16th Note Hi-Hat

16th note hi-hat possibilities will demonstrated in this video drum lesson.  The focus will be on using both hands on the hi-hat.

Drummers often utilize different cymbal treatments over any given snare and bass drum pattern.  This approach allows us to create different cymbal textures while maintaining the underlying rhythmic pulse. 

There is a lot drummers can do to create interesting textures while having both hands playing the hi-hat.  The hi-hat is a very expressive and powerful instrument.  It is capable of producing a wide variety of sounds.

Firstly, drummers can play on the top of a tight hi-hat for a clean sound.  Different areas of the hi-hat produce different sounds, so spend some time experimenting with that. Secondly, loosen up the hi-hat a bit by relaxing your foot and play on the edge for a rough sound.  You can also blend these approaches for a more varied sound.

Additionally, drummers can include accents and double stokes to really spice things up.  Play on the top of the hi-hat when playing double strokes because the edge has very little rebound.  A tight hi-hat will also increase the rebound, so put extra pressure on it with your foot.

Finally, we can syncopate on the snare drum by bringing some left hand strokes down to snare. You may need to move your right arm outward slightly as you bring the left hand down from the hi-hat.  Do your best to play in the middle of the snare drum when bringing down your left hand. 

Take a look at the possibilities presented in this video and then go practice these drumming concepts and see what you can come up with.  Have fun!