How to Play the Dome Area of a Drum Kit

The dome or bell area of a cymbal can be the most diverse, sound-wise, on your whole kit. From hard clanging rock sound to the distinct jazzy dings, the bell produces a wealth of tones. Traditionally, the ride cymbal has the most unique sound, but your others can produce results on a more limited basis.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Ride cymbal
• Drum sticks
• Ear plugs

1. Locate the dome on your ride cymbal. The dome is the raised area directly surrounding the center of the cymbal. It looks like a big metal blister. Different ride cymbals have different sized domes, however all are played the same way.
2. Strike the dome with your stick. Explore the different sounds it produces. Hitting close to the cymbal's opening produces a much different tone than striking it where the dome meets the flat part of the cymbal. Find all the nuances of this part of the cymbal.
3. Experiment with different grips and how the dome responds. An American grip yields a much softer sound than a German grip. A French grip creates an even tone, sonically between the other two.
4. Hit the bell with different amounts of force. This is the toughest part of the cymbal and can take a beating. Playing it lightly produces a traditional jazzy tone that sounds instantly familiar. Striking the dome hard results in a piercing rock-type sound.
5. Incorporate the dome into your usual playing. For example, if you play eighth note on your hi hat during a particular song or rhythm, use the ride cymbal's bell instead. The results might not be what you are looking for this time, but keep the idea in your mind. The dome's ability to add accents and keep time makes it a versatile part of your cymbal collection.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear ear protection while playing drums.