The hi-hat is a simple yet necessary sound for any beatboxer. The hi-hat adds variation and a refreshing clarity to any beat pattern. For instance, hi-hats add a really bright sound to a beat that is crammed with kick drums, snares and bass. When it comes to a hardcore pure bass beat pattern, the hit-hat fragments the beat and adds more texture on to the set.

 

In the aforementioned article, if you do not grasp what a hi-hat is, putting a real life drum set as an example — the 2 cymbals that open and shut is a hi-hat.

 

To figure out how this sound is formed, try thinking of the letters 't' and 'zi'. Blend these two together and force it out of your mouth, utilizing your tongue. It is similar to a snake hissing with its tongue.

 

After getting the hang of it, shut off the air right after you create the 'ts' sound. Use your tongue to chop it off, making the sound sharp, clear, and contrite. Make sure it as tight and as clear as possible. If your mouth is a little loose and extreme pressure is not added onto your tongue on teeth, the sound will come out flat and loose!

 

Pro tip from Mak: Try playing with the "t" and short "zi" sounds within your beat to create more variation!