How to Play Quarter Notes on the Hi-Hat

As a drummer, it is your job to keep the rhythm. One of the best ways to do this, when playing in the traditional 4/4 time so often found in music, is by playing quarter notes. In 4/4 time there are 4 beats in a bar, making the quarter note the obvious choice for keeping rhythm under this time signature. The hi-hat is an integral part of most drum sets and when played properly can add an essential sound to your playing. When quarter notes are played, it can also be a great way to keep time.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hi-hat
• Drum sticks, rods or brushes

How to Play Quarter Notes on the Hi-Hat

1. Select either drumsticks, rods or brushes to play the hi-hat. You will base your decision on the sound you want to accomplish. For a more diffused sound, choose brushes. For a more clear sound, choose drumsticks. For a stronger, bolder sound, select rods.

2. Decide if you wish to play the hi-hat closed (the top cymbal resting on the bottom one), open (a separation between the two cymbals) or a combination of both.

3. Count out in fours. Each set of 4 is a bar, and each count (1 through 4) is a quarter note.

4. Strike the hi-hat with your stick on each of these counts: 1, 2, 3 and 4. These are quarter notes.

5. Practice playing quarter notes on the hi-hat at various speeds. You should start out slowly, then get faster once you get the hang of it. Practice will allow you to play the quarter notes effectively, no matter the tempo of the music.

Tips & Warnings

• If you wish to play with the hi-hat closed, you can either loosen the screw and allow the cymbals to rest on one another, or you can play with the pedal pressed down all the way to the floor. If you wish to play with the cymbals open, tighten the screw as you press the pedal to the floor. Then as you lift up on the pedal, the top cymbal will lift with it. You can play with it open or closed by raising and lowering the pedal.

Resources

• Video Tutorial