LEARN HOW TO PLAY THE HI HATS CORRECTLY | Jazz Drummer Q-Tip of the Week

In this jazz drummer Q-tip of the week, I offer you a few Q-tips on ways you can learn how to play the hi hats correctly and improve your basic swing feel on the hi hats based on the way the legendary drummer Papa Jo Jones played them. Having a good hi hat feel in jazz is essential for being able to play with a good swing feel when playing the ride cymbal. Make sure to check out Papa Jo Jones' playing with the Count Basie Jazz Orchestra!
I play Zildjian cymbals, Vic Firth sticks and Tama drums exclusively. In this video, I am using:
CYMBALS
22” Renaissance Ride
20" Bounce Prototype
16" Custom Special Dry Crash
DRUMS
Starclassic (Maple Molten Brown Burst)
14X18 BD
16X14 FT
14X14 FT
8X12 TT
6.5X14 Snare Drum
STICKS
Quincy Davis Signature Stick
University of North Texas
Professor of Jazz Drum Set
Www.Quincydavisjazz.com

[@roccosamuele9323]

Love this lesson, Quincy! I really appreciate how many fundamentals this addresses - touching a lot of bases here. & that lesson yesterday blew my mind. Thank you so much.

[@drumqtips]

I appreciate that Rocco! Our lesson was great and your zest to learn inspires me. Thank YOU!

[@markazinker3212]

I’m a 58 year old beginner, just found your channel, love it , very informative,

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for watching Mark. Glad you find my videos helpful.

[@navyflyer7465]

Dang, what a great explanation for showing the different tones on the hi-hat. Thank you for the Thoroughbreak down. This is clear a bell an fun.......

[@tomcarr4630]

Excellent demonstration! It takes great practice and control to play the hi hat at your level.

[@drumqtips]

Thanks as always Tom:) The hi hats are sneaky challenging for everyone for sure. But with practice you too can get really good at playing them!

[@rustybunting9720]

Fantastic lesson, thank you sir. The best advice I've ever gotten on developing this.

[@drumqtips]

Glad it was helpful Rusty!

[@ritabrooks9059]

Great stuff! Thank You Quincy!

[@drumqtips]

My pleasure Rita!

[@andrewgriffith4807]

Nice lesson Quincy! Hi-hat playing does get neglected sometimes in today's complex drumming world, lol. But, yes, Papa Jo had an orchestra within those hi-hats of his! It's incredible the amount of dynamics and subtle textures he could get from just the hi-hats! Thanks for bringing attention to this topic!

[@drumqtips]

Well said Griff!

[@davidkintner7567]

sooo helpful im just starting drumset and this beginner level stuff is super helpful

[@taweller]

A natural-born teacher! I found you today and will be soaking up all your stuff. I've had a drum set in my garage for years but haven't found the inspiration needed to begin. Until now. Thanks, Q! 😎

[@drumqtips]

Love your comment and appreciate your kind words. Cheers!

[@CharlesTPrimm]

Another excellent lesson. Thanks so much!

[@meatybaggins6565]

Awesome, this is exactly the info i was looking for, great lesson, cheers QD!

[@drumqtips]

Glad to hear!

[@boomerguy9935]

There are SOOOOO many ways to play the hi hats and get many different sounds from them. They should be played musically and not beaten to death like rock drummers so commonly do. I started out in rock in the 60's as a know--it-all teenage drummer in a garage band. Then I discovered jazz. A few years later, I was fortunate enough to find a fantastic jazz drummer (not instructor because he refused to teach - I think I was the only student he ever had because I wore him down, begging.) to teach me and I'm still learning. The first thing he did was make me start all over, learn and practice rudiments, keep good time and most importantly, not to play too loud. He introduced me to brushes and I was blown away by how much he sounded like Ed Thigpen. Because of him, I made a lot of money while wearing a tux and playing alongside a piano and stand-up bass. Never, ever underestimate hi hats, even with brushes and a soft bass pedal.

[@drumqtips]

That’s a great story. I believe you owe your friend a lot of money because you made a lot of money thanks to him🤣🤣

[@boomerguy9935]

@@drumqtips Actually, he refused payment. But he made it clear that if I ever came back to the next lesson without improving, he would stop teaching me immediately.

