Splash Cymbal Uses: Quick Accents and Color

Splash cymbal uses add quick, articulate accents that punctuate drum performances with bright color. The small size and fast response make splashes ideal for specific rhythmic moments where larger cymbals would be too much. Understanding how to incorporate splashes effectively enables adding sparkle and definition to drum parts.

Splash Characteristics

Small size (6”-12”) produces high pitch with quick response. The compact dimensions create immediate attack and rapid decay.

The sound “splashes” briefly and fades quickly. Unlike sustained crashes, splashes punctuate without lingering.

Weight affects response and sustain. Thinner splashes respond more easily; heavier splashes sustain slightly longer.

Accent Applications

Fill punctuation benefits from splash accents. The quick sound marks specific moments within fills without creating sustained wash.

Syncopated accents gain definition from splash brightness. The quick response articulates rhythmic placements precisely.

Ghost note emphasis using splashes adds color to grooves. Light splash touches brighten patterns subtly.

The quick decay allows splashes in fast passages where sustained sounds would overlap problematically.

Positioning Strategies

Easy-reach positioning enables incorporating splashes naturally. The splash should be accessible without awkward movement.

Mounting near hi-hat allows quick movement between surfaces. The adjacent positioning integrates splash use into standard patterns.

Multiple splashes positioned around the kit provide options. Different positions suit different playing contexts.

Low positioning creates intimate, controlled splash response. High positioning increases projection and visibility.

Size Selection

6”-8” splashes provide the quickest, highest-pitched accents. These micro-splashes offer extreme articulation.

10” splashes balance quick response with usable volume. This common size suits most applications.

12” splashes approach crash characteristics while maintaining splash-like response. The larger size provides more presence.

Multiple sizes offer tonal variety. Different splashes for different musical moments expand options.

Playing Techniques

Light strokes produce subtle, intimate splash sounds. The delicate touch suits softer musical contexts.

Stronger strokes increase projection for moments requiring more presence. The small cymbal responds dramatically to stroke intensity.

Choked strokes—grabbing the cymbal after striking—produce very short, controlled sounds. This technique creates precise punctuation.

Bell strikes produce focused, cutting sounds different from edge strikes. The technique provides variety from a single splash.

Stacking and Combining

Splashes frequently appear in stacks with other cymbals. The combination with chinas or other splashes creates unique sounds.

Stack sounds are typically short and trashy. The interference between cymbals creates character neither offers alone.

Experimentation reveals effective combinations. Not all pairings work well; testing identifies successful stacks.

Genre Applications

Jazz uses splashes for delicate color. The articulate sound suits the genre’s dynamic subtlety.

Funk and R&B incorporate splashes for accent variety. The quick punctuation fits rhythmic complexity.

Latin and world music feature splashes alongside bells and other effects. The brightness complements timbale and percussion colors.

Rock and metal use splashes for specific accents. The contrast with heavier cymbals provides variety.

Popular Splash Models

Zildjian A and A Custom splashes provide bright, cutting sound. The clear articulation suits most applications.

Zildjian K splashes offer darker, more complex character. The warmth suits contexts where brightness would be excessive.

Sabian, Meinl, and Paiste all offer splash options across their lines. Character varies with manufacturer and model.

Budget Considerations

Splashes are relatively affordable even from premium manufacturers. The small size requires less material.

Quality splashes provide better response and tone than budget options. The difference is audible despite small size.

Used splashes offer value when available. The resale market provides quality at reduced prices.