Play The Hi Hat In A Drum Set: Your Best Guide
Playing the hi-hat is a fundamental skill for any drummer, acting as the rhythmic heartbeat and intricate engine of countless musical styles. Often overlooked by beginners eager to tackle more dramatic cymbal crashes or booming bass drum patterns, the hi-hat is where true rhythmic subtlety and groove are born. Mastering its various techniques unlocks a vast sonic palette, allowing drummers to communicate with their bandmates, drive the music forward, and add dynamic flair to their playing. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your existing skills, understanding how to effectively play the hi-hat in a drum set is an essential step towards becoming a well-rounded and versatile percussionist.
The hi-hat itself is a fascinating piece of engineering. It consists of two cymbals mounted on a stand, with a pedal mechanism that allows them to be opened, closed, or partially opened. This ability to control the space between the cymbals is what gives the hi-hat its wide range of sounds and expressive potential. From the crisp, precise “chick” of closed cymbals to the shimmering wash of open ones, and all the nuanced textures in between, the hi-hat is far more than just a simple rhythmic accessory.
Understanding the Fundamentals of Hi-Hat Technique
Before you can truly express yourself on the hi-hat, you need to grasp the basic techniques of striking and controlling the cymbals. The most common method is using a drumstick. When the hi-hat is closed, a standard stick stroke will produce a sharp, articulate “chick” sound. This is the bedrock of many rock, pop, and funk beats. Experiment with hitting the edge versus the bow of the cymbal; the edge produces a brighter, more cutting sound, while the bow yields a warmer, more mellow tone.
The “open” hi-hat sound is equally crucial. By lifting your foot off the pedal, the cymbals separate, and striking them creates a sustained, ringing “wash.” The degree to which you open the hi-hat will directly impact the sustain and volume of this sound. A slight opening creates a more controlled sizzle, while a wide opening produces a fuller, more resonant sound. This is fantastic for accents and adding emphasis to key moments in a song.
A key element in learning to play the hi-hat in a drum set is foot control. The hi-hat pedal is not just for opening and closing; it’s also a rhythmic instrument in itself. You can create a consistent “chick” sound by pressing down the pedal with your foot while keeping the cymbals closed. This allows you to play a steady eighth-note or sixteenth-note pattern with your foot, freeing up your hands for more complex snare and tom work. Learning to coordinate your hands and feet seamlessly is a hallmark of advanced drumming.
Exploring a Spectrum of Hi-Hat Sounds
The true artistry of the hi-hat lies in its versatility. Beyond the basic closed and open strokes, there are numerous techniques to explore that will enrich your drumming vocabulary.
The “Splash” or “Chick” with the Foot: This is achieved by quickly pressing down the hi-hat pedal while the cymbals are slightly open or closed. It creates a short, percussive “chick” sound that can be used as a rhythmic punctuation or to add a different texture to a beat. Many drummers use their foot to play ghost note patterns or to fill in gaps in their hand patterns.
Playing on the Edge: Striking the very edge of the hi-hat cymbal with your stick results in a brighter, more piercing sound. This is often used for accents or to cut through a dense mix.
Playing Underneath (Bell): While less common on hi-hats compared to ride cymbals, some drummers experiment with hitting the “bell” area of the hi-hat, which is the raised central section. This can produce a drier, more focused tone.
“Sizzling” Hi-Hats: This technique involves using the tip of your stick to lightly brush across the surface of the open cymbals, creating a sustained “sizzle” sound. This adds a unique texture, often used in jazz or funk music.
“Sloshy” Hi-Hats: By keeping the hi-hat slightly open and striking the cymbals with a looser grip, you can achieve a more resonant, washy sound. This is achieved by allowing the cymbals to vibrate more freely.
Integrating Hi-Hat Techniques into Your Drum Beats
Once you’ve become comfortable with the individual techniques, the next crucial step is to learn how to effectively play the hi-hat in a drum set within the context of actual drum beats.
Basic Rock Beat: The classic rock beat often features eighth notes on the hi-hat (played closed) with the snare on beats 2 and 4, and the bass drum on beats 1 and 3. This creates a driving, solid foundation.
Funk Grooves: Funk drumming heavily relies on syncopation and intricate hi-hat patterns. Experiment with playing sixteenth notes on the hi-hat, incorporating open and closed strokes, and using foot “chicks” to add rhythmic complexity.
Jazz Rhythms: In jazz, the hi-hat is often played with a light, consistent eighth-note pattern (typically on beats 2 and 4, or as a continuous pulse) using the rim of the stick for a softer sound. The ride cymbal is usually the primary timekeeping instrument in jazz, but the hi-hat plays a crucial role in defining the feel and swing.
* Shuffles and Blues: These genres often utilize a triplet-based feel. The hi-hat can be played in a variety of ways to emphasize this feel, such as playing on the downbeats and the “and” of each triplet, or incorporating open hi-hat hits to accentuate the swing.
Practice Tips for Mastering the Hi-Hat
Like any skill, consistent practice is key to mastering the hi-hat.
1. Start Slow: Focus on clean technique and accurate timing before attempting to play fast.
2. Use a Metronome: This is non-negotiable. A metronome will ensure your timing is impeccable, especially when coordinating your hands and feet.
3. Listen Critically: Pay attention to the sounds you’re producing. Are your open hi-hats too uncontrolled? Are your closed “chicks” sharp and articulate?
4. Record Yourself: Hearing yourself play can reveal areas for improvement that you might not notice otherwise.
5. Learn from Others: Watch and listen to your favorite drummers. Analyze how they use the hi-hat in different musical contexts.
6. Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try new things and develop your own unique hi-hat voice.
By dedicating time to understanding and practicing these techniques, you’ll find that your ability to play the hi-hat in a drum set will dramatically improve. It’s not just about keeping time; it’s about adding color, texture, and personality to your drumming, making you a more dynamic and compelling musician. The hi-hat, when mastered, becomes one of the most expressive instruments on the drum kit.