How to Play the Hi Hat in a Drum Set

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

The hi-hats can play a variety of styles and should be taken advantage of by every drummer. Here is how to play them effectively and creatively as part of the drum set.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Learning About the Hi Hat

PDF download Download Article
  2. Do this by either holding down the pedal with your left foot or locking the top cymbal down using the wing nut. [1]
    Advertisement
  3. Play some drums, experimenting with your closed hi-hats. In many basic rock grooves, the hi-hats are usually struck on every quarter, eighth or sixteenth note. If you already have a feel for "closed" hi-hat use, learn how to start using the hi-hat pedal. [2]
    4. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using the Pedal

PDF download Download Article
  1. The hi-hat pedal is used to create different sounds when striking the hi-hats, and to keep time for yourself and the band during a song. [3]
  2. If your foot is on the pedal holding the cymbals together, lift it up so the cymbals are not touching each other. [4]
  3. [5]
    • One exercise is the "heel-toe" - starting with an open hi-hat and your toe pointed up, bring your toe down to close the hi-hat. Simultaneously, point your heel up. Then, switch again. After practicing this rhythmically for a minute or two, the muscles in your lower leg will start to burn. You will soon be able to do this for longer and longer, becoming more efficient in using the hi-hat pedal for long time periods.
  4. This is to further the two cymbals from each other that they make more of a "sizzling" sound when struck. Playing traditional rock grooves with a looser hi-hat gives more of a metal feel.
  5. As timekeeping is a primary function of the hi-hats, you should practice "clicking" or "snapping" the hats together on beat. This is usually done on each of the quarter notes (1-2-3-4) or every other eighth note (the "ands" - 1-&-2-&-3-&-4-&.)
  6. Since you're using the pedal, play the normal hi-hat part on the ride cymbal, floor tom, cowbell, or another part of the drum kit.
  7. Hold the cymbals tight with the pedal, open the hats, quickly (almost simultaneously) strike the top cymbal, and immediately close the hats with the pedal again. This technique is often applied in hip hop, blues, and motown-like genres.
    8. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Is there another name for high hat?
    Community Answer
    Clangers.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 6
  • Question
    Can I use an open hi-hat without the pedal?
    Jelke de Jong
    Community Answer
    Yes! You just have to tighten the hi-hat when it's open, which will lead to the hi-hat remaining open, and thus not using the pedal. This way, you can't use a closed hi-hat in the same song, though.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 5
  • Question
    Which is a closed hihat, when the hihats are separated from one another or when they are together?
    Thequestioner555
    Community Answer
    A closed hi-hat is when the top and bottom cymbals are in contact, generally tightly.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • With a single bass drum pedal, place your right foot on the bass pedal and your left foot on the hi-hat pedal. If you have a double bass pedal, your left foot may alternate between the two left-handed pedals as needed.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Practice using the hi-hat as a part of everything you play so that you become familiar with its abilities. Be creative!
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Additional hi-hat exercises may be found across the web or on various instructional videos.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Show More Tips
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Things You'll Need

      • Drum set including snare, kick, and hi-hats
      • Drum sticks

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Hold a Drumstick
      How to
      Read Drum Tabs
      How to
      Double Kick Fast on Drums
      How to
      Play Drums
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxaDVQ2aNOA
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxaDVQ2aNOA
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzCXZ3TnUxo
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzCXZ3TnUxo
      5. ↑ https://www.rockdrummingsystem.com/underground/drum-lessons/hi-hat-control.php

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 66,800 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement