Ride Cymbals | page 2

A ride cymbal carries a regular rhythmic pattern and helps the band hear the tempo. Compared with a crash, it is played longer and repeatedly, not only as a short accent. You can use the bow, edge and bell, so one ride offers several articulation levels.

Ride cymbal for a steady pattern

For jazz, blues or softer music, you may look for a ride with richer wash and sensitive response. In rock or a louder kit, stick definition and a clear ping matter so the pattern does not disappear between guitars. Some rides can also make stronger accents, but for a fast burst a separate crash cymbal is more natural.

The difference between ride and crash is mainly the role: ride keeps flow and definition, crash highlights a break or transition. For a smaller kit, a crash-ride can make sense as a compromise instead of two separate pieces.