hi-hat

musical instrument

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Last updated

July 16, 2026

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The hi-hat is a musical instrument consisting of a pair of cymbals operated by a foot pedal. It is a type of cymbal, which is a percussion instrument made of a metal plate that is struck or clashed together. While cymbals have a long history, dating back to ancient civilizations, the hi-hat as we know it developed in the context of Western orchestral music, influenced by Turkish military bands. In modern use, hi-hats can be played by striking them with drumsticks or by using the foot pedal to open and close the cymbals, creating various rhythmic effects.12

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cymbal
…foot pedal (as in the hi-hat) and may be brushed or struck in the closed or open position, or a single cymbal may be struck with a brush or a hard- or soft-ended drumstick. From the late 20th century, some composers specified using a bow to sound a cymbal. Additional…
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…foot pedal (as in the hi-hat) and may be brushed or struck in the closed or open position, or a single cymbal may be struck with a brush or a hard- or soft-ended drumstick. From the late 20th century, some composers specified using a bow to sound a cymbal. Additional…
Read More