Hi Hat/Snare distance/height/relationship

**Texdrumr** · 06-22-2013, 07:40 AM

Wondering if anyone has any tips or ideas here. I constantly struggle with the height distance between my hi hat and snare. I like my snare a little higher and my hi hat a little lower. Well, that creates knuckle buster opportunities. The difference right now is about 5" from the top of my snare rim to the hats. I'm pretty happy with the overall position of my hats in relation to my kit.

Any ideas here or is it just the cost of doing business?

A few pics, if that would help...

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**Olimpass** · 06-22-2013, 07:46 AM

I think it looks fine where it is. Lower than the snare? no way, could I function with it lower than the snare height. That's me anyway. Nice Kit!

**Texdrumr** · 06-22-2013, 07:54 AM

Originally Posted by Olimpass

I think it looks fine where it is. Lower than the snare? no way, could I function with it lower than the snare height. That's me anyway. Nice Kit!

Oops, I see why you think that. No, the hats are not lower than the snare. I agree, that would be crazy. What I meant is that I like my hats on the low side compared to probably what most others like.

Thanks Olimpass for the reply.

Tex

**Northern Redneck** · 06-22-2013, 07:55 AM

What snare is that?

**Texdrumr** · 06-22-2013, 08:11 AM

Originally Posted by Northern Redneck

What snare is that?

Ludwig Black Magic 6.5x14.

**gentleman_disaster** · 06-22-2013, 08:15 AM

I'm like you, tex. I like by snare high and my hats low. I also move them in a bit. My hats almost overlap my snare a little, if that makes sense.
As far as bustin' knuckles... Yeah I do that. More than I should

**Northern Redneck** · 06-22-2013, 08:19 AM

Its all a matter of trial and error. I cant tell you if you set up your hats like mine it will work for you. Especially since I like my hats slightly in front of my snare.

**Bish** · 06-22-2013, 09:22 AM

You might try moving yourself back and to the right, maybe more towards your floor tom but that could effect your relationship to the rest of your kit.

I think NR is on the right track. Move your small tom away from you a little more and have your hats follow it.

**Northern Redneck** · 06-22-2013, 10:49 AM

Remember I play a 5pc with the toms mounted on the kick so,

You can see how my hats are to the front of my snare at around 10-11 o'clock

I also don't play dbl kick so my feet are were they would be on two pedals.

As you can see my hands are completely clear of the other stick.

**Northern Redneck** · 06-22-2013, 10:50 AM

BTW tell me again that Evans coatings don't wear off lol.

**imperialstar15** · 06-22-2013, 10:51 AM

Try movie the snare or hi-hat position on the kit, so then your knuckles wont be close to each other. Or try playing open-handed.

**rickthedrummer** · 06-22-2013, 02:28 PM

Originally Posted by Northern Redneck

BTW tell me again that Evans coatings don't wear off lol.

My Evans G1's have been on my set now for 6 months and still look like brand new.

**Northern Redneck** · 06-22-2013, 02:31 PM

Ive watched your vids Rick and while you're not a light little tappy tappy drummer, I play way harder and louder than you.

**kay-gee** · 06-22-2013, 05:20 PM

Originally Posted by Northern Redneck

BTW tell me again that Evans coatings don't wear off lol.

Funny thing is...I was thinking about starting a thread about this. I am close to being a tippy tapper and the coatings on my Evans heads are flaking off like no tomorrow. Whaddup widdat? Can anyone explain? Also, the film under the coating is clear. I can see right through the drum. Remo heads on the other hand, look white translucent under the coating. Hmmm! Me thinks Evans quality control is a little over rated.

all the best...

**Texdrumr** · 06-22-2013, 05:46 PM

Hey everyone, thank you very much. I took the advice above and moved back from my kit just a little, moved the hi hat closer to my snare by an inch or slightly less, and bingo, no more knuckle busters. It's amazing what the slightest tweak can do.

Off to practice.

Thanks again to everyone - much appreciated y'all.

Tex

**wolvie56** · 06-22-2013, 08:28 PM

You're welcome. Any time we can help it empowers us.

**PHROGGE** · 06-22-2013, 11:14 PM

Idea "outside da box" & increase yer challenge level @ same time...
Learn to play left hand lead (hihat & ride),,,rt hand on snare...
Or...play closed hat on rt hide side,
& buy a remote hihat for left...( i do)

there are no rules,,,find what would feel comfortable
% then adjust yer thinking to make it happen ...

**Drumbledore** · 06-23-2013, 11:18 AM

Originally Posted by Texdrumr

Oops, I see why you think that. No, the hats are not lower than the snare. I agree, that would be crazy. What I meant is that I like my hats on the low side compared to probably what most others like.

Thanks Olimpass for the reply.

Tex

You're not alone. I like them that low too.

Originally Posted by Texdrumr

Hey everyone, thank you very much. I took the advice above and moved back from my kit just a little, moved the hi hat closer to my snare by an inch or slightly less, and bingo, no more knuckle busters. It's amazing what the slightest tweak can do.

Off to practice.

Thanks again to everyone - much appreciated y'all.

Tex

That's what you got to do, Tex, I think it took me years of playing, experimenting and so on before I could honestly say I had found the best placement of my hi-hats. I think most of us could say that.

**danydew** · 06-25-2013, 12:50 PM

How funny I see this thread today. I was just trying to figure out what I should do as I keep banging my sticks together. Lots of ideas for me to try. Thanks guys!

**JohnnySticks** · 07-02-2013, 09:40 PM

I saw Mike Clark play in a live workshop and how his hi hats were in a different position from mine (more toward the ride tom) and I tried that set up and I like it better. Less interference, easier hi hat playing, and less of a neck strain when I have a music stand next to the hi hat.

**Othicx** · 08-17-2013, 02:55 PM

you could always try the remote hat as mentioned, google dany carry's drum kit, he puts his hats above/in between his rack toms.

**Drumbledore** · 08-18-2013, 01:21 PM

Originally Posted by Othicx

you could always try the remote hat as mentioned, google dany carry's drum kit, he puts his hats above/in between his rack toms.

Bill Bruford (Yes, King Crimson) when he started playing more acoustically with his band Earthworks had been playing with a remote hi-hat in front of him for quite a while. And Dony Wynn (Robert Palmer) have been doing that for years before Bill. Makes perfect sense for him anyway.

Dony Wynn

**Rotarded** · 08-19-2013, 06:49 PM

I play with a remote hat at 10-11 o'clockish, low (2-2.5 inches above) and nearly overlapping 14" snares. After the 20 years away from the drums, I found that I would bang sticks and knuckles frequently due to the 9 o'clock positioning of a traditional high hat stand. Actually, the hats almost in front of me allow me to do a lot more with them that really accentuate the Funk genre of music that my band plays.

**slinky** · 08-21-2013, 02:31 PM

I think stick swing kinda makes adjustments easier to get right. I play with a big swing. Keep my hats high and not sitting on top of the snare, my snare is about even with tops of thighs. I sit somewhat low so the snare automatically ends up lower.

Of course there is no right or wrong way just what feels best to each person.

**late8** · 08-21-2013, 02:56 PM

If I'm using a double pedal, my hats end up at the 9 o'clock position which is a total compromise. I find the best position for my hats is when I play a single pedal which puts the hats at the 10 o'clock position similar to where Rotarded has his remote hihat set up.

Double pedal compromises the hats @ the 9 o'clock spot for me:

Snare is almost level with my thighs:

Best hihat position; single pedal with hats @ 10 o'clock:

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