[@megyalilaballad]

Hah! You got me at the "Chotto rocking ha OK desu 👍"! Subscribed , my man.

[@drumqtips]

Thank you!

[@blanknickname]

That's wow😍👏👏👏tnx mr Davis

[@ItsNotAXylophone]

Funny, it’s never something I thought about before having to teach it to someone. And I was never really taught it. I just went to so many shows and listened to so many records that it just came together. Valuable info that’s really going to help me identify some of my students issues and better be able to articulate how to help them.

[@drumqtips]

Drew! Yeah, I'm not sure why hi hat playing isn't really talked about or taught. Maybe because it's not as played as the ride cymbal but still, so important. Thanks for watching dude!

[@peterevans366]

In-depth lesson on the hats swinging Quincy thanks for sharing 😊

[@drumqtips]

You are so welcome Peter! Thanks for watching!!

[@markmitchell4451]

Excellent dude.... I needed this sooo bad!

[@t3hgir]

Love the lessons, going through many of yours with a playlist. God bless

[@t3hgir]

still here in the woodshed haha! I found your tip on this video of making the hihat chick feel like a backbeat to be very helpful as a blues/rock player coming to jazz

[@klausackfeld4244]

Thank you, Mr. Davis, for your kind and clear lesson . Best wishes from Germany.

[@drumqtips]

You are very welcome!

[@jameslabs1]

Thanks for the music tip to listen to, and the very clear no BS lesson. Grateful.

[@drumqtips]

My pleasure!

[@CharlesTPrimm]

Thanks for steering us to Papa Jo with the Count and Jo’s brilliant hi-hat playing. You’re right Papa Jo could swing that band! Cheers🎉

[@drumqtips]

Absolutely Chucky! Jo Jones set a high bar of swing.

[@kyledorny6831]

Great lesson! Super helpful, thanks!

[@drumqtips]

Glad it was so helpful Kyle!

[@brunoroy2665]

Super lesson, thank you so much!! This one is really going to help me!!

[@drumqtips]

You're very welcome Bruno!

[@vinoyarey3183]

i remember greg hutchinson saying on a clinic that kenny washington showed him that you close the hi hat not on the downbeat but before the downbeat

[@roromoho]

And Walk the dog on the ride ;)

[@drumqtips]

Yes! K. Wash showed this to me as well. I actually use this technique but I chose not to mention since a bit too advanced for most of my viewers but I'm glad you mentioned it Vinoyrey!

[@drumqtips]

Absolutely Palmer!

[@mqcbpp1732]

I have heard of this as well, is it possible if you mention it in future videos? Loved this one anyways, Thanks ♡♡

[@maleklakhoua7528]

I thinking about the same stuff ! :)

[@warrenhenderson2717]

Papa Joe Jones posture was definitely sitting straight up. Thanks for sharing another great lesson Quincy 🥁👍🏾

[@drumqtips]

Thanks Warren!

[@chentiejun3007]

Yeah! I like that,I can clear know that real jazz 🙏

[@drumqtips]

I'm glad these lessons are helping you Chen!

[@michaelvarney4723]

Nice clip, I used the information to diagnose my own playing. Thank you 🙏

[@drumqtips]

Awesome Mike!

[@morasa3000]

great video, thanks!! So helpuful for me. !!!

[@drumqtips]

So glad it helped!

[@shaunepp6489]

Thank you! Great video.

[@lauramcflymusica]

Another great lesson Quincy, Thanks a lot!!!

[@drumqtips]

My pleasure Cesar! Thanks for watching sir.

[@dsteinhil]

Great vid Q! The slipper cam is epic.

[@drumqtips]

Ha! The slipper cam is dedicated to you DS:)

[@boomerguy9935]

Another way to learn how your hi hats can sound so many different ways, is to practice songs in 3/4 time. You could do several videos on this. An example of some of the songs are from Vince Guaraldi's sound track from Charlie Brown Christmas with Gerry Granelli playing with sticks and brushes. Jerry even made some KZbin videos with his trio shortly before he died recently. Your video on playing the bass drum definitely applies here with how delicate it can sound, open and closed. I'm 74 years old and I am loving hi hats and brushes more every day. The delicate skill required is amazing. I would love to know 10% of what Papa Jo Jones and Ed Thigpen knew.

