Crash cymbals can be mounted on a stand and played with a drum stick, or by hand in pairs. Typically they are set up along side a drum kit and played by a drummer with drum sticks.
The main difference between crash and ride cymbals is their purpose and sound. Crash cymbals are used for accents and quick, explosive sounds, while ride cymbals are used for steady rhythms and longer sustain. Crash cymbals have a brighter, more explosive sound, while ride cymbals have a more defined ping sound with a longer sustain.
Cymbals
To hold crash cymbals properly, grip the straps with both hands, keeping the cymbals parallel to the ground. Hold them at chest level, with elbows slightly bent. When playing, strike the cymbals together with a controlled motion for a clean sound.
Along with the high-hat, the crash and ride cymbals are the most common cymbals. The ride cymbal is similar in function to the high-hat, keeping an eighth-note or quarter-note beat, however ride cymbals have a longer duration than high-hat which generally makes a ride groove sound more constant than a high-hat groove. The crash cymbal is most commonly used at the ends of fills or as fills by themselves, used especially to bring more dynamics and energy to important beats. Crash cymbals are usually the last beat played at the climax of a phrase in the song.
Cymbals are made from thin, usually round plates of solid bronze or sheet bronze (in the case of budget-priced cymbals) of indefinite pitch. Cymbals provide the means for a drummer to add atmosphere and augment a piece of music with the varied sonic qualities that different cymbal types offer, as well as serving as the timekeeper. As such, they're every bit as important as the drums themselves. Crash cymbals are designed to accent the rhythm and add a sense of drama. Often hit in unison with a kick drum for added emphasis, crash cymbals come in a wide variety of sizes and thickness, and each have their own distinctive tones. The heavier, large-diameter crash cymbals are usually large enough to double as a ride cymbal, and have plenty of volume and sustainability. Smaller crash cymbals are often referred to as splash cymbals since they're usually quieter, higher-pitched and have a shorter sustainability. They're particularly effective when used in conjunction with heavier crash cymbals, giving the kit a nice variety and contrast in sounds.
A crash ride cymbal has a brighter and more explosive sound compared to a ride cymbal, which has a more sustained and defined sound. In terms of playing technique, crash ride cymbals are often struck with more force for a quick, impactful sound, while ride cymbals are played with a smoother and more controlled motion for a consistent ride pattern. Musically, crash ride cymbals are used for accents and punctuations in fast-paced music, while ride cymbals are used for maintaining a steady rhythm and providing a foundation in various styles of music.
Most pieces that use them only require one pair of crash cymbals. Some pieces also use a suspended cymbal.
A cymbal that produces a sharp, loud sound that is used in every style of music. Crash cymbals are made in many different sizes, styles, and thicknesses, and can make many different sounds. Crash cymbals can be used for accents, or to drive the beat.
In the 1970s, Peter Criss, the drummer of KISS, primarily played cymbals from Zildjian. He was known for using Zildjian A Series cymbals, including the 14-inch hi-hats and various crash and ride cymbals that contributed to his distinctive rock sound. Criss's setup typically included a mix of different sizes to accommodate the dynamic style of KISS's music during that era.
You've got the Bass Drum, Snare, Xylophone, and Crash Cymbals.
He has played a 1976 Gretsch Broadkaster four-piece ever since he started. He also prefers large cymbals: a 21" Ride, a 19" Crash to his right side, an 18" crash on his left side and 14" hats.
The crash cymbal is used for loud, explosive accents, while the ride cymbal is used for a steady, rhythmic pattern.