5 Ways to INSTANTLY Make Your HiHats Sound Better

[@thenonglamorousdrummer]

Conquer one-handed hihat 16ths at 80bpm in 5 simple lessons! Download my FREE guide, “The Secret to Hihat 16ths." the-non-glamorous-drummer-llc.ck.page/b2413eee87

[@BoxUpMyBones]

The bottom hat being angled is SO crucial! I can’t tell you how many drummers I have seen that hate their hi hat sound (basically they’re hitting a single 14” crash) and their bottom hat is SUPER flat with absolutely zero contact with the top hat because that top hat’s also cranked ridiculously tight. I usually resolve years of hi hat frustration for these drummers in less than a minute by simply loosening the top hat just a little, angling the bottom hat, and usually I tighten the spring for the rod (makes it much more responsive). Glad there’s a video out explaining it! Cheers!

[@jordonpolete7381]

I'm having trouble keeping the tilt adjustment in tact , everytime I play it keeps failing out... Do you know what my problem might be I'm fairly new to drumming!

[@BoxUpMyBones]

@Jordon Polete you might not have a locking thread type of bolt. I would suggest putting a layer of either plumbing tape or a small bit of tightly pulled electric tape (where you can see the threads of the bolt), and see if that helps any. If that doesn't work, I would suggest getting a compatible nut (Ace, Lowe's, or Home Depot should have a good selection for cheap), and see if you can get it to stay put that way.

[@imagesofstyle]

Getting into hi-hat as a way to improve my bass playing - nothing shows up flaws in your timing like a percussion instrument with a bright, sharp transient. These videos have been incredibly useful for understanding how to set it up and play it.

[@EndHelicopterPilot]

I'm so glad I found this video! I just started playing drums and somehow I adjusted everything wrong that I possibly could. I cranked the clutch and I spend quite some time to parallel these hats. For me, that was totally logical. Needless to say, I was always unhappy with my HiHat sound. Thanks Stephen for explaining the basics to people like me!

[@pjcaps100]

Awesome info. Was never told about any of this. I always just tighten everything all the way. Thanks for the vids!

[@a.j.wilkes6352]

You know the rules for drums: Not too loose or too tight, unless you want that sound, so use your ear, no wait a drum dial, just kidding go back to your ear...you know what it all depends on the number of lugs anyway, you know what just go back to cranking it tight...wait what kind of music am I playing...can the people out there hear this snare buzz everytime I hit the toms...I should probably crank the batter head tighter...no wait, I want the fat sound, or do I want to the tight sound...on second thought, it's the bass player that's causing most of the buzz why is that amp so close to me...FEEL THE MUSIC!

[@norskov]

pjcaps100 yeah man, don't over tighten anything. Play around with different looseness Etc. Have fun

[@MrBassdog]

The tilt on the bottom cymbal is used to prevent suction like when you put two plungers together.

[@TempoDrift1480]

Negative. It's to make them touch each other. Has nothing to do with air pressure.

[@jimmoore1661]

Good stuff! I can't wait till you discuss hat placement. I'm always trying to jam my hat forward from my snare to avoid crossing over, and clicking sticks!

[@OneTwo-kd2tq]

This channel is a life saver.

[@therealspooks]

Great timing brother, just got a new Iron Cobra stand and since you know it has been a minute for me, this helped remind me some of the best ways to get that sweet spot! I also added new to me high hat cymbals, always have used Zyldian and got a great deal on a pair of 14" Sabians, liking what I hear so far and thanks for all you do for the community!! David

[@cedarklugherz9367]

Awesome! I'ma beginning drummer and I love your channel!! Thanks! 💖💖🤘

[@virdixxii8341]

6:11 Josh Dun😂

[@nathanmathews9423]

Ikr!

[@josh-zi9vu]

Lmao true

[@machete660]

Trash Dun

[@levig384]

And dave grohl in the 90s

[@aneishajay7949]

this video is super helpful, everything you mentioned is stuff I really needed to know! thank you!!

[@footlongrat2755]

“ further together”

[@username6265]

These are valuble lessons!! thank you Stephan!!