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for sharing Boom! Gerry’s playing on that classic Guaraldi album is great.

[@larrymarcus3176]

There is no true right way or wrong way to play a hh. I use it as a complete complicated instrument. I hit the edge the middle the bell even the under cymbal. I use my other hand yo choke it if I want like gene and buddy I use the pedal to partially open it or full open it and close it abruptly like a parade pair of cymbals. I use it to chirp I use it to augment my playing every way I can. You can adjust the bottom cymbal to a slight angle yo get more sizzle or less. I’ve reversed too and bottom cymbals some use heavier bottoms some use grooved inner ridge on bottom to get a sharper chunk sound when closing. The versatility of it is unlimited. Be experimental and try to see how diversified this little part of your set can be. If it sounds good it ain’t wrong. Been playing for 62 years and still learning new things

[@sergiozdrums]

great lesson! i was making the mistake of opening de hats all the way!!! im gonna get practicing to correct that!

[@yarpyarp85]

love your videos!

[@drumqtips]

Glad you like them Matt!

[@GbengaAyodejiDaniel]

Your class always inspire me to teach my students

[@drumqtips]

Glad to hear that Gbenga!

[@zapapelttari8226]

Thank you Quincy !🥁✌🏽😎

[@drumqtips]

My pleasure!!

[@FRANKLOMBARDI-iv5xs]

Quicy.Im beginner.Older adult.I just caught your video.I watch alot of Drum videos.Played Guitar most of my life.I always wanted to give the Drums a try i do ok takes time.I realy enjoyed your video.Thank you..😁🎸👍✌️🌈

[@drumqtips]

Awesome Frankie! Thanks for watching.

[@Spagz]

I learned quite a bit with this! Thanks. I never really knew how much to open the hats. Or where to hit them. I use the shoulder of the stick and hit the edges all the time. 🙄

[@JimBrooksDrums]

Great lesson on a skill many us take for granted. We think we know, but aren’t executing like we should.

[@drumqtips]

Thank you Jim. I’m glad that you enjoyed the lesson:-)

[@FadjarMoeljarto]

Thanks, good lesson

[@drumqtips]

You are welcome! Glad you like it.

[@resol_beats]

Appreciate the slipper cam 🙏

[@simonoxley3711]

Excellent lesson. I learnt alot.

[@drumqtips]

Glad it was helpful Simon!

[@jimsmallwood1445]

Wonderful lesson. Your slipper movements are so subtle to produce such a nice sound. Sometimes less is more I guess. My inability to do that must be due to not having slippers.

[@drumqtips]

You can't just get any ole' pair of slippers Jim. You gotta get these high tech (extremely expensive!!) Q Slippers!!! lol

[@elafro123]

love you sir

[@rogerrreng2886]

Nice work MR. Davis🥰

[@drumqtips]

Thanks Roger.

[@bobweber4140]

Thanks again bro

[@drumqtips]

Always welcome Bob!

[@MikeGomeztheDMG]

Very informative 🙌

[@willhanley4954]

Great lesson; thanks...

[@drumqtips]

My pleasure Will!

[@andylongley6098]

I have been doing the first two examples and wondering why it don't sound right.,lol this correction is so insightful and sounds so much better. Its the incrementing sizzle that counter acts the fizzle. Thank you. 🙏

[@drumqtips]

Glad it was helpful!

[@3willyd]

Great tips!!!.

[@drumqtips]

I appreciate that Will. Glad you enjoyed!

[@Noah_la_verite]

Amazing and informative video, I love how he touched on a lot of points many people neglect. My question is if you recommend people only use the top of the stick while playing the hi-hat, or alternate between the side of the stick to the tip. Thanks

[@drumqtips]

Thanks Noah. When playing funk and other backbeat style music, I use the shaft of the stick for accents. For jazz, I use tip on top when playing time and use the shaft much more when using the hats in a soloistic manner.

