What is timbales?

Timbales are a type of Latin American percussion instrument consisting of two shallow drums played with sticks or hands. They are typically made of metal, although some types are made of wood. Timbales are commonly used in salsa, mambo, and other styles of Latin music. They have a bright, sharp sound that cuts through the music and are often used to add accents and fill in rhythmic spaces. Timbales are played in pairs, with the smaller drum typically played with the right hand and the larger drum played with the left hand. They are an essential part of the percussion section in Latin music ensembles.