Drum cymbals are among the most defining and expressive elements of a modern drum kit. Whether it’s the shimmering crash during a rock ballad, the crisp “chick” of a hi-hat in a jazz groove, or the dark, trashy tones of a China cymbal in a metal breakdown, cymbals add dynamic color and texture to music across genres. Though often seen as secondary to drums in the eyes of beginners, experienced musicians know that cymbals hold just as much importance in creating a rich, full rhythm section. Whether you’re a new drummer, a curious musician, or a seasoned player, this article offers insights that will enhance your understanding and appreciation of cymbals.
What Is a Drum Cymbal?
A drum cymbal is a percussive instrument typically made of metal alloys, used to produce sound through direct striking, often with drumsticks or brushes. Cymbals fall under the category of idiophones, which are instruments that produce sound through the vibration of the material itself, without needing strings, membranes, or external resonators.
Cymbals are primarily used in drum kits, orchestras, marching bands, jazz ensembles, and various world music traditions. Their primary function is to add accent, rhythm, or atmospheric textures to music. In a standard drum kit, you’ll typically find several types of cymbals: hi-hats, crash cymbals, ride cymbals, splash cymbals, and China cymbals, each serving unique musical roles.
While they vary in size, thickness, shape, and tone, all cymbals share a general physical form: a round, concave metal plate with a raised center known as the bell. They can be suspended on stands, mounted on pedals (as in hi-hats), or held and played by hand.
History and Origins of the Drum Cymbals
The history of cymbals traces back thousands of years, making them one of the oldest musical instruments still in use today. Their origins are deeply tied to ancient civilizations across Asia and the Middle East, particularly in regions that are now Turkey, China, and India.
Ancient Civilizations
China: Ancient Chinese gongs and cymbals date back to as early as the 3rd millennium BC. These instruments were used in religious ceremonies, traditional opera, and military signaling.
India: Cymbals called “talas” or “manjeeras” were integral to devotional and classical Indian music, often played in religious rituals.
Middle East and Turkey: The most significant developments in cymbal history came from Turkey, specifically the Ottoman Empire, where the Zildjian family began crafting cymbals in the 17th century.
Zildjian Legacy
Founded in 1623, the Zildjian Company (meaning “son of a cymbal maker” in Armenian) is considered the oldest manufacturer of cymbals and played a pivotal role in shaping modern cymbal design. Initially, these cymbals were made for military bands and ceremonial music.
As Western orchestras grew in the 18th and 19th centuries, cymbals became part of the classical music tradition. Eventually, with the birth of jazz in the early 20th century, drummers started integrating cymbals into their drum kits, leading to innovations in cymbal types and mounting systems. This transition laid the foundation for the cymbal’s prominent role in modern popular music.
Structure and Design of the Drum Cymbal
Cymbals may look simple at first glance, but they are crafted with precision. Their structure and materials significantly affect the sound they produce.
Physical Components
Bell (Cup): The raised center of the cymbal. Striking the bell produces a sharp, pinging tone, often used for accents.
Bow (Main Body): The curved portion of the cymbal. Hitting different areas of the bow changes the pitch and volume.
Edge (Rim): The outermost part. Striking the edge produces the loudest and most explosive sound.
Types of Cymbal Shapes and Profiles
Flat Ride: No bell, giving a soft, mellow tone.
Traditional Bow: Curved profile, common in crashes and rides.
High Profile: Often found in splash cymbals, creates a higher pitch.
Low Profile: More common in ride cymbals for a warmer sound.
Materials Used
Cymbals are typically made from bronze alloys, each offering distinct tonal qualities.
B20 Bronze (80% copper, 20% tin): Rich, complex tone. Used in high-end cymbals.
B8 Bronze (92% copper, 8% tin): Bright, cutting tone. Common in entry-level and mid-tier cymbals.
Brass (67% copper, 33% zinc): Cheapest option, generally for beginners.
Nickel Silver: Less common, used in specialty models.
Crafting Methods
Cast Cymbals: Molten metal poured into molds, then hammered and lathed. More tonal complexity and durability.
Sheet Cymbals: Cut from large metal sheets. More uniform in sound, often more affordable.
Finish and Appearance
Traditional Finish: Raw or lathed bronze look.
Brilliant Finish: Polished to a shiny surface, offers slightly brighter tones.
Raw Finish: Unlathed, darker tone.
How Does a Drum Cymbal Sound?
The sound of a cymbal depends on several factors, including its size, thickness, alloy, shape, and the way it is struck. Here are general characteristics:
Crash Cymbals
Loud, explosive attack with a short decay.