[@handyboen]

Great lesson profeesor 😁👍👍 Thank you so much 😁👍

[@drumqtips]

My pleasure Handy!

[@handyboen]

@@drumqtips 😁🙏🙏

[@dsands4326]

“I’m just kind of hacking at it…” LOL, as Quincy plays better than I probably ever have or will without even looking while narrating for the camera. Great instructional!

[@drumqtips]

🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@MarioCalzadaMusic]

So good

[@drumqtips]

Gracias Mario!

[@andylongley6098]

When the student is ready, DrQ will appear. Thank you. 🙏😊

[@drumqtips]

Always welcome my friend:)

[@carmenip6924]

hi Quincy love it can u also do a topic about hi hat splash dynamic control?

[@robvriens8812]

Swingin the hats like Papa jo Jones! Wish I could. Gonna try it though

[@drumqtips]

It's worth a try at least Rob:) Thanks for watching!

[@ChaunHorton]

Great perspective

[@drumqtips]

Thank you Chaun!

[@rayfabbri3759]

I’m diggin the slipper cam

[@drumqtips]

Gotta bring it back!

[@pipis920]

I'm mostly a rock drummer ... But thanks to you, I'm starting to go a little deeper into the world of jazz. 🥃 .. Cheers man

[@drumqtips]

Cheers!

[@boomerguy9935]

The best rock drummers have jazz backgrounds. Mitch Mitchell, Jon Bonham, Ginger Baker, Danny Seraphine etc., and that was just in the 20th century. There are even more now! With jazz, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. It just keeps getting better and better.

[@pipis920]

@@boomerguy9935 ,👍

[@MarcPlaysDrums]

Why does he have only 36k subs? This guy has literally taught me how to play jazz with these videos.

[@drumqtips]

I appreciate that SJ🙏🏾

[@infernozy]

Great Up..best regards from italy

[@drumqtips]

Many thanks!

[@robdarimartin]

Dear Quincy, I would like you to talk about the displacement of the hit-hat through the different parts of the measure and its use in the modern interpretation of Jazz. Thanks.

[@drumqtips]

Try replacing every bass drum note with the hi hats when comping. That will get you thinking about them in a more interactive way rather than just a functional way. Sorry for the late reply. Thnx Roberto

[@m-a.robinson]

And have fun. Yes swing that.

[@Jazzrob891]

Great! it would be useful if you did an episode on how to play pianissimo on ride cymbal but with swing (piano trio situations whithout microphones)

[@drumqtips]

Great suggestion Roberto! Thanks for watching.

[@ocho611]

slipper cam. so dope.

[@drumqtips]

Ha! Just having a little fun and I think it's helpful to some folks. Thanks as always for watching!

[@donberman5269]

Thanks for this cool lesson, Quincy! Your playing always swings and your explanations are always crystal clear. I have been thinking of getting some 15 inch hi hat cymbals. I play 14 inch hats just about all of the time. How big are your hats in this video and what model? You listed your other cymbals and drums, but not the hats. Thanks, man!!

[@drumqtips]

Hey Don. Thanks for watching the video. My high hats are 14 inch special dry dark hi hats. Cheers!

[@MrEmanuelw]

Ever since i watched a Greg Hutchinson/ Reuben rogers masterclass online awhile ago...i became aware of my untight hihat foot. I've always neglected my hi hat foot thinking it would simply follow my ridehand...untill i paid specific attention on a recording and i heared my hi hat drag and even flame and not do a "tsjik" but rather a "SChtljik" Bleeeeh...after years of playing...it takes a lot of work to get that out of my system. Did you ever do a lesson on a tight hi hat during swing? and position of the hihatcymbals (horizontal or slightly tilted?) Thanx again sir! So inspiring and helpful these!

[@drumqtips]

Thank you so much for sharing this Emanuel and thanks for watching!

