Learn to Play Drums/Cymbals

Buying Cymbals

Cymbals can be used to add variety to your playing. They come in many different types, in different sizes. Cymbals prices differ largely between types and brands. For example, from the cheapest name brand cymbals (Solar cymbals by Sabian), a small 10" splash cymbal costs £24.00. It's a lot of money really, especially including the Hardware/Cymbal stands. But the same size and type cymbal from another brand could cost around £90.00! So if you're only just starting out, you shouldn't really go for some insanely high-priced ones.

Types of Cymbals

Here's a list of cymbal types and their sound (well as close as we can get to describing it to actually letting you hear it):

Hi-hats

One of the main parts of the drum kit, along with the snare and bass drum. These are usually used as a backbeat (look at drum tab to see what the hi-hat is (mostly) used for. The hi-hats can also be used occasionally as a ride cymbal. Hi-hats can be played open or closed, operated with one foot (look at Exploring the hi-hats)

Crash cymbals

Usually come in sizes between 14" and 18". These are usually used to pack a punch at the end of a bar (the end of a beat). These produce bright, short sounds.

Ride Cymbals

By far the largest type of cymbal you are likely to come across. These come in sizes from 18" to 22" mostly, but the 20" ride is the most common. Ride cymbals produce long, dark sounds, opposite to that of the crash.

China Cymbals

The cymbals provide a 'trashy' and 'explosive' tone. Most china cymbals are used as a more explosive ride cymbal i.e. backbeats.

Splash Cymbals

These are the smallest types of cymbals. The most common size is 8", and its normal function is to provide a short, snappy accent.

Sizzle Cymbals

Cymbals with chains or rattles to change the sound. It is possible to buy separate chains (or rattles) and attach them to your cymbal, or make your own (however, that is not recommended by us). Chains and rattles are usually found on ride cymbals.

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