What is the traditional characteristic of the percussion family?

The percussion family is traditionally defined by the method in which sound is produced, which involves either striking, shaking, or scraping the instrument. Instruments in this category, such as drums, tambourines, marimbas, and cymbals, create sound when they are hit or shaken. This characteristic distinguishes them from other families of instruments, such as strings (which use a bow) and woodwinds or brass (which often rely on air vibrations through reeds or their design).

The focus on striking or shaking emphasizes the physical interaction required to generate sound in percussion instruments, highlighting their unique role in musical ensembles, where they often provide rhythm and texture.