Hey Drum Ninjas! Getting to know your cymbals is a big part of becoming a great player. Cymbals aren’t just pieces of metal, they’re part of your instrument and add excitement and color to your music. You can find different kinds, each with its own sound and purpose in the drum set.
In this guide, we’re going to look at the different types of cymbals you can come across. Whether it’s the loud crash that gets everyone’s attention or the steady ride that keeps the beat going, cymbals play a key role in how your drumming sounds. Learning about them means you can choose the right ones for your style and what you want to play.
So, let’s get started and learn about these cool instruments. I’ll make it easy to understand the difference between them, so you can make your drumming even better. Ready? Let’s start.
Cymbals come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and sounds, each designed to fulfill a specific role in your drumming arsenal. From keeping time with a steady rhythm to adding explosive accents in a musical piece, the right cymbal can elevate your performance.
Let’s see an overiew of them:
| Cymbal Type | Description | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Ride | Produces a clear, sustained sound with defined stick hits. | Used for maintaining steady rhythms in various genres. |
| Hi-Hat | Consists of two cymbals that produce a versatile range of sounds from tight, controlled 'chick' to a loose 'sizzle'. | Essential for beats and timekeeping in nearly all music styles. |
| Crash | Delivers a sharp, loud sound for emphatic accents. | Used to highlight parts of the music, like the climax or transitions. |
| China | Offers a trashy, explosive sound with a distinctive dark tone. | Adds dramatic effects and is often used in rock and metal. |
| Swish | Features a washy, smoother sound with a sizzle effect. | Common in jazz for riding and creating lush backgrounds. |
| Splash | Provides a quick, sharp, and bright accent with short sustain. | Used for subtle accents and embellishments in a wide range of styles. |
| Stack | Two or more cymbals stacked to create a fast, trashy effect. | Used for unique, percussive sounds and effects in modern drum setups. |
| Finger / Hand | Small cymbals designed for gentle sounds, played by hand or with light sticks. | Used in orchestral, world music, and for special effects. |
| Effects | Specialized cymbals with unique shapes or modifications for unconventional sounds. | Used to add unique textures and sounds not achievable with standard cymbals. |
| Gongs | Large, flat cymbals that produce a deep, resonant boom. | Often used for dramatic emphasis in orchestral, rock, and cinematic music. |
The ride cymbal stands as a cornerstone of the drum set, known for its large size and sustained, shimmering sound. With a wide diameter typically ranging from 20 to 24 inches, ride cymbals produce a clear, resonant tone that’s perfect for keeping a steady rhythm.
The sound varies significantly based on where you strike it, playing on the edge offers a washier tone, while hitting the bell produces a brighter, more defined ping.
Ride cymbals are incredibly versatile, finding their place across all musical genres. In jazz, the ride cymbal plays a central role, offering a smooth, continuous texture that rides over the band’s playing, hence the name.
Rock drummers might use the ride for a steadier beat in softer sections or for a piercing bell sound in more intense moments.
Regardless of the style, the ride cymbal is essential for patterns that require a sustained rhythm rather than the accentuated beats provided by crash or hi-hat cymbals.
When selecting a ride cymbal, consider the musical contexts you commonly play in.
Jazz drummers often lean towards thinner, lighter rides for their expressive, washy tones, while rock and metal drummers might prefer heavier models for their piercing bell sounds and greater projection.
The choice of finish (e.g., traditional, brilliant) and additional features like hammering or lathing patterns will also affect the cymbal’s sound and response.
The hi-hat is an indispensable part of the drum set, consisting of two cymbals mounted on a stand, one on top of the other, played by striking with sticks, brushes, or rods, and controlled with a foot pedal.
The ability to alter the sound by varying the pressure applied through the pedal makes the hi-hat one of the most dynamic and expressive components of the kit. Sizes typically range from 13 to 15 inches, influencing the pitch and volume of the cymbals.
The hi-hat serves multiple roles within various musical settings. It keeps time, provides rhythmic patterns, and accents the music with its distinctive sounds.
When closed tightly, it produces a crisp, controlled “chick” sound, ideal for grooves and beats across genres like pop, rock, jazz, and funk.
An open hi-hat yields a sizzly, sustained sound, perfect for adding excitement or emphasizing certain beats. The versatility of the hi-hat allows drummers to use it for everything from subtle time-keeping to dramatic, splashy effects.
When selecting hi-hat cymbals, consider the musical genres you play most often and the sound you aim to achieve.
Thinner hi-hats tend to produce a lighter, more responsive sound, suitable for jazz and acoustic settings, while thicker hi-hats offer a louder, more cutting sound, ideal for rock, metal, and pop.
