Playing the hi-hat is an essential part to being able to read drum music. There are two basic ways to play the hi-hat. Hi-hats cymbals in the score will either be located on the top of the staff, in the space of the pitch G, or below the staff on the pitch D in the treble clef.
When the marking is on the top space, this indicates that a hi-hat should be closed and performed with the left foot, while hit with a drumstick in the rhythm indicated by the tempo. This symbol looks like an X with a stem coming off of it. To notate an open hi-hat, a circle is placed above the X. Notating it as half open is illustrated as a line through that circle.
When the marking is on the bottom of the staff, it indicates to use your foot to open and close the hi-hat, this is done without the use of a drumstick. This symbol looks like an X with a stem coming off of it. Sometimes the performer is instructed to close the hi-hat together and let it ring. This is done by placing a circle below the X.
Play the ride cymbal just like the hi-hat, except the notation is on the top F line in the treble clef. To play a ride cymbal, a drummer should hit the cymbal in the rhythm indicated.
Play the crash cymbal by hitting the cymbal with the drumstick. It is notated above the staff where the A line would be in the treble clef. This symbol shows up in the score with an X attached to a stem.
Playing the snare drum is straightforward. It displays in the score with a regular music note on the line where the B would be in the treble clef. Simply play the snare with the rhythm given in the music.
Playing the bass drum requires the use of a pedal. The right foot plays the bass drum. The symbol for bass drum is on the bottom space of the staff where the note F is in the treble clef. The bass drum is an important part of the drum set as it keeps the beat.