What is the primary method of playing instruments in the percussion family?

The primary method of playing instruments in the percussion family involves striking them with a stick, mallet, or hands. This characteristic defines percussion instruments, which produce sound primarily through the impact of one object against another, leading to vibrations that create sound. Instruments such as drums, cymbals, and tambourines fall into this category, and they can be played using various techniques that involve direct physical contact.

In contrast, the other methods mentioned relate to different families of instruments. For instance, blowing air through instruments is typical of woodwinds and brass instruments, while plucking strings is associated with string instruments like guitars and harps. Using a bow to create sound is characteristic of stringed instruments, specifically violins and cellos, as the bow creates friction against the strings to produce sound. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify how percussion instruments uniquely contribute to musical compositions.