A ride cymbal is a type of cymbal that is a standard part of most drum kits. Its function is to maintain a steady rhythmic pattern^[1], sometimes called a ride pattern, rather than to provide accents as with, for example, the crash cymbal. A drummer will normally place the main ride cymbal near their dominant hand. The most basic ride pattern in rock and other styles is^[2]:

In rock and popular music another percussion instrument such as a shaker or maraca may be substituted for the cymbal in a ride pattern, especially in quieter styles such as soft-ballads or bossa-nova^[3].

Terminology

A Zildjian 19" Armand Ride Cymbal

Some drummers use a china cymbal, a sizzle cymbal or a specialised tone such as a swish or pang cymbal as a ride cymbal. When playing extremely softly, when using brushes, and when recording, even a paperthin crash may serve well as a ride cymbal.

On the other extreme, when playing extremely loudly a cymbal designed as a ride may serve well as a very loud, long crash. Some of Keith Moon's kits had only ride cymbals, with all but the largest of these serving as crashes.

The Crash/Ride Cymbal

Some cymbals are designated crash/ride or more rarely ride/crash to indicate that they are designed to serve either function, and perhaps which function is more likely. Such a cymbal will typically serve as both a large slow crash and a secondary ride, or it may be reserved for one purpose or the other in a particular playing situation.

Sound of ride cymbals

When struck, a ride cymbal makes a sustained, shimmering sound rather than the shorter, decaying sound of a crash cymbal. The most common diameter for a ride cymbal is about 20", but anything from 18" to 22" is standard. Smaller and thinner cymbals tend to be brighter with more shimmer, while larger and thicker cymbals tend to respond better in louder volume situations, and conversely. Rides of up to 26" and down to 16" are readily available, and down to 8" are currently manufactured. The very thickest and loudest tend to be about 22", with larger rides restricted to medium and medium thin thicknesses.

In rock or jazz, the ride cymbal is most often struck regularly in a rhythmic pattern as part of the accompaniment to the song. Often the drummer will vary between the same pattern either on the hi-hat cymbal or the ride cymbal, playing for example the hi-hat in the verses and the ride in the instrumentals and/or choruses.

The sound of a ride cymbal also varies depending on what kind of mallet is used to hit it with. In rock and metal, wood and nylon-tipped drum sticks are common; wood creates a smoother, quieter sound, whereas nylon tips create more of a "ping," and a sharper bell tone. Brushes, used commonly in variations of jazz, make the ride cymbal more felt than heard, as it creates a low vibration to keep a steady beat, but a low sound volume.

Sources

1. ↑ Schroedl, Scott (2001). Play Drums Today!, p.7. Hal Leonard. ISBN 0634021850. "It's called the ride cymbal because you 'ride' on it--that is, you maintain a steady pattern."
2. ↑ Schroedl, Scott (2001). Play Drums Today!, p.9. Hal Leonard. ISBN 0634021850.
3. ↑ Mattingly, Rick (2006). All About Drums, p.68. Hal Leonard. ISBN 1423408187.