Beginner’s Hub
Must-Have cymbals
There are three main types of cymbals that make up the core of any drummers cymbal-setup, no matter what type of music they play: hi-hats, crashes, and rides. Click on those names above to get a quick description of each.
These cymbals come in pairs and are mounted on a dedicated hi-hat stand that is played using the foot, which brings the cymbals together to create the sound. The hi-hats are also played with sticks. The most common size for hi-hats are 14", but 13" and 15" are also very popular.
Sets to get you started
SBr Performance Set
B8X Performance Set Plus
XSR Performance Set w/free 18″
In case you were wondering:
How many cymbals do I need to start playing?
All you need to get started is a pair of hi-hats, one crash, and a ride. That’s the classic set-up and while you’ll see many drummers with very large cymbal set-ups, at the core of nearly all players’ selections is this basic set-up.
Should I invest in a ride, crash, or hi-hats first?
Ideally, you would have all three to start. However, just as the bass drum and snare are the core of the drums, the ride and hi-hat are the core of the cymbal set-up, and the ones you will use the most by far. So if your budget is limited, maybe start with both or either.
Should I invest in a ride, crash, or hi-hats first?
Ideally, you would have all three to start. However, just as the bass drum and snare are the core of the drums, the ride and hi-hat are the core of the cymbal set-up, and the ones you will use the most by far. So if your budget is limited, maybe start with both or either.