As part of the celebration of the hi-hat’s 100th anniversary, Claus Hessler explores one of the most innovative and expressive inventions in the history of the drum set.

This session focuses on the fundamentals of hi-hat control and what makes the hi-hat unique among all parts of the drum set. Through a series of practical exercises and musical applications, Claus demonstrates how to coordinate hands and feet more effectively while developing greater independence, precision, and control.

A major topic of the session is one of the hi-hat’s most distinctive features: the ability to control the exact duration of a note. By understanding and applying this concept, drummers can gain a deeper insight into how the hi-hat shapes groove, phrasing, and musical expression.

Part 1 of the Hi-Hat Control series provides a solid foundation for unlocking the full musical potential of the hi-hat.