Open Hi-Hat Sound: Adding Sustain and Energy

The open hi-hat produces a longer, ringing sustain that adds energy and lift to a drum pattern. Used sparingly, it creates accents that break up the monotony of steady closed hi-hats and signals transitions or builds. The interplay between closed and open hi-hat is one of the most expressive elements of drum programming.

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History

The open hi-hat technique has been part of drumming since the hi-hat stand was invented in the 1920s. Jazz drummers were the first to exploit the contrast between closed and open hi-hat sounds for expressive playing. In electronic music, the TR-808 and TR-909 implemented a crucial feature: closed and open hi-hats would cancel each other out, just like on a real kit. This "choke" behavior became essential for realistic drum programming.

How It's Synthesized

The open hi-hat on kickdrum.io uses the same synthesis approach as the closed hi-hat — band-pass filtered noise centered at 8000 Hz — but with a much longer gain envelope of 300ms instead of 50ms. This extended sustain lets the noise ring out, simulating the wash of an unclamped cymbal. The result is a bright, shimmering sound that naturally fills more space in the mix.

Tips for Using the Open Hi-Hat

  • •Use open hats to accent the "and" of beats — placing them on the off-beat adds a driving feel.
  • •Never place a closed and open hi-hat on the same step; in reality the foot either holds the cymbal closed or releases it.
  • •One or two open hats per bar is usually enough — overusing them washes out the pattern.
  • •Place an open hat at the end of a bar to create a transition into the next bar.
  • •Open hats work well right before a snare hit to build anticipation.

Genre Usage

House

Open hi-hats on the off-beat are a signature of house music, creating the driving, uplifting feel that defines the genre.

Disco

Disco drumming features prominent open hi-hats that give the rhythm its energetic, danceable swing.

Funk

Funk drummers use open hi-hats to add accents and variation, often opening and closing the hat in rhythmic patterns.

Garage

UK garage uses shuffled open hi-hat patterns to create its swung, syncopated groove.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use an open hi-hat instead of a closed one?

Use open hi-hats when you want to add energy, mark a transition, or accent a specific beat. They work best as occasional accents within a pattern of closed hi-hats. A common technique is to place an open hat on the last eighth note of a bar to lead into the next section.

Why does the open hi-hat sound so different from the closed one?

Both sounds use the same basic synthesis — band-pass filtered noise at 8000 Hz — but the open hi-hat has a sustain of 300ms compared to just 50ms for the closed version. This six-fold difference in decay time is what gives the open hat its characteristic wash and ring.

Can I use open hi-hats as the main timekeeping sound?

While it is technically possible, using open hi-hats for timekeeping creates a very washy, sustained sound that can clutter the mix. Most genres use closed hi-hats for timekeeping and reserve open hats for accents. The exception is some disco and funk patterns where a pronounced open hat on every off-beat is part of the style.

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