastic tambourines with bright, loud nickel-plated jingles; Remo Percussion, recognised for Fiberskyn heads that produce a warm, controlled tone; Nino Percussion, commonly used in education for their affordable, colourful designs; and Latin Percussion (LP), favoured by professionals for premium wooden tambourines with a resonant sound.
How to EQ a Tambourine?
To EQ a tambourine cleanly, aim for control, not brightness. High-pass around 150–250 Hz to remove handling noise, lightly cut 250–400 Hz if it sounds boxy, and reduce 600–1,000 Hz if the jingle feels honky. Add only a very subtle boost at 4–6 kHz if presence is missing, or soften harshness with a gentle cut at 7–10 kHz—avoid aggressive high boosts. Keep processing light and use subtractive EQ first; done right, the tambourine stays bright, tight, and musical without becoming brittle.
