How to Combine the Foot and Stick When Playing the Hi Hat in Drums

A hi-hat is an instrument made of two small cymbals facing each other and mounted on a metal pole. Play the hi-hat with the pedal only or with the drum sticks and pedals. The hi-hat provides different sounds and styles depending on what position the hi-hat is in and where or how it is hit.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Release the hi-hat pedal and allow the hi-hat to separate. Strike the top of the hi-hat with tip of your drumstick. Move up and down the cymbal. Strike the cymbal with the shoulder of the stick. Listen for the differences in pitch on the various areas of the hi-hat.

2. Press down on the hi-hat pedal slightly so the rims of the cymbal are touching but not completely closed. Move around the hi-hat with the drumstick as in Step 1. Use both the tip and the shoulder of the drumstick. Close the hi-hat slightly to change the style and sound.

3. Close the hi-hat completely by pressing and holding the pedal down. Test the various areas of the hi-hat and listen for the variations in the sounds. This sound is more muffled and controlled than the open or half-closed hi-hat.

4. Experiment with different hi-hat positions and drumstick positions. Combine the variations to create your own style. Listen to different drummers and evaluate their styles. Borrow moves or techniques from other drummers.