How to Play a High Hat with Rods

The hi-hat is the pair of cymbals on a drum kit that consists of two cymbals connected, one on top of the other, upon a stand. The cymbals can be brought together or apart by the use of a pedal at the bottom of the stand. The hi-hat is an integral part of most drum sets and, when played properly, can add an essential sound to your playing. Rods are the perfect playing instrument for times when sticks would be too loud and brushes would be too quiet.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hi-hat
• Rods

How to Play a Hi-Hat with Rods

1. Grip the rods using whichever grip style you are most comfortable with.

2. Play the hi-hat closed by loosening the screw at the top of the stand so that the top cymbal is resting against the bottom cymbal. Another way to play the hi-hat closed is by pressing down on the stand's pedal all the way until both cymbals are resting upon one another.

3. Play the hi-hat open by pressing down hard on the pedal while the screw at the top of the stand is completely loosened, then tighten the screw and release the pedal. This will cause the top cymbal to rise up off the bottom cymbal.

4. Play the hi-hat half open by following the instructions in Step 3, except that the pedal should be pressed down upon more lightly, so that the top and the bottom cymbals aren't quite as far apart.

5. Play the hi-hat both open and closed, alternating between the two, by opening the cymbals, as described above, and then pressing down and releasing the pedal as you play. When you press down on the pedal the cymbals will be closed together, and when you lift up on the pedal it will open.