[@mattiamuller430]

Hey Mr. Davis, I saw your video about the Kenny Clarke ride cymbal beat/feel and it was so mind opening! And I was wondering if you could make a video about how different drummers approached the ride cymbal beat (elvin, tony, philly, jack dejohnette or whoever you think is important to mention...). Anyways your lessons are great, I´m sending love from Slovakia (Europe), Thank you, you are amazing!

[@tdrum21]

Great idear 👌🏽🎶🥁

[@drumqtips]

Great idea Mattia. I had already planned on doing a video like that so please look out for it! Cheers!

[@MrEmanuelw]

@@drumqtips yes!

[@PeterParker-nc5ke]

Cool

[@Harchit23]

Listen to "Mexican hip dance" by Horace Silver. Listen to the drums during Horace's sole for a master class in hi hat comping by Roger Humphries

[@drumqtips]

Master Humphries was so great! I'll have to check that track out. Thanks for sharing Harchit.

[@pypepeter]

Hey Quincy! How about doing a lesson about comping two beat feel on the ride cymbal?

[@drumqtips]

Good idea my man Pete!

[@dagnasty89]

Awesome! Just curious what those shoes are? they look great for pedal work.

[@drumqtips]

Just basic house slippers 🤣🤣

[@cm-jz8qr]

Awesome! Do you you ever use the technique using the left hand to control the the open and close?

[@drumqtips]

Yes I do sometimes. I probably should have mentioned this in the video since it was especially common with older swing drummers. Thanks for the comment!

[@MrEmanuelw]

@@drumqtips is that what i see Bill stewart do? he sort of seems to give his hihat cymbals a spin while playing.

[@dealmommy]

Thanks so much for this video 🙏 In this "closed-open-open" pattern, does the emphasis go on the 2nd open (ie counts 1 and 3? In other words, it seems like the accents are OPPOSITE to the usual 2 and 4 in uptempo ride cymbal playing - yes?

[@drumqtips]

You could say that there’s a slight accent on 1 & 3 but there should still be more emphasis on 2 & 4. Hope that helps!

[@dealmommy]

@@drumqtips does the "closed" hit on the hi-hat still correspond with count 2?

[@drumqtips]

Correct!@@dealmommy

[@mininowa]

Great stuff. Just one idea : it could be beneficial to suggest to stay at a slow tempo long enough (days, weeks) before going up in order to build a solid move. Thank you so much.

[@drumqtips]

Absolutely! Like I always say at the end of every video, ‘Practice hard, but practice smart’. Smart means slowwwww and intentional. Thnx

[@mininowa]

Not that I implied that you didn't know, but I just thought about this concept while listening to you at that moment. Quite important, considering how we might be tempted to go quicker, feeling we have enough.

[@hotstaff]

surprised and laughed that Japanese subtitles popped up suddenly. Is that automatically translated depends on where we watch your video or you put it on purpose because you have many Japanese students or some reason? Thank you for nice Tips anyway!

[@drumqtips]

Ha! You caught that I see:) Just being silly, plus I speak Japanese so just having a little fun:) Thanks for watching!

[@martywhite2988]

Crazy question. What kind of shoes are those? They look super comfortable to play in.

[@patrickrees917]

Hi Quincy, thanks for encouraging us to listen to other brush players. I've heard many in my time. Can't remember the actual track titles. Could you give me a handful, please? Thanks!

[@drumqtips]

I have a bunch of albums/tracks listed in the description of a couple of my brush lesson videos.

[@patrickrees917]

@@drumqtips Great! Thanks, Quincy!

[@patrickrees917]

Hi Quincy, I'm sure I've seen practice pads for brushes, somewhere. Can you recommend one? Could make my search for them a tad easier. Thanks 👍

[@VMDRUMSANDPERCUSSION]

Hey Quincy, nice video. Is that a Bozzio ride you have??

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for watching V. Have a look at the description box for equipment. Cheers!

[@Joethedrummer]

Yeah :-D

[@jessejafrnd]

The tip on the top always sounds like it's clipping my mics, that's why I searched this subject. Lol I use 14" mastersounds. Are those larger than 16"??

[@drumqtips]

They're 14" hats.

[@groovalotfunk4147]

How do I get my drummer to stop using his high hats like a metronome? Thanks for the vid!

