How to Play the Hi-Hat When Playing Drums

When learning how to play drums, it is important to know that the hi-hat is a vital part of a drum kit. The hi-hat provides the tempo of the beat. It can be played with sticks and a foot pedal. This lesson focuses on the basic elements for beginners when playing the hi-hat with the foot pedal.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Basic Hi-Hat Heel Up Method

1. Position yourself on the drum stool with your left foot on the hi-hat pedal.

2. Rest your foot on the pedal. This will close the hi-hat. This is the normal position to play drums.

3. Begin playing the hi-hat by lifting your heel off of the pedal. The top cymbal of the hi-hat will rise.

4. Press the heel down to return to the starting position. This brings the top cymbal down and creates a crisp crash sound when the cymbals hit each other.

5. Repeat Steps 3 and 4 and play a basic 1-2-3-4-1-2-3-4 pattern.

Basic Hi-Hat Heel Down Method

6. Follow Steps 1 and 2 in Section 1.

7. Begin playing the hi-hat by keeping your heel on the pedal and lifting the toes.

8. Return to the starting position to make the cymbals close.

9. Continue the toe up, toe down method to play the desired notes on the hi-hat.

Rocking Technique for Playing the Hi-Hat

10. Follow Steps 1 and 2 for playing heel up or heel down.

11. Begin playing the hi-hat by lifting the heel, replacing it and then alternating by lifting the toe and returning it to the starting position. As the name implies, you basically rock your foot on the pedal.

12. Continue the heel up, heel down, toes up, toes down pattern to keep the tempo.

Tips & Warnings

• The rocking technique is generally used by jazz drummers.
• Add variety to your beat by letting the foot slide off the pedal. This will provide a splashy crash cymbal sound, which can be used for accents.
• Once you are comfortable with the basics of playing the hi-hat with the foot pedal, incorporate the sticks for a new dimension.