A marimba is a musical instrument in the percussion family that consists of wooden bars that are struck by mallets. Below each bar is a resonator pipe that amplifies particular harmonics of its sound. The bars of a marimba are arranged chromatically, like the keys of a piano, and it has a lower range compared to the xylophone. The marimba is used as a solo instrument, in ensembles like orchestras, marching bands, percussion ensembles, brass and concert bands, and other traditional ensembles. The term "marimba" is of Bantu origin, deriving from the prefix ma- meaning many and -rimba meaning xylophone.
The marimba has soft tones, and the xylophone has hard tones, which is the result of each instruments tuning method. The marimba is tuned on even-numbered harmonics, while the xylophone is tuned on the fundamental pitch and the odd-numbered third harmonic. When played with an orchestra, the notes of the marimba blend in, resembling those of woodwind and string instruments, while the xylophones notes stand out due to the different tuning method.
The marimba is a pitched percussion instrument, and when the wooden tone plates that are lined up like piano keys are struck, notes sound out. The bars on a marimba are shaped thinner and are tuned to the harmonic of a major 3rd. The marimba has roots in Africa and has been around for hundreds of years, with its second range of popularity in Latin America, particularly in the Pacific coast of Colombia and Ecuador.
