Hi Hat Cymbals article
Hi Hat Cymbals Explained: Features, Types and Tips
The hi-hat is the most expressive cymbal on the kit — and understanding its construction tells you everything about how it sounds. Here's what you need to know.
Hi-hat cymbals sit at the centre of almost every drum kit, driving the rhythmic pulse of a performance and offering more expressive nuance than any other part of the setup. Understanding how they work — their construction, their sounds and their variables — makes you a more capable player and a more informed buyer.
What Are Hi-Hat Cymbals?
A hi-hat is a pair of two cymbals mounted on a stand with a foot pedal. Pressing the pedal pulls the top cymbal down onto the lower one, closing them together; releasing it allows them to separate and ring. That mechanical relationship — open, closed, and everywhere in between — is what gives the hi-hat its expressive range.
The two cymbals in a hi-hat pair are deliberately different. The top cymbal is typically lighter and thinner, giving a bright cutting attack. The bottom cymbal is heavier, often with a wave edge (a corrugated rim that allows air to escape and prevents the cymbals from vacuum-sealing together). The interaction between these two unmatched surfaces creates the hi-hat's distinctive sound: tight and dry when closed, loose and washy when open.
Hi-Hat Cymbal Sizes and Their Sounds
The most common hi-hat cymbal sizes are:
- 13 inch — fast, tight response; popular in jazz and lighter styles.
- 14 inch — the most widely used size; balanced between projection and control; suits most genres.
- 15 inch — fuller, heavier sound; preferred in louder rock and metal contexts.
- 16 inch — less common; very substantial and powerful.
Smaller hi-hats respond faster and stay drier. Larger ones have more volume and wash. For most drummers, 14-inch is the natural starting point.
Materials: Bronze Alloys and What They Mean
The vast majority of quality cymbals are made from bronze, and the alloy composition matters considerably.
- B20 bronze (80% copper, 20% tin) — the standard for professional cymbals. Richer, more complex sound with greater harmonic depth.
- B8 bronze (92% copper, 8% tin) — used in student and mid-range cymbals. Brighter, more direct sound. Perfectly usable; less complex than B20.
- Sheet brass — the cheapest option, found in entry-level packs. Fine for learning; replace when budget allows.
Weight, Finish and How They Affect Sound
Beyond size and alloy, two key variables shape the sound of a hi-hat: weight and finish.
Weight describes how thick the cymbal is for its size. Thin hi-hats have a quick, sensitive response and a lower, darker sound — favoured in jazz. Heavy hi-hats cut through loud mixes and can take harder strokes without choking. Most rock and pop drummers choose medium-weight pairs as a practical middle ground.
Finish refers to the surface treatment. A brilliant finish (polished mirror surface) produces a brighter, more cutting sound. A natural finish (the lathed or raw surface) tends to be drier and darker. Hammering — either machine or hand — adds surface irregularities that increase complexity and wash.
Key Hi-Hat Brands
Several makers dominate the cymbal market. Each has a recognisable house character:
- Zildjian — founded in 1623, the oldest cymbal maker. The A and K series are industry standards for pop/rock and jazz respectively.
- Sabian — Canadian brand with a wide range from the entry-level B8X to the pro-level HHX and HH series.
- Meinl — German brand; the Byzance series offers hand-hammered Turkish-style cymbals at competitive prices.
- Paiste — Swiss/German; known for very precise, consistent manufacturing and a bright, clear sound profile.
Playing Techniques
The hi-hat's expressive range comes from how you play it as much as what it is. The main techniques are:
- Closed — foot down, cymbals pressed together; produces a tight, cutting "chick" sound.
- Open — foot up, cymbals apart; strikes ring out with a sustained wash before closing.
- Half-open — foot partially depressed; creates a loose, sizzling sound popular in funk and R&B.
- Foot chick — closing the pedal without striking with a stick; adds a quiet rhythmic pulse, often used in jazz.
Mastery of hi-hat control is one of the most valued skills in drumming. The ability to move smoothly between open and closed, and to control the exact degree of openness with the foot, takes time to develop but is well worth the effort.
The Bottom Line
Hi-hat cymbals are defined by their mechanical versatility and their responsiveness to touch. Size, alloy, weight and finish each contribute to the overall character — and understanding these variables lets you make informed choices rather than guessing in a shop. For a practical guide to choosing a pair that suits your playing and your budget, see the buyer's guide. If you're just starting out and want to skip the technical deep-dive, the beginner's guide covers exactly what you need.
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