When you think about a drum kit, one of the most important parts is the pair of cymbals on a drum set, better known as the hi-hat. These two cymbals, mounted on a stand with a foot pedal, may look simple, but they bring life, rhythm, and energy to music. The hi-hat creates the sharp “chick” when closed, a smooth “swish” when opened, and endless variations in between. From jazz and rock to pop and funk, the hi-hat is everywhere, helping drummers keep time, add groove, and make songs sound complete.
For beginners, understanding how the pair of cymbals works is the first step to playing confidently. With just your foot and drumsticks, you can create tight beats, flowing rhythms, or exciting accents. More than just a piece of metal, the hi-hat teaches timing, coordination, and creativity, which are the heart of drumming.
In this guide, we’ll break down what a pair of cymbals on a drum set is, how it works, what affects its sound, and why it’s so important for drummers at every level. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve, this beginner-friendly guide will help you unlock the power of the hi-hat and enjoy drumming like never before.
Table of Contents
What Is a Pair of Cymbals on a Drum Set?
A pair of cymbals on a drum set usually refers to the hi-hats. Hi-hats are made of two cymbals mounted on a stand with a foot pedal. One cymbal is fixed on the bottom, while the other moves up and down when you press or release the pedal. When the pedal is pressed, the cymbals close together and make a sharp “chick” sound.
When you let the pedal go, the cymbals open and create a softer “swish” or ringing tone. Drummers also strike hi-hats with drumsticks, either closed for a tight sound or open for a looser, washy effect.
The hi-hat is one of the most important parts of a drum kit because it keeps time, adds rhythm, and creates dynamic changes in music. It’s used in nearly every style—from rock and jazz to pop and hip-hop—making it the most common and versatile “pair of cymbals” you’ll find in drumming.
Why It’s Important
- Keeps the beat: The hi-hat is great for making steady rhythms.
- Make different sounds: Close them for short sharp sounds, open them for longer, sloshy sounds. Beginner DrumsWikipedia
- Feels fun to play: You can use both hands and your foot to create music!
- Common in many songs: Found in rock, pop, jazz, and more. MusicRadarWikipedia
The Pair of Cymbals on a Drum Set Inside a Drum Kit
The pair of cymbals on a drum set, also known as the hi-hat, plays a key role in balancing the sound of the whole kit. It works together with the crash, ride, and drums to create rhythm, accents, and texture in music. While the bass and snare provide the main beat, and the crash and ride add color, the hi-hat helps glue everything together with its steady “chick” and “swish” sounds.
This makes it one of the most important and versatile parts of any drum set, whether you’re playing rock, jazz, pop, or funk. Let’s explore how the hi-hat fits into the entire drum set:
| Part of Drum Set | What It Is | What It Does |
|---|---|---|
| Hi-Hat (Pair of Cymbals) | Two cymbals + stand + pedal | Opens/closes cymbals, makes “chick” or “swish” sounds |
| Crash Cymbal | A single thin cymbal | Makes big loud accents—like “CRASH!” drumeo.comSABIAN Cymbals |
| Ride Cymbal | A larger cymbal | Keeps a steady beat with a “ding” or “ping” sound drumeo.comWikipedia |
| Drums (bass, snare, toms) | Main drums | Provide the rhythm—kick, backbeat, fills |
How the Hi-Hat Works: Easy Steps
1. Stand and Pedal
- Place the hi-hat stand near your left foot (for right-handed drummers).
- Make sure the stand is steady on the ground so the pair of cymbals on a drum set won’t wobble.
2. Use the Pedal
- Press down → The hi-hat closes, making a short, crisp “chick” sound.
- Let go or open slightly → The hi-hat opens, creating a longer, “swish” or ringing sound.
- You can also half-open the cymbals for a sloshy, groovy sound often used in rock and funk.
3. Play with Sticks
- Hit when closed → Produces sharp, tight sounds perfect for keeping steady rhythm.
- Hit when open → Makes softer, loose, and ringing tones.
- Hit near the edge → Louder, splashy sound.
- Hit near the bell (center) → More controlled and focused tone.
4. Combine Both Hands and Foot
- Tap your left foot on the pedal while striking with a drumstick to create rhythmic patterns.
- Try alternating between open and closed hits to add variety to your playing.
- Mixing pedal action and stick hits gives you a huge range of sounds from the pair of cymbals on a drum set.
5. Add Dynamics (Soft and Loud)
- Play gently for a light background rhythm.
- Play harder for strong accents in loud parts of a song.
- Switching dynamics makes your drumming more expressive.
6. Use Special Techniques
- Foot Splash → Quickly press and release the pedal for a short “tsst” sound.
- Pedal Chick Only → Use the pedal without sticks to keep time.
- Open-Close Groove → Open on upbeat, close on downbeat for a classic groove.
👉 These extra steps help beginners see that the hi-hat is more than just pressing and hitting—it’s about timing, feel, and creativity.
What Affects the Sound?
1. Size and Weight
- 14″ hi-hats are the most common, but sizes can range from 13″ to 16″.
- Light cymbals create softer, darker tones, perfect for jazz or softer music.
- Heavy cymbals give bright, loud, and longer-lasting sounds, often used in rock or metal.
2. Finish and Hammering
- Brilliant finish = shiny look with a sharper, brighter sound.
- Natural finish = more traditional look with a warmer, mellow sound.
- Extra hammering or grooves = adds complexity and richness to the sound.
3. Weight Differences
- A thin top cymbal paired with a heavier bottom cymbal makes a crisp “chick” sound when closed.
