Myths about teaching can hold you back
- Year 7
The role of the open and closed hi-hat in an RnB drum groove
I can play a hi-hat pattern using both open and closed positions.
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- Year 7
The role of the open and closed hi-hat in an RnB drum groove
I can play a hi-hat pattern using both open and closed positions.
Copyrighted materials: to view and download resources from this lesson, you’ll need to be in the UK and
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- The hi-hat can be played open, which produces longer vibrations, or closed, which produces a cleaner, short sound.
- Hi-hat quavers, with an open hi-hat on the last quaver of a bar, can provide a typical pattern for an R’n’B drum groove.
- When recording different parts in to a DAW it can be helpful to solo the track so you can hear it clearly.
Keywords
Solo - to listen to the music in one track in a DAW you need to solo that track
Open hi-hat - an open hi-hat is played with the two cymbals apart
Closed hi-hat - a closed hi-hat is played with the two cymbals meeting
Common misconception
You can play an open hi-hat all the way through the bar or anywhere in the pattern.
The hi-hat can be played open at any point, but it shouldn't be overused, and stylistically it works well on the last quaver or off the beat.
To help you plan your year 7 music lesson on: The role of the open and closed hi-hat in an RnB drum groove, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 7 music lesson on: The role of the open and closed hi-hat in an RnB drum groove, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom.
Explore more key stage 3 music lessons from the Fills and variation in RnB drum grooves unit, dive into the full secondary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
A DAW or other suitable compositional tool or instrument
Licence
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