The triangle is one of the most popular percussive instruments in the world, and is often seen as so easy to play that anyone can pick it up. However, this couldn't be further from the truth, because the humble triangle is capable of far more than that signature 'ping'. By applying special damping techniques and volume control, you can actually play rich and highly complex rhythms on this simple little instrument. The triangle is part of the idiophone family, meaning that it doesn't depend on airflow or a drum head to produce sound. And whether you're injecting the beat with a cheerful 'ping' or pounding out staccato rhythms, you can do it while holding your triangle or mounting it on a stand.
The History of the Triangle
The triangle is the evolved form the Egyptian sustrum; a percussive instrument that was still played during the time of Mozart and Beethoven.
Playing the Triangle
You can either play a triangle while you hold it in one hand or by mounting it onto a stand. Orchestral percussionists will usually opt for a stand, so their hands are always free to reach for the other percussive instruments in their arsenal. However, by holding the triangle, you're able to mute and dampen it in a number of ways to add an enormous amount of depth to your playing. Of course, the triangle is always struck with a special triangle beater. If you need a new beater, or any other triangle accessories, you'll be able to find them in our range of percussion accessories.
Triangle Music
These days, the triangle is most common in orchestral music, but that's not to say that it doesn't appear in a lot of pop, folk or rock music. However, there is a big difference in playing style. In orchestral music, the triangle is played by simply striking it, while in rock and folk, various damping techniques are used to pull a wider range out of the instrument.
Frequently Asked Questions About Triangles
What do you call someone who plays the triangle?
A triangle is played by a percussionist.
What kind of instrument is the triangle?
The triangle is a member of the idiophone instrument family, meaning that it doesn't depend on airflow or a drum head to produce sound.
How much do triangles cost?
You can easily pick up a good triangle for as little as £10, but from there, the price can rise to as much as £100.
Where does the triangle come from?
The triangle is a fairly modern instrument that evolved from the Egyptian sustrum.
What are triangles made of?
Most triangles are made of steel, but there are some models that are made of a beryllium alloy.
What do I need to play the triangle?
Besides your triangle and beater, you might want to invest in a triangle stand so you can play another instrument at the same time. If you're learning to play the triangle, you'll also find countless triangle technique tutorials, rhythm demos and more to experiment with online.
