A hi-hat is a pair of cymbals mounted on a stand with a foot pedal, used in drum kits to keep rhythm and produce a wide range of sounds. If you have ever wondered what is a hi-hat and why drummers seem to play it more than any other part of their kit, you are in the right place.
Our team has spent years behind drum kits, and we can tell you that the hi-hat is the single most expressive element of a modern drum set. It can make a practically infinite number of sounds, from a tight, crisp chick to a wash of sizzling sustain.
In this guide, we break down exactly what a hi-hat is, how it works, the different sizes and types available, and why it earned its name. Whether you are a beginner picking up sticks for the first time or a producer trying to understand drum terminology, this article covers everything you need to know.
Table of Contents
What Is a Hi-Hat? The Definition Explained
A hi-hat is a pair of cymbals mounted face-to-face on a metal stand, controlled by a foot pedal that opens and closes them together. It is a fundamental part of nearly every drum kit used in rock, pop, jazz, blues, metal, and Latin music.
The top cymbal moves up and down while the bottom cymbal stays fixed. When you press the pedal, the cymbals come together and produce a sharp, percussive “chick” sound. When you release the pedal, the cymbals separate and ring out with a sustained, sizzling tone.
Drummers play hi-hats with sticks, brushes, rods, or even their hands in some styles. They also use the foot pedal alone to create rhythmic accents without touching the cymbals at all. This combination of hand and foot control makes the hi-hat incredibly versatile.
Think of the hi-hat as the time keeper of the drum kit. It provides the steady pulse that holds a song together, sitting right next to the snare drum at the center of every drummer’s setup.
Components of a Hi-Hat
Every hi-hat has three main parts working together. Understanding each component helps you see why this instrument is so adaptable.
The Two Cymbals (Top and Bottom)
The hi-hat consists of two cymbals, usually matching in diameter. The bottom cymbal is heavier and sits fixed on the stand. The top cymbal is lighter and attaches to a pull rod that raises and lowers it when you work the pedal.
Most hi-hats range from 13 to 15 inches in diameter, though you can find sizes from 12 to 16 inches. The cymbals are typically made from bronze alloys like B8, B10, or B20, each producing a different tonal character.
The Hi-Hat Stand
The stand is a metal tube assembly that holds both cymbals in place. It includes a pull rod running through the center that connects the top cymbal to the pedal mechanism below. The stand keeps everything stable while allowing the top cymbal to move freely.
The Foot Pedal
The pedal sits at the base of the stand and controls the distance between the two cymbals. Press down and they close together. Release and they spring apart. This foot control is what separates a hi-hat from every other cymbal in the kit.
How Hi-Hats Produce Sound
The magic of a hi-hat comes from the interaction between the two cymbals and the foot pedal. The pedal controls how far apart the cymbals sit, and that distance completely changes the sound.
When the cymbals are pressed together in the closed position, striking them with a stick produces a tight, crisp sound with very little sustain. This short, controlled “chick” is what you hear on countless rock and pop recordings.
When the cymbals are apart in the open position, they ring freely against each other with a sustained, sizzling wash of sound. This creates a looser, more atmospheric tone that works well for builds, accents, and groove variations.
Most drummers keep the top hi-hat about a quarter of an inch above the bottom when in the resting position, based on advice shared widely in drummer communities. This small gap lets the cymbals breathe slightly while still producing a controlled sound when struck.
Open vs Closed vs Half-Open Hi-Hat
One of the biggest sources of confusion for beginners is the difference between open, closed, and half-open hi-hat positions. The forum discussions we reviewed show this comes up constantly among new drummers.
Closed hi-hat: The pedal is pressed down, bringing the cymbals together. The sound is tight, crisp, and short. This is the default position for most rock and pop grooves.
Open hi-hat: The pedal is released, letting the cymbals separate. The sound is louder, longer, and sizzles with sustain. Drummers use open hi-hats for accents, fills, and stylistic moments in funk, rock, and jazz.
Half-open hi-hat: The pedal is held somewhere in the middle, partially closing the cymbals. This produces a controlled sizzle that is not as tight as closed and not as washy as fully open. Many experienced players use the half-open position for a funky, breathing groove.
The key insight is that the pedal is not just an on-off switch. Skilled drumters use subtle pressure changes to blend between these positions, creating dynamic shifts within a single beat.
Hi-Hat Sizes and How They Affect Sound
Hi-hat cymbals come in several standard sizes, and each diameter produces a noticeably different sound. Choosing the right size is one of the most common questions drummers ask online.
12-inch hi-hats: Produce a sharp, bright, and focused sound. Great for fast playing, electronic music, and situations where you need the hi-hat to cut through a dense mix.
13-inch hi-hats: Offer a crisp, articulate tone with slightly more body than 12-inch pairs. Popular in fusion, pop, and rock settings.
