It has an 'x' for a note head.ДЄdditional cymbals have a '2' above the cymbal they are an additional one of. The right side crash cymbal is notated on the high D, on top of the first ledger line above the stave. The left side crash cymbal is notated on the high C, on the first ledger line above the stave. The 'Left Side Crash' can be struck with the left hand and vice versa. This refers to the side of you they are positioned on the kit and can be useful for working out sticking in some complex patterns. The two main crash notation marks are called 'Left Side' and 'Right Side'. In drumscore transcriptions I notate for 2 crash cymbals and occasionally an additional 2 when necessary.

Crashes come in a variety of sizes, most commonly between 14' and '20. They can also be used as a replacement for the right hand in a groove. The main purpose of a crash cymbal is to accent notes in a groove or fill. It has a louder, deeper tone than the cymbal body and it is great for adding accents into a groove. The bell of the ride is at the centre of the cymbal, and it is physically bell shaped. It has an hollow diamond for a note head. The bell of the ride is notated on the high F, on the top line, which is the same place as the standard ride notation. The most common use for a ride is as a replacement for the right hand in a groove. The standard way to play the ride is on the 'body', which is the big flat bit where you usually see the cymbals brand printed. A ride cymbal is usually 20'-22' but between 24' and 18' is also common. The ride cymbal is notated on the high F, on the top line.

Generally the second hi hat is on the right hand side of the kit, but that is a very loose generalisation. Some drummers use two sets of hi hats, sometimes to provide two different hi hat sounds and sometimes one is set to a permanent half open position and is used when playing double kick. This sound is created by pressing your left foot onto the pedal then quickly taking it off, so the two cymbals strike and separate. When the left foot is 'splashed' an 'o' is written below the note head. This sound is created by pressing your foot onto the left pedal. The two cymbals will be pressed together, but only very loosely.ДЄ hi hat played with the footed is noted on the low D note, in the gap below the stave. To play a half open hi hat, press your foot on the pedal with minimal pressure. When the hi hat is to be played half open a 'o' is written above it with a diagonal line through it. To play an open hi hat have your foot pressed on the hi hat pedal enough to allow the cymbals to only just be touching. When the hi hat is to be played open a 'o' is written above it. To play a closed hi hat press the left foot on the hi hat pedal firmly. When the hi hat is to be played closed a '+' sign is written above it. The Hi Hat is noted on the high G, in the gap above the stave. When open, closed and half open hi hats are used you will only see the sign above the first note, you are to presume every note after that is the same until you see a new mark. To account for these multiple sounds there are various symbols that are used, these are shown below. You can also use the left foot on the pedal to create a 'chick' sort of sound that is great for keeping time and adding an extra layer of sound to a pattern. As pressure is released and the cymbals start getting further apart the sound gets 'looser' and a 'sizzly' sort of sound is made. As you increase pressure with the foot, the cymbals get pushed closer together creating a 'tighter', 'harder' sound. The stand it is set up on gives you a lot of control of the sound the cymbals make. If you were to see a 'diamond' note head where a crash would normally be, you would hit the bell of the crash cymbal. The 'bell' notation can also be moved to apply to other cymbals. The standard way to strike a crash is on the 'edge' so if we see a crash in bold, the intention is for it to be struck on the body. The same is sometimes used with crash cymbals. The intention here is that the standard way to play ride is on the 'body' of the cymbal so the alternate voice is to strike it like a crash.

I have specifically shown the 'ride edge' notation below, in this example an 'x' is shown in the usual ride position but is shown in bold. For example, a bolded 'x' note head can be thought of as an 'alternate voice'.

Certain changes to note heads will imply different things. Several different sounds can be made on a single cymbal and I try to account for this in my notation. They can be between 6' and 24' and there intended function will usually dictate what specific size it is. A detailed exaplanation on how cymbals are notated.Д¬ymbals are circular pieces of metal specially crafted to create certain tones, pitches and effects.

Heartbeat cymbals