The Best Cymbals for Rock Music

This article is a collaborative effort, crafted and edited by a team of dedicated professionals.

Contributors: Andranick Tanguiane, Fred Lerdahl,

We take a look at some of the best cymbals for rock music, perfect for giving your band that extra edge.

The best cymbals for rock music: an overview

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of which cymbals are best for rock music. The type of cymbal you choose will depend on the specific genre of rock you are playing, as well as your personal preferences. In general, however, there are some qualities that all good rock cymbals should have.

first and foremost, rock cymbals should be durable. They will be subject to a lot of wear and tear, so they need to be able to withstand heavy hitting. Secondly, they should have a bright, cutting sound that will cut through the rest of the instruments in the band. Finally, they should be able to produce a wide range of sounds, from gentle crashing to ear-splitting crashes.

If you’re looking for specific recommendations, here are a few of our favorite cymbals for rock music:

-Zildjian A Custom Rock HiHat Cymbals: These hi-hats have a bright, cutting sound that is perfect for rock music. They are also very durable, so they can withstand a lot of abuse.

-Sabian HHX Evolution Cymbal Pack: This pack includes a ride cymbal, crash cymbal, and hi-hat cymbal, all of which are perfect for rock music. They have a wide range of sounds and are very durable.

-Paiste 2002 Ride Cymbal: This ride cymbal has a dark, powerful sound that is perfect for heavier styles of rock music. It is also very durable.

The different types of cymbals used in rock music

There are four types of cymbals used in rock music.

1. The hi-hat consists of two cymbals that are mounted on a stand and played with a foot pedal. Hi-hats can be either open or closed. Closed hi-hats produce a shorter, more consistent sound, while open hi-hats have a broader range of sound.

2. Crash cymbals are larger than hi-hats and are used to create accents in the music. They are played with the sticks and produce a sharp, piercing sound.

3. Ride cymbals are also larger than hi-hats and crash cymbals. They have a more mellow sound and are used to keep time in the music.

4. Splash cymbals are small, thin cymbals that produce a quick, high pitched sound when they are struck with the sticks.

The best cymbals for different rock genres

Rock music is a broad genre that can be divided into subgenres like metal, alternative, indie, and more. Each subgenre has its own sound and style, and the right cymbal can help you achieve the sound you want.

Metal: Metal music is characterized by fast tempo, heavy guitars, and aggressive vocals. The drums are typically played with power and precision, so metal cymbals need to be able to handle hard hits. Look for cymbals that are made of thicker metal for more durability, and choose a finish that won’t show too much wear and tear.

Alternative: Alternative rock is a catch-all term for anything that doesn’t fit into the mainstream. This can include genres like indie rock, punk rock, and more. The drums in alternative rock tend to be less aggressive than in metal, but they still need to be able to hold up to hard hitting. Look for cymbals that have a good mix of durability and flexibility.

Indie: Indie rock is a less commercialized form of alternative rock. The drums in this genre are typically softer than in other forms of rock, so you’ll need cymbals that can produce a delicate sound. Look for thinner cymbals made of softer materials like bronze for the best sound.

The best rock cymbal brands

Rock music has always been a genre that puts an emphasis on the drums. This means that the cymbals need to be able to withstand a lot of abuse and still deliver a great sound. There are many different cymbal brands out there, but not all of them are created equal. Here are four of the best rock cymbal brands that you should definitely check out.

Zildjian is one of the most popular cymbal brands in the world, and for good reason. Their cymbals are used by some of the biggest names in rock music, including Dave Grohl and Chad Smith. Zildjian makes a wide variety of cymbals, so you’re sure to find one that suits your needs.

Sabian is another top option for rock cymbals. They’re used by some of the biggest drummers in the world, such as Neil Peart and Tommy Lee. Sabian makes a wide variety of cymbals, so you’re sure to find one that suits your needs.

Meinl is a lesser-known brand, but they make some great rock cymbals. Their cymbals are used by some of the biggest names in rock music, including Lars Ulrich and Joey Jordison. Meinl makes a wide variety of cymbals, so you’re sure to find one that suits your needs.

Paiste is another great option for rock cymbals. They’re used by some of the biggest names in rock music, including Bill Ward and Charlie Watts. Paiste makes a wide variety of cymbals, so you’re sure to find one that suits your needs.

