What type of instrument is the bull-roarer?

The bull-roarer is classified as a percussion instrument because it produces sound through the vibration of a solid body, which is characteristic of percussion instruments. This traditional instrument is typically made from a flat piece of wood or other materials that is swung through the air on a string. The motion creates sound waves, and the pitch can be affected by the length and thickness of the wooden piece as well as how fast it is spun.

Percussion instruments, in general, are identified by their sound production method, which often involves striking, shaking, or scraping. The bull-roarer's mechanism of creating sound by being rotated and generating vibrations aligns well with this definition, distinguishing it from woodwind, string, or brass instruments that rely on air, vibration of strings, or lip vibration, respectively. The bull-roarer's unique method of sound generation is a key characteristic that places it firmly in the percussion family.