How to set up your hihats (for the absolute BEGINNER)

[@nadvoodoo2871]

Holy shit. man, thanks. No one showed or explained these things to me, and for about 5 years I pulled the top hat as tight as possible

[@lobbyrobby]

I'm just a beginner but here's a tip I heard about. Move the tilter thing so the top cymbal overlaps the bottom cymbal on the side close to you. You'll do way less damage to your sticks not hitting the sharp edge of the bottom cymbal all the time. Other than that thank you for this. I'll have to make some changes to my setup

[@deadshot4245]

That and have it loose on the top cymbal a bit not a lot just a bit so it's not snug and tight helps with foot control of open and closing and puts less tension on it

[@Snaz.z.z]

Greetings. Is there perhaps a video you're aware of that could clarify this seemingly interesting comment of yours.

[@mai_dinh]

Many thanks, Stephen, so instructive, as usual!

[@Snaz.z.z]

Thanks man, i really thought i knew but i just learned so much. Blessings

[@howardwayne5982]

This was helpful. I need to loosen my top hi-hat and work on my spring tension. Thanks!

[@Kyle-uv8wf]

Great tips for beginners. I remember the first time I changed my hi-hat cymbals out and did not pay attention to how the clutch when together. Took longer than I'd like to admit to realize I had put it back wrong.

[@goodtimejohnny8972]

My high hat clutch uses a hex key set screw. I use the pearl quick connect on the bottom. Years ago one of the drumming legends had a video on this topic. Very similar. Good advice.

[@ryanbachmeier6979]

Holy shit this helped. 🙌 I was keeping my top too tight!😳 Been playing for years & Never Knew.

[@douglee216]

Good video with good info, as usual. One thing you can do to make sure your clutch doesn’t loosen- the two nuts on top each have a purpose. Adjust the lower nut to get the amount of desired slosh/slop. Then, while holding the lower nut in position, run the upper nut down until it snugs up against the lower nut. That will help maintain the sloshiness so the lower nut is less likely to move. (That’s why it’s a double nut on top.) rock on.

[@NowOffTheClock]

@18:58- So from the Stephen Clark School of reference, my Vic Firth stick has the closed hats at the letter "T" in Firth. (And as you note - lower for playing quieter stuff) OR from the School of NGD, 😉 My Snare head is (tape measure in hand) 26" off the floor, & the closed hats are 32" off the floor. 😆 - for us tape measuring kit setup nerds... 😎 Thx Stephen for your Always appreciated info n Advice. 👍🥁

[@michaelb4375]

Great explanation, your allowing the hihats to speak not just squeak, personally I like your way best…

[@Neal_Schier]

Great video. Thank you Stephen.

[@mcinen67]

Thanx...! 👍👍👍👍👍

[@grumpy55]

Great video

[@jcdrums2798]

Thank. You

[@jimideez9829]

nice tips...

[@JimiMckeever]

Fine lesson: But really having the clutch upside down... :-)

[@XoseGuitar]

Haha. I'm also self-taught drummer (normally a guitarist). I started out playing jazz so keep my hats pretty wide from one another (about 2"). The drummer in my band is a traditional rock guy and when he plays my kit in practice I always laugh because the cymbals are like 1/16" from each other. I have no idea how he gets a "chick" at all!

[@goodtimejohnny8972]

Rock guys get chicks at every gig! 😜