Hi-Hat Cymbals

The hi-hat, sometimes written hihat, is one of the key cymbals in a drum kit. The pair controlled by a pedal keeps rhythm, shapes the pulse and reacts to every change between closed, half-open and open playing. It therefore has to feel good under both hand and foot.

Hi-hat as the groove foundation

Choose according to whether you want a drier precise sound or a more open and dirty character. A closed hi-hat should stay readable in the groove, while an open one should not cover the rest of the kit. Pop, funk and electronic styles may need precise articulation; rock and metal often need more projection.

The hi-hat handles timing and movement, while crash cymbals serve accents and ride cymbals carry a steady pattern. If you build a base from scratch, starting with a cymbal set can be simpler.