Key Difference Between Crash, Ride, and Splash Cymbals

Cymbals are crucial elements of the drum kit, adding texture, dynamics and character to beats and grooves. The quality of cymbal sets directly impacts the overall sound. Investing in high-quality cymbals can help even low-quality kits sound impressive. 

The most commonly used cymbals include crash, ride, and splash cymbals. Each has its specific function and contributes to shaping the sound of a drum kit. Let’s explore the basic characteristics of cymbals, their differences, and how they can elevate your drumming.  

What You Should Know About Cymbals

Cymbals are parts of a drum set, looking like thin, shiny metal discs. Typically, they are produced from bronze or brass. The alloy composition and manufacturing process impacts their tone and durability. Other crucial parameters impacting how cymbals sound are their size and weight. You can find very small cymbals, such as splash cymbals, with a diameter of 6 inches, and large cymbals such as china cymbals or ride cymbals, featuring a diameter of 30 inches. 

In addition to sizes, cymbals also differ in shapes and playing technique that makes them key components of different musical genres. The functioning of cymbals is straightforward: when a drummer strikes them with a drumstick or mallet, they vibrate, producing sound and adding energy to the music. 

What Makes Cymbals Unique

Unlike melodic instruments, cymbals don’t rely on pitch, however they add texture and dynamics to the music. Cymbals are extremely adaptable to various styles, as they can be played aggressively like in rock songs or soft like in jazz.  

What Cymbals Does A Typical Drum Set Feature? 

A typical drum set may feature several hi-hats, at least one crash cymbal, and a ride cymbal as essential components and splash or china cymbals as additional components for better variety. The more cymbals the drum set includes, the more flexibility you have to play various styles, from jazz rhythms to rock beats. Typically, as drummers evolve and improve their skills, they expand their cymbal setup to match their playing style.

Now let’s explore what the difference is there between crash, ride, and splash cymbals, and what features they can bring into your beat. 

Crash Cymbals

Crash cymbals stand out due to their loud, explosive sound and a fast attack. They are typically used at the end of a drum fill, to accentuate specific moments in a song, or to add a dramatic touch to a performance. Crash cymbals often emphasize the start of a new song section, such as the verse or chorus.

Size: Their size typically varies from 14 to 18 inches in diameter, where larger cymbals result in louder sound.

Sound: They stand out due to their sharp, shimmering sound that quickly decays, which makes it ideal for sudden hits.

Usage: They can be played with a drumstick to create a maximum impact, or mallets to produce a slower, swelling crash. Drummers may even hit two different crash cymbals in a kit at the same time for louder accents. Crash cymbals are irreplaceable components of drum kits of drummers playing in high-energy genres such as rock or pop. Crash cymbals up to 28 inches in diameter are often used by orchestras and jazz bands.

In general, crashes help the song sound complete, with emphasis on significant parts in harmony with other instruments. They also create strong emotions within a specific part of the song.

Position on the drum kit: Crash cymbals are placed to the left side of the drum set for right-handed drummers, allowing for quick reach for fills or transitions.

Ride Cymbals 

Ride cymbals are considered the foundation of a drummer’s groove, as they are used to keep timing and maintain a steady pattern, also known as a ride pattern. Unlike crashes used to create accents, ride cymbals maintain a beat and provide a rhythm or ride. In addition to keeping a rhythm during a song, drummers may also use them as alternatives to the hi-hat. They are often used to play quarter or eighth notes.

Size: The common size for ride cymbals ranges between 18–20 inches, but you can also find larger options such as 22 inches.

Sound: Their sound is controlled and sustained with a pronounced “ping” when played on the bow (the curved surface) and a brighter, bell-like tone when struck on the bell (the raised center). Rock and jazz drummers strike the ride cymbals in a rhythmic pattern as part of the accompaniment to the song. Drummers may play the same pattern, switching between the hi-hat and the ride cymbal. For instance, the drummer may use the hi-hat for keeping the rhythm in a verse and then use the ride for the chorus. Various materials of mallets and drumsticks impact the sound of a ride cymbal. Using wooden instruments results in a smoother sound, while nylon tips provide more of a ping, with a low vibration and low volume.

Usage: As rides help create consistent, rhythmic patterns, they are often used in jazz, blues, and softer rock styles.

Setup: Ride cymbals are positioned above or slightly to the right of the floor tom.

As ride cymbals are important components of any drum kit, drummers should never overlook good-quality ride cymbals. When buying these cymbals, it’s also important to consider the size of the bell. Larger ride cymbals produce more volume and longer sustain.

Splash Cymbals 

Splash cymbals are the smallest of the three types mentioned before, and are used to create quick, bright accents in a song. They are recognized due to their short, sharp and explosive sounds that makes them ideal tools for accents and drum fills. Small size allows musicians to easily integrate splash cymbals into their setup.

Size: The common size for splash cymbals range from 6 to 12 inches in diameter, however you can also find cymbals as large as 13 inches and as small as 4 inches. In general, they are very compact and lightweight.

Sound: Splash cymbals produce a short, sharp, and splashy sound with a fast decay.

Usage: Splash cymbals were very popular in jazz music during the 1920 and the 1930s. Today, they are commonly used in jazz, funk, and fusion, because they bring expressiveness into the music without overwhelming the mix.

Setup: Splash cymbals can be positioned in several ways: on a separate stand, attached to another stand, above or near the toms, attached to a snare drum rim, or on a double stand.

Conclusion

All three types of cymbals, including crash, ride, and splash cymbals, help to define a drummer’s sound and bring more dynamic and emotions into the song, accentuating its important parts. With a set of high-quality cymbals, drummers can expand their repertoire and enhance drumming. 

Explore three- and four-piece cymbals sets in our category, featuring high-quality crash, ride and splash cymbals, to unlock your full potential. Experiment with sizes, materials, and techniques to find your personal signature sound.

If you’re still figuring out what to buy for a drummer for Christmas or birthday, check out our top 9 gift ideas for drummers.