Swing Open Hi-hat

Played two great gigs this weekend. One with Mojo Hand and the other with the Blues Demons. Both with my new mini-kit. One gig is full on electric guitars and the other acoustic guitars. My playing is taking on aspects of both gigs - I use sticks, brushes and rutes in both. The only real difference is the volume level, all out for Mojo and controlled for The Blues Demons.

One technique I've started to use in both bands is the swing open hi-hat. In a nutshell I play the swing rhythm on an open hi-hat, controlling the sound using my left hand. The hi-hat is held slightly open with the foot but other than that it doesn't move. The cymbal is played on the top with the tip of the stick. The left hand does the work, either holding the cymbals together or letting the cymbals ring/sizzle. On the notation, the little 'o's show where the left hand lets go so the cymbals can ring.

Something else that I got from Tommy Igoe's  Groove Essentials DVD. Great for giving swing numbers a different feel.

Note to self - must buy a small fan to attach to my hi-hat stand.