Finger percussion is a term used to describe the rhythmic tapping and drumming sounds made with fingers. The spelling of this word is quite straightforward when using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription. The first syllable 'fin-' is pronounced as /fɪŋ/, similar to the word 'sing', but with an 'f' sound. The second syllable '-ger' is pronounced as /gər/ with a soft 'g' sound, like in the word 'gesture'. The last syllable is pronounced as /pəˈkʌʃən/, with a soft 'c' sound and an emphasis on the second syllable.
Finger percussion refers to a style or technique of playing musical instruments, specifically percussion instruments, using the fingers instead of traditional drumsticks or mallets. It involves striking or tapping the instrument's surface or parts with the fingertips or fingernails to produce rhythmic sounds.
This technique is commonly used in various musical genres such as jazz, flamenco, Latin music, and African drumming, as well as in solo performances and improvisations. It allows for a more delicate and nuanced control over the instrument, creating intricate rhythms and textures that might be difficult to achieve with traditional percussion techniques.
Finger percussion can be applied to a wide range of instruments including drums, cajóns (a box-shaped percussion instrument), congas, bongos, tambourines, and other hand drums. The specific finger patterns, strikes, and techniques may vary depending on the instrument and musical style, but the underlying principle remains the same – producing sound by striking or tapping with the fingers.
Additionally, finger percussion can also refer to a specific instrument known as the finger piano or kalimba. This handheld instrument, originating from Africa, consists of a series of metal tines or keys that are plucked or struck by the fingers to generate melodic notes. It is played by holding the instrument in both hands and using the thumbs and fingertips to create different pitch sequences and melodies.
P. in which a finger of one hand is used as a plessimeter and one of the other hand as a plessor.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The etymology of the word "finger percussion" is composed of two elements: "finger" and "percussion".
1. "Finger": This word originates from the Old English "fingor", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "fingraz". This term has cognates in other Germanic languages, such as German "Finger" and Dutch "vinger". The ultimate origin of the word can be dated to the Proto-Indo-European root "*penkwe-", meaning "five", as the human hand typically has five fingers.
2. "Percussion": This term comes from the Latin word "percussionem", the accusative form of "percussio", which means "a beating, striking".