MORE FREE DRUM LESSONS HERE Become A Drummer Level 1: Lesson 8 These sets of exercises focus on using the high hat pedal to open them at specific moments. The open sounds will cause the cymbals to ring out and shimmer! It adds a cool effect to grooves and the music in general. You do this by lifting your toes and slightly releasing the high hat pedal to allow the cymbals to separate. When you strike the cymbals while open, they will shimmer and ring against each other. The following examples will help get you started on open high hat patterns. Back to lesson contents