[@brothaman4578]

This is an amazing video for a new drummer. Thanks for going into such depth. Most videos are either just "tighten the clutch, there you go" or super high level tips for experienced drummers.

[@111connorg]

Used to have a mate that'd have a gap of about 1mm if that!! I like a good inch or so enough to keep time and add that extra timbre to the beat :)

[@katechapman8620]

I dont usually subscribe to many drum teachers in youtube but i like you,really down to earth(non glamorous is perfect)great detail and u explain in such great detail!thank tou

[@declansykes4243]

This just makes me realise what a cheap hi-hat stand I have haha

[@giromasa1149]

Lol I have a 10dollar stand because my tama superstar hihat stand is misssinh

[@djaaron2426]

Same 😂

[@thomasgale96]

awesome tips, thank you!

[@alldog222]

ty as always for your time and help

[@peteroks12]

Every concept here is one that I’ve been taught before and employed in my own playing, there are some really valuable lessons here. Fun Fact: Steve Smith (and a lot of other drummers) has his top cymbal so loose that it’s just about as loose as the extreme you presented. He explained that it gives him maximum control over the “sloshyness” of the open sound. Some of the stuff is all about what’s most musical!

[@philpreston3072]

Hey, great lesson. Have always been curious about the hihat spacing. Some people space them far, others space them close. Now I know. Thanks! Great technique demo at the end too.

[@chrisb3389]

Thanks for this video. As a still fairly new drummer, I really didn't have enough of a clue on how to set my hats. I had always fully tightened on top of the hats, and wondered how guys got that nice loose sizzle and action. Now I know. Off to do some loosening.

[@gmoney1592]

This is good stuff. Thx for going over all of the different adjustments and the right way to set up our hi hats. This was very useful and helps a lot thx as always

[@rocknreplay]

Those drums sound amazingly mic'd!

[@Chrisb286]

Great tips, thanks for sharing.

[@robbennett9631]

Thankyou very much very helpful 😀

[@DPGlu]

Great video, thank you Stephen!

[@norskov]

Don't forget that, if you are recording, then the higher up/further away from the snare your hat is the less bleed you'll get from the hihat in your snare mic.

[@joeygwood]

Great video man! I love your channel. I'm glad that you've been able to make more noise since you moved haha!

[@Christopherdrums]

Thanks man. Your videos are really helpful.

[@pl3637]

Great tips Stephen

[@thebodybeatdownDiTi]

this was helpful thanks

[@thisaintmyrealname1]

I applied all these tips. I can confirm it works, on some cheap Sabian B8s that I'm stuck with.

[@JohnnyArtPavlou]

Good stuff. Answered a lot of questions for me.

[@gelanmix]

nice thank you sir stephen i learned so much

[@seancase1543]

Great video sir

[@abrotherinchrist]

Great advice. Keep it up.

[@NotTyNope]

THANK YOU

[@SirTravelMuffin]

I like the natural lighting :)

[@NowOffTheClock]

@4:30 - the most asked question I get asked IS - Where is the Bottom cymbal Angle Screw SUPPOSED to be placed? Near Me at "6 o'clock"? At 9 o'clock? At 12 o'clock? At 3 o'clock? - Make it 12 o'clock! (Opposite You)

[@marcus_mayhem]

Amazing video, thanks for the tips

[@blakenunndrums]

Well look who it is from 2 years ago! We are now in the future, Marcus! lol! 😆😉

[@pfkmsandiego]

great vid

[@wjb111]

Love your Vids!!

[@zacharywilliams2]

You should do a video on right hand technique. I think is something overlooked a lot. I used to struggle with it, but I would love to see a video so I can fine-tune my technique. Example of what I mean would be when doing 16th note beats, maybe swing, ect. I know you kinda touched on the topic a little in this video, but I would like a more in depth video. Thanks 😁

[@craigshewchuk9018]

Disco hat height and set up for all my playing, fight me! Lol love your videos bro

[@brunaromanelli4002]

Your great!

[@Synchrophazer61]

Thanks!!

