Gongs are a rather interesting instrument that history has shown has been around for quite some time. Originating in Asia, bells and gongs have spread across the world and are now used in almost every culture today. They actually serve several purposes in both music and outside of it, but unless you're a gong player you might not fully realize this.

Suspense and Excitement

Often, large bells and gongs will be used at certain times within a piece to try and hold out suspenseful moments longer, or to add excitement to a piece of music. The gongs can be hit and let ring at the end of a section of music so that it feels like the sound is piercing the air for several seconds longer than it felt like it should have. As for use in excitement, gongs are quite loud and add a whole new element to a section of the song.

Decorative Gongs

Gongs don't always need to be used to play music, as they make excellent decorations as well. Decorative gongs are commonly used in temples, churches, or settings where music is a big part of the background. They are a symbol of peace and harmony, which is a little humorous due to the fact that they are one of the loudest instruments ever created. There are sometimes specific gongs available that have interesting engravings or colors that make them more enjoyable to look at, but ordinary gongs can also be used for a simplicity feel.

Conclusion

Gongs have many purposes and come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Many don't really think of decorative gongs, but they can really change the mood of a room.

The Gong Shop
1661 Tennessee St. #2E
San Francisco, CA 94107
11am-5pm Mon-Fri
1-855-225-7372 Toll Free
http://thegongshop.com/