easy lesson

Open & Closed Hi-Hat Combo

Alternating open and closed hi-hats gives a groove room to breathe. It is a small move that makes a basic beat sound far more professional.

Play it yourself — keyboard or your own kit

1. Play the basic rock beat with a closed hi-hat on each beat.

2. Open the hi-hat on each '&' (steps 2, 6, 10, 14) and let it ring, then close it on the next beat. That breathing hi-hat adds motion and life.

Open the full drum machine →