The choice of material (e.g., bronze alloys), the manufacturing process (e.g., casting vs. pressing), and the finish (e.g., traditional, brilliant) also play significant roles in determining the sound and feel of the hi-hat.
Crash cymbals are the dramatic voices of the drum kit, known for their loud, explosive sound that can punctuate music with significant impact.
Typically ranging in size from 14 to 20 inches, crashes are designed to produce a sharp, powerful accent. They’re made to respond quickly, with the sound blossoming from an initial hit into a full, resonant tone that decays relatively swiftly.
The material, thickness, and size of the cymbal greatly influence its pitch and volume, with larger crashes producing lower, more sustained tones.
Crash cymbals are used across all music genres to highlight certain points in a song, such as the climax of a musical phrase, transitions between sections, or to accentuate dynamic beats and fills.
In rock and pop, crashes often mark the beginning of a chorus or come in after a dramatic pause to energize the music. Jazz drummers may use them more sparingly, as coloristic elements within a broader palette of cymbal sounds.
The crash’s ability to grab the listener’s attention makes it a crucial element for creating emphasis and adding excitement to a performance.
Selecting the right crash cymbal depends on your musical style and the sound you’re aiming for.
Thinner cymbals offer a faster response and a brighter, more shimmering tone, suitable for lighter genres like jazz or acoustic music.
Thicker crashes provide a louder, more cutting sound, making them ideal for rock, metal, and other high-energy styles. Many drummers opt to have several crash cymbals of different sizes and weights in their setup to accommodate a variety of musical situations.
China cymbals, also known as “Chinese cymbals,” are distinguished by their unique shape and sound. They feature an upturned edge and often have a square bell, creating a distinct profile that contributes to their unmistakable, explosive sound.
Characterized by their trashy, dark, and somewhat gong-like tones, China cymbals range in size from 12 to 22 inches or more, offering a wide palette of sound intensities and durations.
The design, including the shape and the manufacturing process, plays a critical role in the cymbal’s aggressive and exotic sound.
China cymbals are favored in musical settings that require dramatic, cutting accents. They are particularly popular in rock, metal, and fusion genres, where their distinctive sound can add depth and intensity to the music.
Drummers often use China cymbals for powerful accents, breakdowns, and to provide a contrasting sound color within cymbal fills. Their unique tone also makes them a favorite for special effects and for adding an edge to more experimental or avant-garde compositions.
When selecting a China cymbal, consider the musical contexts in which you’ll be using it and the sound you aim to achieve.
Cymbals with larger diameters and thicker designs deliver louder, more sustained sounds, suitable for heavy music styles.
Smaller, thinner Chinas provide a quicker, sharper attack and a shorter sustain, fitting well into faster or more complex musical passages. The choice of material (bronze alloys are common) and the specific manufacturing techniques (such as hammering and lathing) also affect the cymbal’s character.
Swish cymbals, often associated with jazz and big band setups, bring a unique, sizzling sound to the drum kit.
These cymbals, sometimes referred to as “sizzle cymbals,” are characterized by their multiple rivets or holes, which allow for the addition of rivets, creating a distinct, lingering “swish” effect.
They typically range in size from 18 to 22 inches, featuring a flatter profile and a wider bell compared to standard ride cymbals. This design contributes to their washy, smooth sound, making them excellent for riding and textural effects.
Swish cymbals are primarily used in jazz, swing, and similar genres, where their soft, shimmering sound can create a lush background or an atmospheric accent.
They excel in settings that call for a sustained, smooth sound with a gentle decay, adding a layer of complexity and depth to the music without overwhelming it. Drummers often use them for riding in softer passages, providing a subtle drive that complements the band’s dynamics.
Selecting a swish cymbal involves considering the type of music you play and the sound you’re aiming for.
The number and placement of rivets can significantly affect the cymbal’s sizzle and decay, offering a range of sound textures from subtle to pronounced.
A larger diameter and thinner construction will generally provide a washy, expansive sound, suitable for creating atmospheric effects.
Conversely, smaller or slightly thicker swish cymbals can offer a more controlled sound, allowing for greater articulation within complex rhythms.
Splash cymbals are known for their small diameter and thin construction, typically ranging from 6 to 12 inches. These cymbals deliver a quick, bright, and cutting sound with a very short sustain, making them ideal for adding sharp, succinct accents to the music.
Their fast response and high pitch distinguish them from their larger crash cymbal counterparts, offering a distinctive splashy sound that can punctuate passages or highlight rapid rhythmic elements.
