A type of log drum or slit drum which has a number of slits cut to form tongues which resonate at different pitches.

The modern tongue drum is made from African padauk wood with from 4 to 12 tongues carefully tuned to play harmonically.

There are two basic methods used to play the tongue drum: with mallet and by hand. When playing with mallets, the size and weight of the mallet, as well as the hardness or softness of the mallet end, determine the sound produced. Hard mallet ends, such as wood-tipped mallets, produce a bright tone. Softer mallet ends, such as wound yarn or cotton, produce a more mellow sound.