[@drumqtips]

Take them away from him🤣🤣🤣

[@groovalotfunk4147]

@@drumqtips Tried that. Drummer almost bit me.

[@Bigsbeee]

No mention of Hit Hat setup - You appear to have your parallel. Many advise tilting bottom hat ?

[@drumqtips]

I don’t think about that. Sometimes I tilt, sometimes I don’t. I just got with the angle they respond best at with said hi hat stand.

[@YouLutz]

Where to find that hip shoes?

[@drumqtips]

Amazon! Lol

[@vincentzito3933]

Okay, I basically play rock, I get accents using the shoulder of the stick on the edge of the hi-hat.

[@drumqtips]

Yeah, in jazz, we like to play with the tip on top for more precision. Good to be able to do both for different styles.

[@cjklz]

Could you also solve the mystery of the so called dubbel fulcrum? please?

[@drumqtips]

Sorry but I'm not sure what you speak of Peter.

[@cjklz]

@@drumqtips Sorry I meant to say: Dynamic fulcrum. I hear d the term being used in this video from Michael Tooles (one of the video's that work best for me): Getting a grip on Doubles part Grip Mechanics: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bma7apeKnMmMfc0 These techniques seem to be in contrast with the way Tony Williams plays. As he explains his technique namely focusing on the hands instead of the fingers. in his classic video on control and clarity. I try both ways. Ar they really different? Thank you. Tony Williams: Control and clarity kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIbZfHpnqZt0htk&ab_channel=BETHEDRUMBETHEDRUM

[@StraightNoChaser86]

He says play with the tip but he's definitely using some of the neck/shoulder of the stick

[@drumqtips]

Maybe the angle isn’t great for seeing it clearly but I’m definitely not playing with the neck. However, when I play accents on the hats, I definitely use the neck of the stick.

[@StraightNoChaser86]

@@drumqtips Ok, no disrespect meant.

[@MarkRaymondLuce]

I watched up to 2:33 and you did not give the time signature; don't you think that would be a significantly fundamental aspect of understanding of how this hi-hat pattern should be notated?

[@jordonwiersema2807]

It's in 4.

[@drumqtips]

Yup just in good ole 4/4 Mark👍🏾

[@markwbabcock]

Need help learning how to play

[@drumqtips]

Don't we all! Hope my lessons help a bit.

[@polara01]

I enjoyed your instructional video but can you please fix your microphone because your voice is very low and the drums are very loud if you could make it so we can hear your voice so it is equal to the sound of the drums thanks so much!

[@drumqtips]

Sorry about that! I agree with you. I think my voice is better in my most recent ride cymbal video. Hopefully it's better:) Thanks for watching!

[@coldanimal5107]

I'm pretty sure I've never heard anyone play hi-hats like those first two examples. Well, until now anyway.

[@drumqtips]

Thank you, you cold animal you! lol

[@user-in5ym5ch8z]

ちょっと、ロッキングは、OKです！

[@01kuba64]

do you speak Japanese? chotto?

[@drumqtips]

Yes!

[@JohnFiocchi]

Its a real shame that pro guitarists wont correct Jimmy Page's guitar playing and set society straight on the misconception that he is some kind guitar god

[@drumqtips]

My name is Bennett🤷🏾

[@23max232323232323]

This is typical jazz mentality. Hitting the bell is wrong, hitting the side is wrong lol. In rock and other types of music you use all of them because you want the full spectrum of sounds you can get. But in jazz it's wrong. That is why jazz is one of the most monotonous types of music. They tend to compensate by using complex harmonies which sound unpleasant, rather than experimenting with new sounds and techniques. A bit like Muslims, everything else is haram. Lol. Worst lesson ever!

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for watching this worst lesson ever. Hope to never hear from you again as you are clearly bitter and not open minded to anything outside of your small insular world. Sorry you don't get a lot of attention or love in your daily life. And your comment about Muslims was totally out of pocket but not surprising come from someone like you. I'm trying to connect with people through music and you're trying to create division. Not my type of human to be around but who am I to judge you. In spite of our clear differences in approaches to life and music, I wish you good health and happiness in 2024.