Angling the Crash Cymbals

Unlike the ride cymbal, the crash cymbals sound best when you strike them on their edge with the shoulder of your stick. Doing this chews up your sticks pretty badly, but that's the price you have to pay for a full crash cymbal sound.

When you set up your crash cymbals, make sure that you can reach them easily and that they look good from the audience's viewpoint. Some drummers like to have them so that you can see the cymbals from offstage while others like to hide behind their cymbals. You choose the way that you like best.

Be careful not to hit the bow of the crash cymbal (located halfway between the center and edge of the cymbal) with the shoulder of your stick. Doing so increases the likelihood that your expensive cymbal will crack.