The technique probably arrived in the U.S. via Irish and other European immigrants, and has a history stretching back to ancient China, Egypt, Greece, and Rome.

Rhythm bones are typically about 12 to 18 cm (5 to 7 in) in length, but can be much longer, and they are often curved, roughly resembling miniature barrel staves.

A critical element to playing the bones is not trying to force them to make contact with one another through finger manipulation but allowing their momentum to do the work.

A double-click can be produced by the same movement of the hand with the addition of a bit of pressure to the bones to suppress the third click.

A skilled practitioner can produce a wide variety of percussive sounds reminiscent of those made by a tap dancer.