[@benfeldman8361]

Subtitles at 0:04 lol im dead

[@zacharywilliams2]

😂

[@steeezyjoey]

"Today were talking about high-ass"

[@Craigwhyte73]

My heartfelt condolances to your family,A bit weird that you managed to type that comment before you died though

[@TheInternet8765]

🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️😂😂😂

[@drummingninja1065]

Great video. Definitely will take these tips to my hats. By the way, which DW hi hat and you using? I'm running the two legged 9000 series. Love it.

[@chasewillian9010]

Hey man thanks so much!

[@BADD400]

Awesome Stephen

[@wannesdaneels9154]

i'm a punk kinda drummer and i use A-customs (which is not rare at all in my genre) and i may or may not be guilty for them around, so now the bottom is on top. Idk dude i just really like having stick definition. Also it's a little bit higher pitched and also a bit louder hwich has its pro's and con's.

[@MattMusicianX]

: : My favorite video of yours yet : :

[@caveofsleepers]

Is that a K Custom ride you're playing at 5:55? Is it the Dry? Thanks!

[@bogdanchirva]

Cave of Sleepers I think it’s a K sweet

[@BibleStoriesCEO]

He deserves more subscribers

[@MrDCrosswell]

Why you get that choked sound with the hats parallel like that is because the air is compressed between them: if they're off-set, by angling the bottom hat, the air can escape and the cymbals are free to give voice.

[@soeiruh]

Hi Stephen, can you make a video about what technique to use to switch from cross stick (stick inverted) to a normal beat during a groove? Never practiced any tricks or flares and now that I need it I'm struggling a bit. Cheers!

[@norskov]

Filipe Soeiro who needs tricks and flares ?? Lol. Here's my 2cent to your question. If majority of the tune is crosstick, then don't bother flipping your stick.. If my verses are crosstick I hardly ever flip my stick, use the butt of your stick through out the tune.

[@apparently33yearsago29]

Tutorial for moeller technique please 🖐🏻

[@stevenvezina2502]

Merci

[@timsears9340]

used to keep my top hat fairly tight until recently started screwing around with that & also adjusting hi hat to different heights...

[@oliverpearson1577]

He is quite correct in his summary regarding positioning. However, I would like to state a couple of things. You can achieve aural quadrosymphonics using a tantalum tipped Indonesian birch as a stick. Try it, seriously. You'll pick up a sonic experience on a sub atomic level, because those particular sticks are capable of re-arranging neutrons and protons in the core of an atom - dependent upon how you strike the hi-hat. If you use a beryllium coated top floater, (coupled with a 1 micron thick sheet of gandolinium to transduce the boson influx), together with a transverse disc finished in nobelium and polished to within an atom level tolerance using hydrofluoric acid, then incredible results can be achieved. It is possible to create a polytransmorphic reverb, and as all drummers know, that is one of the hardest shuffle grooves to produce on hi-hats. It is especially difficult, as all of the notes between the 467th and 908th symphanitical poly diddles have to be accented with a carpal flam, at the same time doubling down on a progressive Polynesian poly plop. Now, all of these techniques require plenty of practice (and a very large bank balance to purchase the equipment I mentioned), and also a fundamental understanding of sub nucleonic prodigal physics.

[@robshaw845]

Who makes that snare? Great tone on those drums. And which hats are those?

[@ronniepunter1]

I play drums in an original band in London and self taught drummer and I change my hat distance pretty much each song in our set because I don’t think there’s a perfect distance to cover everything

[@tdrum21]

Good stuff here 👌🏽🥁🎶

[@marcgendron2077]

Does the angle matter what side of hi-hats you play? like, smaller closing side facing me with my sticks.

[@rockdahaus]

Mostly i agree on the content. But for a recording drummer, if you are looking for a more less hi-hat bleed on the snare mic. Place the hi-hat a 1-2 or 3 inch higher and place the snare mic under the hi-hat. As shown in the vid, you will get maximum hi-hat bleed in the snare mic. Still a good video!

[@DanielS10291]

If you really want to minimise hi hat bleed an old technique is to move the hi hat to the ride side and play open handed. Might sound odd in stereo though but makes it easier to get a better snare sound without struggling to gate/duck the hat hits out

[@TempoDrift1480]

All this information on hi hat settings and you got your seat backwards. When you play them half open with that seat backwards you pull the cymbals apart before they touch each other. You want to tip the bottom cymbal away from you. Then when you hit them, you push them into one another immediately. Try it and listen how much tighter you are able to play.