14-inch hi-hats: The most common size by far. They deliver a balanced sound with solid volume and versatility across nearly every genre. If you are unsure, 14 inches is the safe choice.
15-inch hi-hats: Produce a warmer, darker, and louder sound. Jazz and blues drummers often prefer this size for its rich, spreading tone.
16-inch hi-hats: Sound deep and washy with long sustain. Used mainly in heavier rock and metal where a big, aggressive sound is needed.
Smaller cymbals speak faster and project higher frequencies. Larger cymbals produce more volume, lower pitch, and longer sustain. The material and alloy also factor in, but diameter is the starting point for understanding hi-hat sound.
Types of Hi-Hat Cymbals
Beyond size, hi-hats come in different weights and tonal categories. Here are the main types you will encounter:
Standard hi-hats: Medium weight and the most versatile option. They work well across rock, pop, and funk without leaning too bright or too dark.
Heavy hi-hats: Thicker cymbals that produce a loud, cutting, and articulate sound. Rock and metal drummers favor them for their projection and defined chick.
Thin hi-hats: Lighter cymbals with a softer, more sensitive response. Jazz and acoustic players often choose thin hi-hats for their warm, buttery feel.
Dark hi-hats: Designed with a lower pitch and complex overtones. They produce a smoky, earthy sound that suits jazz, blues, and alternative styles.
Bright hi-hats: Engineered for high-frequency projection and clarity. Pop, country, and worship drummers often reach for bright hi-hats to cut through a full band mix.
Effects hi-hats: Unconventional designs like bottom-only hi-hats, vented cymbals, or unusual hole patterns. These create unique sounds for experimental and electronic music.
Why Is It Called a Hi-Hat? History and Origin
The name “hi-hat” has a straightforward origin rooted in drumming history. In the early 1900s, drummers used a device called a “low-boy” or “sock cymbal” that sat close to the floor and could only be played with the feet.
Legendary drummer Gene Krupa is widely credited with raising the cymbals higher on the stand so they could also be played with sticks. He took the low-boy and lifted it up, and the raised version became known as the “high-hat.”
Before the modern hi-hat emerged, drummers used hand-held cymbals played together for timekeeping, similar to marching band cymbals. The Charleston dance craze of the 1920s also pushed the development of foot-operated cymbals to keep up with the fast, syncopated rhythms.
The term “hi-hat” has since entered slang usage outside of music. To “high-hat someone” means to treat them with snobbish superiority, as if looking down from a lofty position. This slang meaning is unrelated to the drum component but shares the same sense of elevation.
FAQs
What is a hi-hat used for?
A hi-hat is used primarily as a time-keeping instrument in a drum kit. It provides the steady pulse that drives rock, pop, jazz, blues, and most contemporary music. Drummers also use it for accents, fills, and dynamic shifts between open, closed, and half-open positions.
What is the difference between a cymbal and a hi-hat?
A standard cymbal is a single disc of metal that hangs freely on a stand and is struck with a stick. A hi-hat is a pair of cymbals mounted face-to-face on a stand with a foot pedal that opens and closes them together, allowing both hand and foot control of the sound.
What does ‘high hat’ mean in slang?
In slang, to ‘high-hat someone’ means to treat them with arrogant snobbery or dismissive superiority. This meaning is unrelated to the drum kit component but shares the concept of being elevated or looking down on someone.
Why do they call it a hi-hat?
The hi-hat got its name because drummer Gene Krupa raised the older ‘low-boy’ cymbal stand higher up so the cymbals could be played with sticks as well as the feet. The raised version became known as the ‘high-hat,’ later shortened to ‘hi-hat.’
What size hi-hat should I get?
14-inch hi-hats are the most versatile and are recommended for most beginners. They produce a balanced sound that works across nearly every genre. If you play mostly jazz or blues, consider 15-inch hi-hats for a warmer tone. For fast, cutting sounds in rock or electronic music, 13-inch or 12-inch pairs work well.
Conclusion: Understanding What a Hi-Hat Really Is
So, what is a hi-hat at its core? It is a pair of cymbals on a foot-pedal-controlled stand that serves as the rhythmic heartbeat of nearly every drum kit. From the tight chick of a closed position to the sizzling wash of a fully open pair, the hi-hat offers more tonal variety than any other component on the set.
We covered the key components: the two cymbals, the stand, and the foot pedal. We explored how sound changes between open, closed, and half-open positions. We walked through sizes from 12 to 16 inches, the main types from standard to effects, and even traced the name back to Gene Krupa and the original low-boy.
If you are just starting out, grab a pair of 14-inch standard hi-hats and focus on controlling the pedal pressure. That single skill will unlock more musical expression than almost anything else you can practice. The hi-hat rewards patience and subtlety, and once you feel those positions under your foot, a whole world of groove opens up.