Splash cymbals are versatile and can be found in a wide array of musical genres, from pop and rock to jazz and Latin. They are particularly effective for creating quick, staccato accents that stand out in the mix without overpowering it.
Drummers use splash cymbals to embellish grooves, add excitement to fills, and provide contrast within cymbal work, thanks to their distinctive, bright tone and rapid decay.
When selecting a splash cymbal, consider the musical contexts in which you’ll use it and the specific sound characteristics you’re looking for.
Smaller splashes offer higher pitches and faster responses, perfect for quick, bright accents, while larger sizes can provide a slightly fuller sound with a bit more sustain.
The choice of material (bronze alloys are common) and the finish (such as traditional or brilliant) can also influence the sound, with different manufacturing processes (hammering, lathing) affecting the cymbal’s overall tone and response.
Stack cymbals represent a creative and innovative approach to drumming sounds, consisting of two or more cymbals stacked on top of each other.
This setup creates a complex, trashy, and cutting sound with a very short sustain, offering a percussive effect that’s distinct from traditional cymbal sounds.
Stacks can be made from various combinations of cymbals, including splashes, crashes, Chinas, or even broken cymbals, providing drummers the freedom to experiment and craft unique sounds.
Stack cymbals are incredibly versatile and find their place across numerous musical genres, especially in settings that call for unique, edgy percussive effects.
They’re a favorite among drummers in electronic music, hip-hop, pop, and rock, where their distinctive sound can add texture and depth to the rhythm section.
Stacks are particularly useful for accenting beats with a sharp, succinct attack that differs markedly from the tonal qualities of traditional cymbals, making them excellent for adding flair and innovation to grooves and fills.
The art of selecting and creating a stack lies in experimentation. The combination of cymbals can drastically influence the sound, inviting drummers to try different pairings to find their desired effect.
Consider the types of cymbals being stacked, their sizes, and their weights. Lighter, thinner cymbals may offer a faster, more responsive sound, while heavier cymbals can produce a louder, more pronounced effect.
The orientation and spacing between the cymbals also play a critical role in shaping the stack’s overall sound.
Finger or hand cymbals are small, concave plates of metal that are played by striking them together with the fingers or palms. They come in various sizes, typically ranging from a few inches in diameter to slightly larger models that can be played with light sticks or brushes.
These cymbals produce a delicate, high-pitched tone with minimal sustain, making them ideal for subtle rhythmic accents and embellishments in a wide range of musical contexts.
Finger and hand cymbals are commonly found in orchestral, folk, and world music settings, where their gentle, tinkling sounds can add texture and atmosphere without overpowering the ensemble.
They’re also used in musical theater and dance performances, often to accompany specific movements or to highlight moments of dramatic tension.
In more contemporary settings, drummers and percussionists incorporate finger cymbals into their setups to add nuanced sonic layers and explore diverse soundscapes.
Selecting the right finger or hand cymbals involves considering the musical context and the desired sound.
Smaller cymbals offer a higher pitch and faster response, ideal for intricate rhythmic patterns and delicate textures.
Larger models can produce a fuller sound with more volume, suitable for situations where a more pronounced cymbal sound is needed without resorting to larger, louder percussion instruments.
The material (usually bronze or brass) and the thickness of the cymbals also affect their tone and sustain, allowing for further customization of sound.
Effects cymbals are designed to produce unique and often unconventional sounds that add texture and color to drumming performances.
These cymbals come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs, each tailored to create specific sonic characteristics that differ from traditional cymbal sounds.
Many effects cymbals feature irregular shapes, holes, or other modifications that contribute to their distinctive tones, ranging from trashy and explosive to short and percussive.
Effects cymbals are highly versatile and can be used across a broad spectrum of music genres, wherever a drummer seeks to add an unconventional or experimental sound to their kit.
They’re particularly popular in progressive rock, metal, electronic music, and any genre that values sound exploration and innovation.
Effects cymbals can serve as accent pieces, providing sharp, cutting hits in a mix, or as atmospheric elements, offering washy, ambient textures that enhance the musical landscape.
Selecting effects cymbals is a highly personal process, driven by the drummer’s desire for specific sound characteristics and the ability of the cymbal to fulfill that need.
Considerations include the type of music being played, the existing sounds within the drum kit, and the desired impact of the effects cymbal on the overall sound.
Drummers often choose effects cymbals based on their ability to complement or contrast with the tones of their other cymbals and drums, creating a balanced yet diverse sonic palette.
Gongs are large, flat, circular metal discs that produce a deep, resonant sound with a wide range of overtones. While not a cymbal in the traditional sense, gongs are often included in discussions about percussion instruments due to their role in adding dramatic accents and atmospheric depth to music.
