How to Play the Hi Hat in a Drum Set

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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

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  2. Do this by either holding down the pedal with your left foot or locking the top cymbal down using the wing nut. [1]
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  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]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using the Pedal

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  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.
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  • Question
    Is there another name for high hat?
    Community Answer
    Clangers.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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      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.
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      • Practice using the hi-hat as a part of everything you play so that you become familiar with its abilities. Be creative!
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      • Additional hi-hat exercises may be found across the web or on various instructional videos.
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      Things You'll Need

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

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      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

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