Let’s Learn About Drums
3
Using the snare
Head shot
Hit only the head of the pad. This is the most common method to
play the snare.
Rim shot
Strike the head and the rim of the pad simultaneously.
A sound (rim sound) different than the head shot will be heard.
Rim
Suitable position
for rim shots
Using the cymbals
Bow shot
The most common method, playing the middle area of the cymbal.
Edge shot
Use the shoulder of the stick to hit the edge of the cymbal pad (Hit
the edge sensor as shown in the illustration).
Edge sensor
* Bow shots and edge shots can also be played on the hi-hat.
Choking a cymbal
Choking (pinching) the cymbal’s edge with the hand immediately
after hitting the cymbal will mute or choke the sound, just like with
a real cymbal.
* The Choke function only works when you grasp in the area
(where the edge sensor is) as shown in the illustration. If you do
otherwise, it will not work.
Edge sensor
Using the hi-hat
In an acoustic drum set, the hi-hat consists of two cymbals placed
facing each other vertically on a hi-hat stand. The two cymbals can
be closed together by pressing the pedal.
A variety of playing techniques are possible, such as playing the
cymbals with the pedal and/or playing them with sticks.
When you press the pedal, the two cymbals will come together
(closed). When you release the pedal, the two cymbals will separate
(opened).
Closed
With the hi-hat pedal pressed firmly, strike the pad with a stick. A
short “chick” sound will be heard.
Half-open
With the hi-hat pedal pressed gently, strike the pad with a stick. A
slightly longer “swish” sound will be heard.
Open
With the hi-hat pedal completely released, strike the pad with a
stick. An even longer “sound” than the half-open sound will be
heard.
Foot closed
Just press the pedal without using a stick. This sound will be softer
and shorter than the closed sound played with a stick. Useful for
keeping time with this tight sound.
Foot splash
Press and immediately release the pedal without using a stick.
This is equivalent to momentarily clashing the two cymbals of an
acoustic hi-hat. It produces a “splash” sound that is softer than the
open strike.