Their sizes can vary significantly, from smaller, handheld models to massive discs exceeding several feet in diameter, each offering a unique sonic character.
The sound of a gong can range from a soft, shimmering whisper when played gently, to a powerful, booming roar when struck forcefully.
Gongs have a universal presence in musical traditions around the world, from orchestral and symphonic music to rock, pop, and avant-garde genres.
In orchestral settings, gongs are used to punctuate climactic moments or to add a sense of depth and grandeur to the music. In rock and experimental music, gongs can provide dramatic accents or contribute to the overall texture of a performance.
Their ability to create a vast soundscape makes them particularly effective for creating mood and atmosphere in a wide variety of musical contexts.
When selecting a gong, consider the musical settings in which it will be used and the range of sounds you wish to achieve.
Larger gongs produce lower pitches and a wider range of overtones, suitable for creating deep, resonant impacts. Smaller gongs, on the other hand, offer higher pitches and quicker responses, suitable for more delicate or nuanced applications.
The material (commonly bronze or brass) and the craftsmanship (including the shape, thickness, and finishing processes) also significantly affect the gong’s sound and sustain.
The finish of a cymbal not only affects its visual appeal but also has a significant impact on its sound characteristics.
Different finishes can alter the cymbal’s response, sustain, and timbre, providing drummers with a variety of tonal options to suit their playing style and musical context.
Here’s an overview of the most common types of cymbal finishes and how they influence the sound and performance of the cymbals.
Traditional finish, also known as natural finish, showcases the cymbal’s original bronze color.
This finish is achieved through a process that includes lathing but skips the extra polishing, buffing, or coating steps that other finishes might use.
Sound Characteristics:
Cymbals with a traditional finish tend to have a warm, rich sound with a balanced mix of bright and dark tones. They offer a smooth frequency response, making them versatile for a wide range of musical styles.
Brilliant finish cymbals undergo additional buffing and polishing, resulting in a shiny, mirror-like surface. This extra process not only gives the cymbal a sleek look but also affects its sound properties.
Sound Characteristics:
Brilliant finish cymbals are known for their bright, cutting sound with enhanced high frequencies.
They tend to have a higher pitch and a more pronounced stick definition compared to traditional finishes, making them popular in rock, pop, and other genres that require cymbals to cut through the mix.
Dark finish cymbals are treated in a way that darkens the bronze, giving them a distinctive, aged look. This finish can be achieved through various methods, including patination, chemical treatment, or sandblasting.
Sound Characteristics:
As the name suggests, dark finish cymbals produce a darker, drier sound with fewer overtones and a shorter sustain.
They’re often favored in jazz and acoustic music for their complex tonal qualities and subtle articulation.
Hybrid finish cymbals combine different finishes on a single cymbal, such as a brilliant finish on the bow and a traditional finish on the bell. This technique creates varied visual and sonic characteristics within the same cymbal.
Sound Characteristics:
The sound of hybrid finish cymbals can vary significantly depending on the combination of finishes used.
Generally, they offer a blend of bright and dark tones, providing a versatile sound palette that can accommodate a range of musical styles.
Raw finish cymbals are left untreated after casting, retaining the original surface texture and color of the metal.
This finish can include visible hammer marks, lathing grooves, and other imperfections that contribute to the cymbal’s character.
Sound Characteristics:
Cymbals with a raw finish typically have a dry, earthy sound with complex overtones and a controlled sustain.
They’re well-suited for genres that value nuanced, expressive cymbal sounds, such as jazz and world music.
Wrapping up our exploration of cymbals, we’ve seen how these essential pieces of the drum kit do much more than keep the beat. From the steady rhythms of the ride to the sharp accents of the splash, and the unique textures offered by effects cymbals, each type plays a crucial role in defining the sound of a performance.
Whether you’re crafting the backdrop for a jazz ensemble with a swish cymbal or bringing a rock song to its climax with a crash, understanding the variety and capabilities of cymbals empowers you to enhance your music with depth, dynamics, and color.
Choosing the right cymbal, with its specific sound and finish, is a key step in developing your unique voice as a drummer, inviting endless experimentation and discovery in the pursuit of the perfect beat.
Founder of TheDrumNinja
I’m crazy about drums, it’s been my passion since I was 12 years old. I played in numerous bands going through different styles like Rock, Progressive, Pop & Jazz-Rock. After being featured in major music publications (Drumeo, Guitar Guitar, AudioIssues, MusicThinkTank) I started this website to share my knowledge and create a resource for drummers of all levels.
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