Triangle
previous
next
The Triangle is a simple steel rod, bent into the shape for which it is named. Although the triangle is among the smallest of orchestral instruments, it has a very clear, tinkling sound that cuts through even very loud music. The triangle does not have a distinct pitch ; its tone quality varies according to where, and how hard, you strike it.
| Family |
| Percussions |
| Pitch range |
| None. |
| Material |
| Steel. |
| Size |
| The triangle-shaped rod is approximately 0.5 in (1 cm) in diameter ; each side of the triangle can be from about 4-10 in (10-25 cm) long. |
| Origins |
| The triangle developed in Europe from an ancient metal rattle called the sistrum, which was played in ancient Egypt, and is still used in Ethiopia today. |
| Classification |
| Idiophone: an instrument that produces its sound through the use of the material from which it is made, without needing strings or a stretched skin. |
| And also... |
| Very large triangles are occasionally employed as fire-warning devices in some parts of Europe and the United States. |
