Tambor

Tambor is a term used in Spanish, Portuguese, and other languages to denote a drum, a class of percussion instruments consisting of a hollow body with a vibrating membrane stretched over an opening. The instrument is typically played by striking the membrane with the hands or sticks. There is a wide range of sizes and shapes, from small handheld frame drums to larger double-headed drums. Construction materials vary by region and purpose; shells may be wood, metal, or ceramic, and the heads are usually animal skin or synthetic film. Tensioning systems such as lugs, cords, or hoops determine pitch and timbre; some drums are pitched while others are unpitched; drums may be single-headed or double-headed. The term is used in several Romance languages for drums and shares roots with the English word tambour.

In performance, tambors provide rhythms and, in some cases, melodic or pitch elements through tuning and overtones. Playing techniques are highly diverse and reflect cultural traditions. In many cultures, tambors are central to ceremonial or dance music, military marches, and popular genres. The term is used across Spanish-speaking regions to denote drums in general, and in some languages to refer to one specific drum within an ensemble, such as a bass or frame drum.

Because tambor is a broad category rather than a single instrument, specific designs, tunings, and playing practices vary widely by region and musical tradition. See also: drum, membranophone, percussion.