How to choose the best cymbals for your rock band

In order to choose the best cymbals for your rock band, you’ll need to consider the genre of rock you’re playing, as well as the size and style of your band. For example, if you’re playing hard rock or metal, you’ll need cymbals that can withstand a lot of impact and create a lot of noise. If you’re playing more mellow rock styles like classic rock or indie rock, you can get away with lighter cymbals that don’t produce as much volume.

It’s also important to think about the size and style of your band when choosing cymbals. If you have a large band with a lot of members, you’ll need cymbals that can be heard over all the instruments. On the other hand, if you have a smaller band or are playing more intimate shows, you can get away with smaller cymbals that don’t make as much noise.

No matter what type of rock you’re playing or how big your band is, there are certain types of cymbals that are essential for any rock band. Hi-hats are a must-have for any drummer, and crash and ride cymbals are also essential for most styles of rock. When it comes to choosing the best cymbals for your band, it’s important to strike a balance between function and aesthetic. You wantYour drums are an integral part of your rock sound, so make sure you choose the right cymbals to complement them!

Tips for caring for your rock cymbals

Cymbals are an essential part of any rock drummer’s kit. They provide the essential “crash” sound that helps to punctuate the rhythm and keep the beat. But caring for your cymbals is important if you want them to last. Here are some tips on how to care for your rock cymbals:

-Wash them after each use. Cymbals are made of metal, and over time, they can start to rust if they’re not properly cleaned. Use a soft cloth or sponge and mild soap to wipe down your cymbals after each use.
-Be careful when storing them. When you’re not using your cymbals, make sure to store them in a dry place. Moisture can cause them to rust, so it’s important to keep them stored in a safe, dry place.
-Polish them regularly. In order to keep your cymbals shining, you should polish them on a regular basis. Use a soft cloth and metal polish to gently buff out any scratches or marks on your cymbals.

The history of rock music and cymbals

The crash cymbal is a standard instrument in any rock music band. It provides a sharp, punctuating sound that can really add to the energy of a performance. While any cymbal can technically be used for rock music, there are certain types that are better suited to the genre.

In order to understand why certain cymbals are better for rock music, it is important to first understand the history of the genre. Rock music originated in the 1950s and was characterized by its use of electric guitars, drums, and bass. It was a response to the previous decade’s focus on danceable jazz music. The first rock songs were often cover versions of popular blues or country songs.

As the genre developed, it began to experiment with different sounds and instrumentation. This experimentation led to the development of unique subgenres like heavy metal, punk, and alternative rock. Each of these subgenres has its own distinct sound that is created in part by the type of cymbals used.

For example, heavy metal music is characterized by its fast tempo and aggressive sound. This sound is achieved in part by using heavier cymbals that create a more crashing sound. Punk music is similarly fast-paced but often has a more raw and unpolished sound. This sound is achieved in part by using lower-quality cymbals that create a rougher sound.

If you’re looking for the best cymbals for rock music, you should consider the specific subgenre you’re playing in order to choose the right instruments. heavy metal and punk bands will want to use heavier and lower-quality cymbals, respectively, while other subgenres may prefer a more traditional setup. No matter what type of rock music you’re playing, make sure your cymbals help you create the perfect sound for your band!

Famous rock songs that feature cymbals

There are many famous rock songs that feature cymbals prominently. Some of these songs include “Satisfaction” by the Rolling Stones, “Long Time” by Boston, “I Love Rock and Roll” by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, and “Back in Black” by AC/DC. Cymbals are an essential part of any rock band’s arsenal, and can really help to add excitement and energy to a song. If you’re looking to add some extra firepower to your rock songs, then be sure to give cymbals a try!

Rock cymbal playing techniques

There are many different playing techniques for rock cymbal playing. The most common and basic technique is to play with a consistent down-stroke on the hi-hat, snare and bass drums. This stroke is played on the up-beat, or “and” count of each measure. For example, if you were playing in 4/4 time, the down-stroke would be played on counts 1 and 3.

The future of rock music and cymbals

Rock music has always been a genre that is willing to experiment with new sounds and ideas, and this is especially true when it comes to the instruments that are used. In recent years, there has been a trend towards using more unusual and experimental percussion instruments in rock music, and this has led to some interesting results.

One of the most popular places to experiment with new sounds in rock music is the cymbal. Cymbals have long been an important part of rock music, but in recent years they have become even more prominent, with many bands using them as the main focus of their sound. This trend has led to a wide variety of new and innovative ways to use cymbals in rock music, and it shows no signs of slowing down.

So what does the future hold for rock music and cymbals? It is hard to say for sure, but one thing is certain: the possibilities are endless.

Similar Posts