In the world of percussion, cymbals play an integral role in creating rhythm, emphasizing beats, and adding color to the music. Among the various types of cymbals, the crash and ride cymbals stand out for their distinctive sounds and roles within a drum kit.
What is the difference between a ride cymbal and a crash cymbal?
A ride cymbal is typically larger and thicker, used for maintaining a steady rhythmic pattern with a sustained, shimmering sound, while a crash cymbal is generally smaller and thinner, used for accenting and punctuating the music with a loud, sharp “crash” sound.
Though seemingly similar to the untrained eye, crash and ride cymbals are unique in their construction, sound characteristics, and the way drummers use them to shape the sonic landscape.
This article takes a look at the differences between crash and ride cymbals, explaining their individual characteristics and roles within a drum set. We will also explore the intriguing question of versatility – can a crash cymbal be used as a ride or a ride as a crash?
As we uncover the answers, we hope to provide valuable insights for both novice drummers looking to understand their instruments better and seasoned percussionists interested in experimenting with their cymbal setup. Whether you’re buying your first cymbal or your fiftieth, understanding these key differences will help you make the best choice for your musical needs.
What Is The Difference Between a Ride Cymbal And a Crash Cymbal?
Ride and crash cymbals are two types of cymbals commonly found in a drum set. They serve different purposes and produce different sounds.
Ride Cymbal
This is usually the largest cymbal in a drum set, often ranging from 18 to 22 inches in diameter. The ride cymbal is typically used for maintaining a steady rhythmic pattern, sometimes called a ride pattern, rather than for accent or punctuation. It is played with the tip of the drum stick to create a sustained, shimmering sound. It’s usually located on the drummer’s right side.
Crash Cymbal
Crash cymbals are smaller than ride cymbals, typically around 14 to 18 inches in diameter. They produce a loud, sharp “crash” and are used for accenting and punctuating the music – they are not usually played continuously. Crash cymbals often are used to mark transitions in a song, such as the beginning of a chorus. They can be found in various locations around the drum set, depending on the drummer’s personal preference.
Here’s a comparison table of the differences between a ride cymbal and a crash cymbal:
| Ride Cymbal | Crash Cymbal | |
| Size | Typically 18 to 22 inches | Typically 14 to 18 inches |
| Thickness | Thicker | Thinner |
| Sound | Sustained, shimmering | Loud, sharp “crash” |
| Usage | Maintaining steady rhythms | Accenting and punctuating music |
| Placement | Usually on drummer’s right side | Varies depending on preference |
| Played with | Tip of the drumstick | Shoulder of the drumstick |
| Response to strike | More controlled, less immediate | Quick, explosive |
The thickness and shaping of the cymbals can also affect the sound they produce. Crash cymbals are typically thinner and respond more immediately to a strike, resulting in the “crash” sound. Ride cymbals, on the other hand, are thicker and produce a more sustained tone.
Despite these general differences, the specific sound and use of each cymbal can vary greatly depending on the musical style, the specific cymbal model, and the drummer’s personal technique and preference.
Can You Use a Crash Cymbal As a Ride?
Technically, you can use a crash cymbal as a ride and vice versa, but the result may not be what you want or expect due to the differences in design and sound between the two types of cymbals.
Crash cymbals are typically thinner and designed to respond quickly with a loud, explosive sound when struck. If you were to use a crash cymbal as a ride, it would likely produce a wash of sound that could overpower other elements of the music. The definition and stick articulation that you’d usually get from a ride cymbal might also be lost.
Conversely, if you were to use a ride cymbal as a crash, you might find that it doesn’t produce the explosive “crash” sound you’re looking for because ride cymbals are generally thicker and designed to produce a sustained, shimmering sound.
That said, there are some cymbals that are designed to be versatile and can be used as both a ride and a crash. These are often called “crash/ride” cymbals. They aim to strike a balance between the explosive sound of a crash and the sustained, rhythmic sound of a ride. However, they might not fully achieve the distinct characteristics of a dedicated crash or ride cymbal.
In the end, the choice of cymbal and how you use it will depend on your personal preference and the sound you want to achieve. It’s always worth experimenting with different setups to find what works best for you and the music you’re playing.
How Do You Make A Crash Sound Like A Ride?
Making a crash cymbal sound like a ride can be challenging due to their inherent design differences. However, there are a few strategies that could help you approximate the sound of a ride cymbal with a crash:
- Play softly: One of the most straightforward ways to get a crash cymbal to sound more like a ride is to play it softly with the tip of your drumstick. This can help you achieve a more controlled, sustained sound, as opposed to the explosive sound that crash cymbals are known for.
- Use mallets: Playing the crash cymbal with mallets instead of drumsticks can also help produce a more ride-like sound. Mallets create a softer, more diffuse sound that can mimic the sustain of a ride cymbal.
- Placement and angle: You can also try adjusting the placement and angle of the crash cymbal. Placing it at a steeper angle might help control the amount of vibration and thus tame the explosive sound of the crash.
- Try a crash/ride cymbal: As I mentioned earlier, some cymbals are designed to function as both a ride and a crash. These cymbals can offer a compromise between the two sounds and might be a good option if you need to switch frequently between crash and ride sounds.
Remember, these are just suggestions, and they might not fully replicate the sound of a ride cymbal. The result will depend on the specific crash cymbal you’re using and the sound you’re trying to achieve. Experimentation is key when trying to adapt your gear to new uses.
Can You Use a Ride Cymbal As a Crash?
Yes, it is possible to use a ride cymbal as a crash, but the result will be different from what you’d get with a crash cymbal due to their different designs and intended uses.
Ride cymbals are typically thicker and designed to produce a clear, sustained tone when played with the tip of the drumstick. If you strike a ride cymbal in the same way you would strike a crash cymbal (i.e., with the shoulder of the stick), it can produce a loud, washy sound.
However, it may not have the same immediate, explosive response that a crash cymbal would have due to its thicker construction.
Some drummers do use their ride cymbals for crashing, especially in louder and heavier genres of music, where the thicker, louder crash sound of a ride can be an advantage. It’s also not uncommon in jazz music to “crash” the ride cymbal for certain accents, although the technique and dynamic level can be quite different from crashing in rock or pop music.
As with using a crash cymbal as a ride, there are also “crash/ride” cymbals available that are designed to function well in both roles. However, these might not fully achieve the distinct characteristics of a dedicated crash or ride cymbal.
As always, the choice of cymbal and how you use it will depend on your personal preference and the specific sound you’re looking for. It’s always worth experimenting with different techniques and setups to find what works best for you and the music you’re playing.
Conclusion
The world of cymbals is diverse and intricate, with each type bringing its unique sound and character to a drum kit. Understanding the differences between crash and ride cymbals allows you, as the drummer, to make informed decisions about their setup and to experiment creatively with your sound.
While crash and ride cymbals have distinct roles and characteristics, the exploration doesn’t stop there. Their potential for versatility, whether through using a crash as a ride or a ride as a crash, opens up a realm of possibilities for sound creation and musical expression.
And, with the availability of hybrid crash/ride cymbals, drummers can explore even more nuances and variations in their sound.
The choice of cymbal and how you use it ultimately depends on your personal preference and the specific sound you’re looking for. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques, setups, and types of cymbals.
The journey of finding your perfect sound is a personal and rewarding part of being a drummer. After all, in music as in life, it’s the nuances that make all the difference.
