How to Play the Hand Cymbals

Hand cymbals are one of the most exciting instruments to play, due to their distinct timbre and power. Present in orchestra, band, pop and ethnic music, they are a staple percussion instrument.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Hand cymbals
• Leather cymbal straps
• Room to practice

The Basic Crash

1. Choose hand cymbals appropriate for your needs. Cymbals are available in different sizes, weights and materials.
2. Hold the leather strap close to your first set of knuckles, near the bell of the cymbal.
3. Grip the strap between your forefinger and thumb, as if gripping a key. Allow the tip of your thumb to rest on the bell for support.
4. Stand with your feet slightly apart and one foot slightly in front of the other. Keep your elbows bent in front of and away from your body. Relax.
5. Hold the cymbals about 6 inches apart with your palms and cymbals facing each other.
6. Tilt the cymbals so that the left-hand cymbal is at the 11 o'clock and 5 o'clock position and the right-hand cymbal is at the 10 o'clock and 4 o'clock position.
7. Keep your left hand stationary. Move your right hand towards your left, slap the cymbals together, and then quickly move your right hand away.
8. Move both hands toward each other now, with equal force. Your left hand will move downward and your right hand will move upward. Crash the cymbals together and then immediately move your hands apart.
9. Practice using different angles, distances between the cymbals, velocity of moving the cymbals and follow-through after crashing the cymbals. Find what works for you and your purposes.

Other Techniques

10. Play a soft crash by placing the edges of the cymbal closest to you against your chest; placing the edges of the cymbal farthest from you together; pulling cymbals away from your chest and separating by 1 to 3 inches; striking the cymbals together and keeping them parallel for the follow-through.
11. Stop the sound of the cymbal by placing the edges of the cymbal closest to you against you upper body or under your arm.
12. "Choke" the cymbals by stopping the sound of the cymbals immediately following the crash.
13. Scrape the edge of one cymbal against the inside of the other to create a cymbal "swish" or "scrape."

Tips & Warnings

• There are three main follow-through techniques: parallel (cymbals remain parallel and close together); facing out or "radar" style (cymbals open wide towards the audience); and facing down (cymbals open wide but face the floor).
• Cymbals may seem difficult to control at first, so practice strokes by clapping your hands together before trying it with cymbals.
• If desired, find a percussion teacher and ask about taking private lessons.
• Check your cymbals daily for dents and cracks that may require repair.
• Handle your cymbals with care. Despite being heavy and made of metal, they are still susceptible to dents and cracks.