[@blackmetalden]

I play a lot of metal so I prefer them just barely touching when fully open so they "sizzle" when you hit them but that's mostly a sound preference for what I want it to sound like when I hit them when they're fully open.

[@davidswope9748]

yes indeed! I keep mine at about 1/4 inch, just barely touching and pretty loose on the clutch.. i use a set of very tightly closed hats on the right side of my kit. i have never had a ride that i am happy with so i tend to use my 21" Zildjian like a crash.

[@jove1155]

@@davidswope9748 In general, the best sounding ride I have is the Paiste 2002 ride, 20" version. For metal, Paiste Alpha Metal 22" Ride (SADLY discontinued line) is a BEAST, beautiful ping, loud bell. Not crashable but who needs a crashable ride with 6 crashes around you. It works wonderfully with my Alpha metal 14" sound edge hihats. RUDES have almost a monopoly on metal, the Alpha Metal line was an incredible underdog from Paiste. Of course, lower priced line so they killed it. 🙄

[@DanielS10291]

My clutches come apart a lot, so i tighten them as much as possible to lengthen the amount of time before they come undone. Am I doing something wrong? Why do they always come loose/undone?

[@changein3d]

Hello, I really like your videos! Can you please blend in the numbers for the metric system, the rest of the world doesn't understand these old imperial units.

[@bododiekvoss6824]

1 inch = 2,5 cm shouldn't be that difficult to calculate...

[@AdrianShawDrummer]

Perhaps we should explain more about why the bottom cymbal needs to be angled. The principle reason is to allow air to spill out between the cymbals when they are brought together. You can't get a good "Chick" sound if the hats are cusioned by the trapped air. I use Zildjian Mastersound hats that have the wavy edge on the bottom hat which allows air to spill out. Other manufacturers place 1/2" holes in the bottom hat to achieve the same effect. These developments make it less crucial to angle the hats although some angle is desirable to get a good sizzle sound as the hats remain partially in contact.

[@machete660]

NEVER discussed spring tension. 🤔 never discussed foot pedal height 🤔

[@arthurpiccio7906]

That's more about feeling better than "sounding" better.

[@UnseenEternalStudios]

Never made your own video to let us know what YOU would do differently.

[@riffdex]

@@UnseenEternalStudios lmao gottem

[@Armz316]

Earned a sub.+ like! Love it

[@jordonpolete7381]

I'm having trouble with my hi high hat adjustment screw coming out every time I play it do you know what the problem might be??

[@TheCookster64]

As a metal drummer I don't understand why drummers keep the open part of the hats toward them. My hats are no more than maybe an 1/8" or more open, closed side toward me. That way I can play double bass and not have to worry about my hats at all for an open sound. If I want a closed sound during double bass parts I have a second set of hats I can use. If I'm using my hats to keep time with my left foot I don't want it to sound that loud! Am I alone here?

[@timworley3235]

great video, but some of your points also depend on what style your playing. these tips are great for rock/jazz but if your playing death metal with double kicks you'll want the completely open hats to still be touching eachother, as you probably dont have 3 legs and your left foot will be on the left kick for 95% of the time. you also want that clutch as tight as possible, because when you want to close the hihat you need it completely choked. plus your hihats are still touching eachother, so its not like you'd run into that problem where they dont sizzle.

[@lucasbrucas9632]

Hi hats are way, way, way too far apart for me. I never want my hats to rattle and not be in contact. As a metal drummer I play with double bass and therefore an open hi hat. At this length seperated, my hats would sound horrible. Not trying to criticize, just pointing out the subjectivity of this topic.

[@Mari000]

Agreed. I need contact with my hi hats. Way too open for my taste.

[@St_Mindless]

Yeah, that washy sound is a must have. Especially with double bass

[@Lauen]

I play metal too and for around 9 years I just played open hihat when I did double bass things. Never really enjoyed the sound of it though. Some songs I like just rip my ears apart with the hihats, like Love? by Strapping Young Lad. Used an old hihat stand for a while but it took up too much space to fit the other stuff on the right side, got an xhat mount. highly recommend getting an xhat mount, set it to the point you like and just leave it. Have your main hat be open for doing actual open-close things.

