Guide to Cymbals: 6 Common Types of Cymbals

Cymbals are disc-shaped percussion instruments made of copper-based metals, typically with diameters between 13 and 18 inches. The pitch each cymbal produces directly correlates the cymbal’s size. Large, heavy cymbals produce deep, rich sounds, while small, thin cymbals create bright, high-pitched tones. Both Western and non-Western percussionists use the cymbals. They are popular in orchestral and concert works, jazz, Latin, Afro-Cuban, and other world music, as well as rock and pop music.

Cymbals are almost always made of copper alloys. The most common metals used to make cymbals are bronze, brass, and nickel silver. China cymbals are generally made of brass, while other types may use a combination of brass and bronze. Cast cymbals are individually cast from molten metal. Sheet cymbals are stamped out of sheets of metal.

Hammering is important in the construction of cymbals. The hammering process determines the shape of the cymbal, which modifies the sound. Cymbals can be hand-hammered, but modern technology allows for the mass-production of cymbal instruments. The lathing process—or the addition of grooves to the surface of the cymbal—also impacts cymbals’ timbre.

No two types of cymbals are made exactly the same. Below are common types of cymbals you'll encounter in orchestras and drum sets.

1. 1. China cymbal: Named for its resemblance to the Chinese bo instrument, the China cymbal produces bright, cutting sounds. Chinese cymbals are used in both Western and non-Western music. They are typically used singularly and come in a variety of sizes.
2. 2. Clash cymbal: Also known as orchestral cymbals or concert cymbals, clash cymbals are played in pairs and are struck against each other with both hands to produce sound. They are commonly used in marching bands and orchestras.
3. 3. Crash cymbal: A medium-sized cymbal named for the loud and sharp sound it makes when struck. Crash cymbals are primarily used for occasional accents. They are similar to clash cymbals, but percussionists can play them either as hand cymbals or suspended cymbals, beating them with sticks or mallets.
4. 4. Effects cymbal: A broader category of cymbals used to produce special or accented sounds. Drumbal cymbals and splash cymbals are both types of effects cymbals.
5. 5. Hi-hat cymbals: Hi-hats are two small cymbals mounted on a stand. The cymbals are opened and closed with a foot pedal or played with sticks. Hi-hats usually come with a standard drum kit.
6. 6. Ride cymbal: A ride cymbal is a large cymbal that has a long sustain, meaning it resonates for a good length of time after being hit. Ride cymbals come with a typical drum set, and they also exist in the form of crash ride cymbals—a combination of a crash cymbal and a ride cymbal.

Depending on the type of cymbal you’re playing, you can either strike it with drumsticks (in the case of suspended cymbals) or with another cymbal (in the case of hand cymbals and hi-hats). Additionally, different parts of a cymbal make different sounds; the center will sound brassier than the rim, which is brighter. Basic techniques for playing hand cymbals include:

1. 1. Flam stroke: A double-stroke for hand cymbals, wherein you hit the bottom edges of a pair of cymbals together before the full cymbal crash. Flam strokes are notated as an accent before the main note.
2. 2. Sizzle stroke: A sizzle stroke involves crashing two cymbals together and immediately relaxing the cymbals after contact. This creates a slightly sustained sizzle sound.
3. 3. Slide stroke: Execute a sizzle stroke, then hold the left cymbal still as you slide the right cymbal downwards to produce a sustained sizzle sound.

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