Cymbals

If you’re a beginner aiming to keep things simple, focus on three core categories. First off, you should buy a pair of hi-hats, which provide the pulse in styles like pop, rock, country and R&B. (In many cases, you can purchase top and bottom hi-hats separately, but many brands also sell them conveniently bundled as a pair. Whichever way you go, you definitely need both.) You should also seek out a ride cymbal, which can function similarly to hi-hats in terms of its role. (A classic rock-drummer move is to play the hi-hats on the verses and the ride cymbal on the choruses.) You’ll also likely want a crash cymbal, which is often used for changes in dynamics and for adding extra emphasis, like at the end of a big drum fill. Many cymbal brands also offer a crash/ride hybrid.

The good news is that most quality drum cymbals for sale at Music & Arts are interchangeable across multiple genres, and so much of choosing cymbals comes down to personal taste. There’s no rule saying a funk drummer must use one cymbal and a pop drummer must use another. That said, it’s best to consider what types of sounds you want to hear — jazz drummers, for example, often prefer the sound of “dry” cymbals, which are softer and more articulate than the brighter, heavier varieties used by many rock players.

This is, again, a matter of preference, and the best fit might come down to budget and the size of your music space. But a solid starting point is a pair of 14-inch hi-hats, a 16- or 18-inch crash and a 20- or 22-inch ride. One very fun element of drumming is experimenting with different types and sizes of cymbals.

With proper technique and maintenance, a good pair of cymbals can hold up for a decade or more. It partly comes down to how often you play. A touring drummer is more likely to invest in new cymbals than a student or hobbyist. Performance style also plays a big role. For example, a metal or hard rock drummer might hit the cymbals with more force than a jazz player.

Yes, cymbals require maintenance for optimal performance and longevity. For more info, check out our cymbal maintenance guide.

Yes! Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, Music & Arts has the perfect drum teacher ready to help you learn to play. As the nation’s #1 lessons program with 250 locations, we make it easy to find drum lessons near you. Get started today on our Lessons page.