Closed Hi-Hat

The tick of the beat — a short, crisp "t" that keeps time between kicks and snares.

voice: D-Koy

Percussion↩ made breathing outFoundationhi-hatsfrom the tongue + teethBeginnerdifficulty

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Hi-Hat Tutorial — TylaDubya

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An isolated example — just the sound, a few hits — is the most useful first recording. In-a-beat examples show what it can do.

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Start here · editorial pick

How to Beatbox from Scratch — hi-hat section by School of Beatbox (site article, author not named)
ArticleEnglishFreeBeginners
Touch the tongue tip to the ridge behind the top teeth and push a thin stream of air for a fast "t" (add an "s" tail for the open hat). Keep the jaw and lips still, put the hats on the "&" counts, keep every hat the same length.
Covers / needs: Free to read; the site promotes its own paid lessons and uses affiliate links. Instructions read by BBXC (2026-10-16).

Chosen by the site's maintainers as the clearest first lesson. The steps below are the same ground, in words.

1
Say a sharp "t" — short and whispered, no voice.
2
Press your tongue tip behind your top teeth, build a tiny bit of pressure, release a short hiss: "t" or "ts".
3

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@dkoybeatboxmentions “Strengthening Fundamentals”
D-Koy | Beatbox Lessons
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