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Cymbals are percussion instruments, producing a sound when hit , shaken, scraped or if any other action which makes the instruments vibrate takes place. They consist of  thin round plates of  various alloys like bell bronze ( tin + copper) , malleable bronze , brass, nickel silver and other metal alloys. Most of the cymbals manufactured today are of indefinite pitch.

The ancient Egyptians had used cymbals for music thousands of  years ago. Many of the cymbals used in ancient civilizations were made from brass, and were cup or bell shaped. These cymbals sounded a definite note. Similar cymbals are still used for religious functions in many Asian countries.

Suspended cymbals and hi-hat cymbals are used in drum kits along with the drum. They are used in military, marching and other bands and orchestras. These are mainly used for marking the rhythm and adding a military effect to the orchestra. Most orchestral crash cymbals are used in pairs and are suspended by a strap.