Used for accents or transitions.
Ride Cymbals
Clear, pinging sound when struck with the tip of a stick.
Can be used to keep a steady rhythm.
Hi-Hats
Short, crisp “chick” sound when closed.
Sizzling, open sound when partially or fully open.
Splash Cymbals
Small and thin, fast attack and decay.
Used for quick accents.
China Cymbals
Trashy, exotic, sharp attack.
Often used in metal and fusion genres.
Other factors affecting sound include:
- Stick type (wood vs. nylon tip),
- Striking location (bell, bow, edge),
- Mounting style (tight vs. loose),
- Dampening (chokes or mutes).
How to Play the Drum Cymbal
Playing cymbals involves technique, timing, and dynamics. Here are core methods:
Hi-Hats
Closed Hit: Sticks strike while foot keeps cymbals together.
Open Hit: Foot releases pedal slightly; results in a ringing tone.
Chick: Foot pedal presses cymbals together without stick.
Foot Splash: Foot quickly opens and closes cymbals.
Crash Cymbals
Played on the edge using the shoulder of the stick.
Often struck in transitions or to emphasize musical moments.
Can be choked by grabbing the cymbal immediately after striking to shorten sound.
Ride Cymbals
Played on the bow with tip of the stick.
Used for continuous patterns like swing or rock grooves.
Bell is used for sharper accents.
Splash and China Cymbals
Played like crashes, but with lighter touch.
China cymbals are typically mounted upside down.
Stick Control and Dynamics
Stick angle, velocity, and striking location all change the tonal output.
Muting with hand or stick is used for more control.
Drum Cymbals in Music Genres
Cymbals are versatile and appear in almost every genre of music.
Rock and Pop
Crash and ride cymbals dominate.
Used to emphasize beats, transitions, and climaxes.
Jazz
Ride cymbals are central; used for swing patterns.
Hi-hats often played with foot and sticks in sync.
Cymbals with dark, complex tones are preferred.
Metal and Hard Rock
Multiple crashes, rides, and China cymbals.
Cymbals must cut through dense guitar tones.
Fast, aggressive playing with frequent accents.
Funk and R&B
Tight, crisp hi-hats are key.
Ghost notes and syncopated hi-hat rhythms define the groove.
Latin and World Music
Use of splash, bell, and exotic cymbals.
Hi-hats incorporated into clave patterns.
Classical and Orchestral
Large crash cymbals used for dynamic swells.
Suspended cymbals played with mallets for atmospheric effects.
Choosing a Drum Cymbal: What to Consider
Whether you’re a beginner or professional, choosing the right cymbal involves understanding your needs and preferences.
1. Skill Level
Beginners: Start with budget-friendly cymbal packs that include a hi-hat, crash, and ride.
Intermediates: Invest in mid-range bronze alloys like B8.
Professionals: Seek handcrafted or cast cymbals with tonal variety.
2. Cymbal Type and Purpose
Think about genre and style: Jazz players prefer dark rides; metal drummers prefer bright crashes and Chinas.
Do you need versatility or a specific sound?
3. Size and Weight
Larger cymbals (20–24”) have more sustain.
Thicker cymbals are louder and more durable but less sensitive.
Thin cymbals are expressive but more fragile.
4. Material and Alloy
Brass: Cheap, dull sound—good for practice.
B8: Bright and cutting, great for rock/pop.
B20: Warm, complex, suited for jazz or pro-level use.
5. Finish
Traditional: Warmer tone.
Brilliant: Brighter, glassier sound.
6. Brands to Consider
Zildjian: Industry leader. Offers a range from student to professional (ZBT, A Custom, K Custom).
Sabian: High-quality Canadian manufacturer. (B8X, HHX, AAX series).
Meinl: Popular among metal and experimental players. (HCS, Byzance).
Paiste: Swiss brand, favored in orchestral and pop music.
Conclusion
Drum cymbals are more than just accessories to a drum kit—they are essential instruments that shape rhythm, texture, and emotional expression in music. From their ancient origins in Asia to their pivotal role in modern genres, cymbals have evolved into a sophisticated and diverse family of instruments. Understanding their structure, sound, playing techniques, and history can greatly enhance your performance and appreciation as a musician.
Whether you’re exploring the subtle jazz ride patterns, creating explosive rock crashes, or experimenting with exotic splash and China cymbals, mastering cymbals opens the door to richer musical creativity. As the heartbeat of rhythm and the splash of musical color, cymbals remain a timeless component in the world of percussion.
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