Hi-Hat Technique - Steven Adler Style
By Nate Brown
This unique hi-hat technique is used by Steven Adler throughout the verses of the Guns N Roses hit Welcome to the Jungle.
The hi-hat foot plays quick 8th notes while the stick hits the downbeats (i.e. 1, 2, 3, 4). When the hi-hat foot lifts up on the pedal, the resonance from the stick stroke rings out to produce an "open" sound. Striking the hi-hat with the shoulder of the stick on the edge of the cymbal produces a louder, more resonant open sound.
This technique allows for a straight 8th note feel (played with the foot) underneath open hi-hat quarter notes on the downbeats.
