In the exciting world of drumming, the high hat drum is a very important part. It’s not just one drum but a set of two cymbals that work together. These cymbals can make different sounds, from soft hisses to sharp crashes. They help set the beat and add lots of energy to the music. Whether you’re listening to rock, pop, jazz, or any other kind of music with drums, the high hat drum is likely to be there, making the music more interesting. Let’s learn more about this cool instrument.
Physical Characteristics
Cymbal Pair
The high hat drum has two cymbals. These cymbals are usually made of metal, like brass or bronze. They are round and flat, with a small raised part in the middle called the bell. The top cymbal is a bit smaller than the bottom one. A typical size for the top cymbal is around 13 to 14 inches in diameter, and the bottom one is a bit bigger. The two cymbals are put on a stand with a special pedal. This pedal can make the cymbals open and close. When the cymbals are closed, they can make a short, sharp sound. When they are open, the sound is longer and more spread out.
Stand and Pedal Mechanism
The stand for the high hat drum holds the cymbals in place. It has a long pole with a base to keep it steady. The pedal is connected to the stand by a rod. When a drummer presses the pedal with their foot, usually the left foot, the rod makes the bottom cymbal move up. This makes the two cymbals come together and make a sound. The pedal can be adjusted. Drummers can make it easier or harder to press, depending on how they like to play. This way, they can control the sound of the high hat drum better.
Sound Production
Closed Hi-Hat Sound
When the high hat cymbals are closed, they make a tight, short sound. Drummers can make this sound by hitting the closed cymbals with a drumstick. This sound is really clear and sharp. It’s great for keeping a steady beat in a song. For example, in a pop song, the closed high hat sound might be used on every beat to make the rhythm easy to follow. The sound is like a quick “chick” noise. Drummers can also use the pedal to make the closed cymbals open and close quickly while hitting them with the stick. This makes a cool, syncopated sound that adds some fun to the music.
Open Hi-Hat Sound
When the high hat cymbals are open, the sound is very different. It’s a longer, more flowing sound. Drummers make this sound by hitting the open cymbals with a drumstick. The open high hat sound has a nice “wash” to it, like a gentle wave of sound. In a jazz song, the open high hat sound might be used during a solo. The drummer can hit the cymbals softly or hard, making the sound change. A soft hit gives a quiet, smooth sound, while a hard hit makes a louder, more powerful sound. This helps the drummer show different feelings in the music.
Foot Pedal Effects
The foot pedal on the high hat drum is very important. It can make lots of different sounds. When a drummer presses the pedal slowly, the cymbals close gently. This makes a soft, hissing sound. It’s like a snake making a quiet noise. Drummers can use this soft hissing sound in a slow, calm part of a song. On the other hand, if a drummer presses the pedal quickly and hard, the cymbals close fast. This makes a sharp, loud sound. It’s great for when the music gets really exciting, like in the big ending of a rock song. Drummers can also use the pedal to make the cymbals open and close in a rhythm, adding another layer to the music.
Playing Techniques
Basic Beats
There are some basic beats that drummers use with the high hat drum. One of the most common is the quarter note beat. In this beat, the drummer hits the closed high hat cymbals on every quarter note. It’s like a steady “chick, chick, chick” sound. This helps keep the rhythm of the song. Another basic beat is the eighth note beat. Here, the drummer hits the closed high hat cymbals on every eighth note. It’s a faster “chick-chick, chick-chick” sound. This makes the song feel more lively. Drummers can also mix these beats, hitting the high hat on different notes to make the rhythm more interesting.
Syncopation
Syncopation is when the drummer plays the high hat on unexpected beats. This makes the music more exciting. For example, instead of hitting the high hat on the regular beats, the drummer might hit it in between the beats. This makes the rhythm feel like it’s jumping around. In a funk song, syncopation with the high hat drum is very common. The drummer might hit the closed high hat on the off – beats, making a cool, funky sound. Syncopation can also be used in jazz and rock music to make the rhythm more unique.
Ghost Notes
Ghost notes are very soft, quiet notes. Drummers can play ghost notes on the high hat drum. They do this by hitting the cymbals very gently with the drumstick. Ghost notes are often used in jazz music. They add a lot of detail to the rhythm. For example, in a fast jazz solo, the drummer might play a series of ghost notes on the high hat. These soft notes are like a little secret rhythm that goes along with the main beats. They make the music more interesting and show the drummer’s skill.
Usage in Different Music Genres
Rock Music
In rock music, the high hat drum is really important. It helps keep the strong, driving rhythm. In a fast – paced rock song, the drummer might use the closed high hat to play a steady eighth note beat. This makes the song feel energetic and exciting. The open high hat sound can also be used in rock. For example, during a guitar solo, the drummer might open the high hat and hit it with a drumstick. The long, flowing sound of the open high hat can add to the feeling of freedom and excitement in the solo. Sometimes, the high hat pedal is used in a really fast, staccato way in rock music. This makes a sharp, choppy sound that goes well with the loud guitars and bass.