- This mix also gives a bigger, more powerful sound when opened.
4. Playing Technique
- How you strike the pair of cymbals on a drum set changes the sound.
- Playing near the edge = louder, splashier sound.
- Playing near the bell (center) = tighter, controlled sound.
- Using the foot pedal alone = sharp, clear “chick.”
5. Tuning and Adjustments
- Adjusting the clutch height changes how tightly the cymbals close.
- A tighter setup = sharper sounds.
- A looser setup = sloshier, open tones.
6. Material and Alloy
- Most hi-hats are made from bronze alloys. Different alloys affect warmth, brightness, and volume.
- B20 alloy (with tin and copper) = rich, dark sound.
- B8 alloy = brighter, cutting tones.
7. Environment and Acoustics
Big open spaces = more echo and resonance.
The room where you play also changes how the pair of cymbals on a drum set sounds.
Small rooms = tighter sound.
How to Practice with Your Hi-Hat
Here are simple exercises you can try:
| Exercise | What to Do |
|---|---|
| “Simple Chick” | Press the hi-hat closed with your foot and tap with the stick every beat. |
| “Open/Closed Combo” | Alternate between open and closed every beat for a “boom-chick” feeling. |
| “Count It Out” | Say “1-and-2-and” out loud while playing closed hits on the numbers and open on the “and”s. |
| “Soft vs Loud” | Tap softly when closed, then hit harder when open to feel the sound difference. |
Tips for Beginners (Problem-Solving Section)
- Sticks bounce off too much when closed? → Try looser settings or lighter sticks.
- Hi-hat got rattly or sticky? → Clean it or use a little oil on the pedal or stand.
- Rubber bass pads make sticky sounds? → Use cloth or felt pads to spread the pressure.
- Feet slipping off? → Put a rug or grip mat under the stand.
- Pair of cymbals on a drum set sound too loud? → Use quieter sticks (like rods or brushes) or practice cymbals designed for low noise.
- Struggling to keep steady timing on the hi-hat? → Count out loud “1-and-2-and” while playing to lock in rhythm.
- Pair of cymbals on a drum set not closing properly? → Check the clutch screw and make sure the top cymbal is tightened correctly.
- Feeling tired when using the pedal? → Adjust the spring tension on the hi-hat stand for smoother control.
- Pair of cymbals on a drum set sound uneven? → Try flipping the top and bottom cymbals or mix a heavier bottom with a lighter top.
- Getting unwanted ringing noise? → Add a small piece of tape or cymbal muffler to control extra resonance.
Quick FAQ!
What is the pair of cymbals on a drum set called?
The pair of cymbals on a drum set is called the hi-hat. It consists of two cymbals stacked on a stand with a foot pedal that opens and closes them, creating different sounds.
Why do drummers use a pair of cymbals on a drum kit?
Drummers use the pair of cymbals (hi-hat) to keep rhythm, add variety, and create unique sound textures. It’s one of the most versatile parts of the drum set, useful in rock, jazz, pop, and many other styles.
How do you play the pair of cymbals on a drum set?
You play the hi-hat by stepping on the pedal to open and close the cymbals, while striking them with drumsticks. Closed hi-hats make a crisp “chick” sound, while open hi-hats give a softer, ringing “swish.”
What size are the cymbals in a hi-hat pair?
Most hi-hats (pair of cymbals) are 14 inches, but sizes can range from 13 to 16 inches. Smaller cymbals sound sharper, while larger ones create deeper, fuller tones.
Can beginners learn drumming with just the pair of cymbals?
Yes! Beginners can start with the hi-hat and snare drum to practice timing and coordination. Learning to control the hi-hat helps drummers build rhythm skills early on.
Summary: Why the Pair of Cymbals on a Drum Set (Hi-Hat) Is Awesome
- It’s the main rhythm keeper alongside drums.
- It offers varied sounds with both foot and stick.
- It’s found in nearly every style of music.
- You can start with it on day one and improve your playing over time.
- It teaches coordination by using your hands and foot together.
- It can switch moods instantly—from soft and jazzy to loud and rocking.
- It’s the most versatile cymbal in the drum set.
- It helps beginners learn timing, which is the heart of drumming.
- Advanced drummers use it for creative fills and special effects.
- It works well in solos and also blends with the full band.
About FiveStarCoder
FiveStarCoder is a trusted full-service IT company offering web development, mobile app creation, AI chatbots, and digital marketing solutions tailored to startups, students, and businesses alike fivestarcoder.com+2fivestarcoder.com+2. Whether you need a responsive website, a smart mobile app, or even an AI-powered assistant, FiveStarCoder delivers custom, smart, scalable, and secure digital solutions to help you grow fivestarcoder.com+1. Their expert team understands your unique needs and uses the latest technologies to build, optimize, and support your project—making every digital idea possible with clarity, quality, and care.
Thanks for reading this beginner’s guide by FiveStarCoder! We hope you feel excited to play the Pair of Cymbals on a Drum Set and enjoy learning beats. If you’d like more tips, feel free to visit our blog: FiveStarCoder Blog.
Share Your Thoughts
We hope this guide helped you understand the Pair of Cymbals on a Drum Set better. Your feedback means a lot to us because it helps us improve and create even more useful guides for beginners like you.
If you enjoyed reading this or learned something new, please take a minute to share your thoughts. Reviews not only support our work but also guide other learners who might be starting their drumming journey.
👉 Please don’t forget to leave a review. Your words inspire us and help build a stronger learning community!