[@eugeniovasquez3780]

Sick!

[@semilivesixstringstrumist5595]

I have always cut off the top rod on the hats because I have always had toms over the hats. But not flush! Leave enough for a ching ring or a bell. And leave enough for your clutch and locking clutch. Yeah, I still use a locking clutch. I don't want two hats ok. Don't need a hat for every head! lol.

[@HazeyHorizonz]

Did anyone see that orb float by his hand at 0:14?

[@magrildz]

I like my Hi-Hat clutch really tight and maybe having each cymbal at least an inch apart from each other. I play fast and heavy music (proud thrash metal drummer) and I get great response from my hats this way. The stand size is kinda high, almost as high as Marky Ramone's hi hat stand size back in the 90's... It's great for fast playing. Great video Stephen!

[@seanb2108]

My hi hats when closed still sound slightly opened Would you say its from dents or cracks

[@Jashtvorak]

Playing death metal with only few choking parts, my hats are always touching, top is mid tight, bottom sligthly angeled so they don't touch all around. How far appart they are was determined by me playing the part with double base with least notes played on hats (quarter over sixteen) so they sizzle all the way to another hit not choking prematurely or sounding too long after the second hit should be played.

[@tiredcrazydad513]

Thanks for the vids. My son is a new drummer and I will definitely point him to your channel. Btw, we guitar players refer to a note as "blooming" when it has the characteristics of what you were describing in your hi-hat technique.

[@memphissommers4171]

No one ever mentions that when you buy a set of hi-hats, one weighs more than the other one and the HEAVIEST goes on the BOTTOM!

[@nhessmusic]

True 99% of the time *Unless you're Steve Gadd or Carter Beauford (I'm sure there are others). I have the k session hats (Steve Gadd's Hats) and the top one is heavier. They still shimmer nicely but have more stick definition. They're (the K Session Hats) great for funk, rock, and pop, but they're too obtrusive for jazz (in my experience).

[@tdrum21]

What’s on your snare?

[@Weadababytsaboy]

A video he did a while back called something like The Secret to the Perfect Snare Sound tells what it is. I thought it was a beaded necklace to add some dampening and sizzle.

[@SwordCymbal79]

I was wondering the same

[@SwordCymbal79]

Roy Johnson just saw this, thanks for the reply

[@norskov]

Roy Johnson big fat snare drum, drumheads have some awesome possibilities for that.

[@stowjer]

Always played my hi hat notes like that

[@notaraccoonstealingpeanutb7549]

This video only made me see how bad oh a hi-hat stand I actually have.

[@Jellybean199611]

A certain drummer at my church tightens the living piss out of the hi hat clutch. It got to the point of the top felt being pushed to one side, leaving only a sliver on the other, and basically destroying what was a perfectly good cymbal felt.

[@soundthebeep5199]

terima kasih

[@50Something]

Epic! Thank you, I'm all the wiser now!

[@brendanmcg8566]

Step one, purchase K Sweet 15's

[@Aphix_798]

Ive literally been wondering why my hi hats were so loose when i hit them for ages, never knew there was a way to tighten them from the top of the clutch... ive been playing 10 years, with the same clutch for about 4 and i never knew that...

[@HerbalistGuybrush]

I play since three days and knew that (i seriously do btw)

[@pdjtw]

1:58 7:58 10:05

[@ANuisanceRockBand]

Sounds like New Beats there.

[@t-r-k7534]

1 of the nuts is usually on the bottom of the hit hat and the other one is on the top

[@elpillolo4535]

I wanna be a drummer

[@benfeldman8361]

Go for it you dont rly even need anyrhing to start

[@Armz316]

By a Pearl drum kit or Tama drum kit or Yamaha drum kit. I got a Pearl drum kit.

[@bogdanchirva]

El Pillolo It’s never too late to start !

[@steampunkhulk5559]

4:00

[@fastfiddler1625]

My beginner kit has a felt, a washer, and a nut for the upper hi hat. And if you don't crank it down, the nut falls off when you're playing like, all the time. Time to drop another bunch of money. :(