Pop Music
Pop music also uses the high hat drum a lot. In a catchy pop song, the high hat is often used to make the rhythm easy to remember. The closed high hat might be played on the main beats, like the quarter notes. This gives the song a strong, steady base. The open high hat can be used for special effects. For example, at the start of a new chorus, the drummer might open the high hat and hit it with a big crash. This makes the chorus stand out and sound more exciting. Pop drummers also use syncopation with the high hat to make the song more dance – able. They might hit the high hat on the off – beats, making people want to move their feet.
Jazz Music
Jazz drummers love the high hat drum because it can make so many different sounds. In a slow jazz ballad, the drummer might use the foot pedal to make the high hat cymbals open and close very slowly. This makes a soft, hissing sound that adds to the mood of the song. During a fast jazz improvisation, the drummer uses the high hat in many ways. They might play quick, syncopated beats with the closed high hat. Ghost notes on the high hat are also very common in jazz. These soft notes add a lot of texture to the rhythm. The open high hat sound is used to make accents during the solo. The drummer can change the sound of the open high hat by hitting it in different places or with different amounts of force.
Funk Music
Funk music has a very strong, dance – like rhythm, and the high hat drum is a big part of that. In a funk song, the drummer often uses the closed high hat to play a syncopated rhythm. They might hit the high hat on the off – beats, making a sharp “chick” sound. This off – beat rhythm is what makes funk music so catchy. The open high hat sound can be used to add some extra excitement. For example, when the bass line has a big, funky groove, the drummer might open the high hat and hit it with a strong crash. This makes the whole band sound even more powerful. The high hat pedal is also used in funk to make some cool, choppy sounds that go well with the funky bass and guitar.
Role in the Drum Kit
Timekeeping
The high hat drum is like the timekeeper of the drum kit. It helps the other drummers and musicians in the band keep the right rhythm. By playing a steady beat on the closed high hat, the drummer makes sure everyone in the band is playing at the same speed. For example, in a big band with lots of instruments, the high hat’s steady beat is like a glue that holds all the different parts together. Whether it’s a fast – paced song or a slow, emotional one, the high hat keeps the time so that the music flows smoothly.
Adding Texture and Dynamics
The high hat drum can add a lot of texture and dynamics to the music. The different sounds it can make, like the closed “chick” sound, the open “wash” sound, and the soft ghost notes, give the music more depth. In a song, the drummer can use the high hat to make the music get louder or softer. For example, at the start of a song, the drummer might play the high hat very softly with some ghost notes. As the song gets more exciting, they can start hitting the closed high hat harder and use the open high hat sound more often. This makes the music feel like it’s building up, adding more energy and emotion.
Interaction with Other Drums
The high hat drum works together with the other drums in the kit. For example, it can go with the snare drum to make a really strong rhythm. The snare drum might make a loud “crack” sound on the main beats, and the high hat can make a sharp “chick” sound on the off – beats. This combination makes the rhythm more interesting. The high hat can also interact with the bass drum. In a dance – like song, the bass drum might make a big, booming sound on the downbeat, and the high hat can make a quick “chick” sound right after. This back – and – forth between the bass drum and the high hat makes the rhythm feel more powerful and makes people want to dance.
Choosing and Maintaining a High Hat
Types of Hi-Hats
There are different types of high hat cymbals. Some are made of different metals. Brass cymbals are very common. They make a bright, clear sound. Bronze cymbals, on the other hand, make a warmer, more mellow sound. There are also different finishes on high hat cymbals. A shiny finish might make the cymbals look really cool, but it can also affect the sound a little. Some cymbals have a special hammered finish. This finish can make the sound more complex and interesting. Drummers can choose the type of high hat cymbals that best fit the kind of music they like to play.
Maintenance Tips
To keep a high hat drum in good shape, there are some things drummers need to do. First, they should clean the cymbals regularly. Cymbals can get dirty from being hit with drumsticks and from the drummer’s hands. A clean cymbal will sound better. Drummers can use a special cymbal cleaner to clean the cymbals. They should also check the stand and pedal regularly. The stand needs to be stable, and the pedal should work smoothly. If the pedal is too hard or too easy to press, it can affect how the drummer plays. If there are any problems with the stand or pedal, drummers should fix them or get them fixed. Also, drummers should be careful not to drop the cymbals. A dropped cymbal can get damaged and not sound as good.
Conclusion
The high hat drum is a really amazing and important part of the drum kit. It can make so many different sounds, from the sharp “chick” of the closed cymbals to the long, flowing “wash” of the open cymbals. It helps keep the rhythm in different kinds of music, like rock, pop, jazz, and funk. Drummers can use different techniques to play the high hat, making the music more interesting and exciting. Whether you’re a drummer or just someone who loves music, the high hat drum is definitely an instrument worth paying attention to. The next time you listen to your favorite song, listen closely for the high hat. You’ll be surprised at how much it adds to the music.
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