The ride cymbal is a type of cymbal used to keep a steady beat in music. It is a common part of most drum kits and is used to create a repeating rhythm, called a ride pattern, instead of adding strong accents like the crash cymbal. It is usually placed on the far right side (or the drummer’s dominant hand) of a drum set, above the floor tom. When struck with a drumstick, it makes a bright, shimmering sound. When hit on its bell, it produces a clear, ringing sound. The ride cymbal can perform most of the same functions as the hi-hat cymbal, except for creating open and closed sounds.

Types

The word "ride" can describe the purpose or sound of a musical instrument. Most cymbal makers create specific cymbals for this role.

Some drummers use special cymbals, such as china cymbals, sizzle cymbals, or unique tones like swish or pang cymbals, as ride cymbals. When playing very softly, using brushes, or recording in a studio, even a thin crash cymbal can work well as a ride cymbal.

When playing very loudly, a cymbal designed for riding can produce a loud, long-lasting crash because of its ability to sustain sound after being struck.

Cymbals labeled crash/ride or ride/crash can function as a large, slow crash or a secondary ride cymbal. In very small drum kits, they may serve as the only suspended cymbal.

Bell-less ride cymbals, called flat rides, create a dry crash with clear stick sounds. They are quieter and often used in jazz drumming. Paiste developed flat rides in the 1960s. Famous drummers like Roy Haynes, Jack DeJohnette, Paul Wertico, Carter Beauford, Jo Jones, and Charlie Watts use them.

The highly respected Paiste 602 Flat Ride was reintroduced in 2010 but is only available in a 20-inch medium size.

Swish and pang cymbals are unusual ride and crash/ride cymbals with sounds similar to china cymbals.

A sizzle cymbal, which is thinner and one size larger than the main ride cymbal, was often used in early rock music as a secondary ride cymbal, especially to support guitar solos.

Sound

When hit, a ride cymbal produces a long, bright sound that lasts longer than the short, fading sound of a crash cymbal. The most common size for a ride cymbal is about 20 inches (51 cm), but sizes between 18 inches (46 cm) and 22 inches (56 cm) are standard. Smaller and thinner cymbals usually make a darker, more shimmering sound, while larger and thicker cymbals work better in loud settings. Ride cymbals as large as 26 inches (66 cm) or as small as 16 inches (41 cm) are available, and some are even as small as 8 inches (20 cm). The thickest and loudest cymbals are often around 22 inches, while larger cymbals are usually made with medium or medium-thin thickness.

In rock or jazz music, the ride cymbal is often struck regularly in a repeating rhythm to support the music. Drummers may switch between playing the same rhythm on the hi-hat cymbal or the ride cymbal, such as using the hi-hat during verses and the ride during instrumentals or choruses.

The sound of a ride cymbal also depends on the type of drumstick used. In rock and metal music, wood and nylon-tipped drumsticks are common. Wood creates a smoother, quieter sound, while nylon tips produce a sharper, more ringing sound. The bell, the raised center part of the cymbal, makes a brighter, shorter sound compared to the rest of the cymbal. This bright tone is often used like a separate cymbal. Some ride cymbals, especially those used in metal or harder rock styles, have unusually large bells. These larger bells make it easier to hit them quickly in fast patterns and create a louder, brighter sound than typical bells.

Pattern

Modern use of the ride cymbal was influenced by jazz drummer Baby Dodds's press roll rhythms. The Percussive Arts Society, which honored him by inducting him into their Hall of Fame, states, "Dodds's method of playing press rolls became the standard jazz ride-cymbal pattern. While many drummers played short press rolls on the backbeats, Dodds started his rolls on the backbeats and extended each one to the following beat, creating a smoother rhythm."

The most basic ride pattern in rock and other styles is:

In jazz, this would normally be played with a swing. Play /think