The glockenspiel (/ˈɡlɒkənʃpiːl/ GLO-kən-shpeel; German pronunciation: [ˈɡlɔkənˌʃpiːl] or [ˈɡlɔkn̩ˌʃpiːl], Glocken: bells and Spiel: play) or bells is a percussion instrument consisting of pitched aluminum or steel bars arranged in a keyboard layout.

The glockenspiel is played by striking the bars with mallets, often made of a hard material such as metal or plastic.

Its clear, high-pitched tone is often heard in orchestras, wind ensembles, marching bands, and in popular music.

[5] Early glockenspiels were percussion instruments that produced notes via small bronze bells that were tuned with a drumstick.

[7] When used in a marching or military band, the bars are sometimes mounted in a portable case and held vertically, sometimes in a lyre-shaped frame.

[10] The glockenspiel is played with unwrapped mallets made of hard material, such as metal (usually brass or aluminum) or a type of polymer (usually Lexan, acrylic, phenolic, or nylon).

Another variation of the bell lyre exists that is supported by a strap around the shoulders and back.

Since the middle of the 19th century this form has been used in military and civil bands in Germany, where it is called a Stahlspiel or Militär-Glockenspiel.