Hand cymbal

A hand cymbal is a cymbal played by hand. There are two types:

• Clash cymbals, played in pairs.
• Suspended cymbals struck by hand rather than using a beater.

Clash cymbals

Clash cymbals are common in marching bands and in the auxiliary percussion section of an orchestra. They come in many weights, sizes and price ranges, from small toy cymbals to large orchestral cymbals and china types.

Suspended hand cymbals

Cymbals intended to be struck by hand tend to be fairly small to medium diameter, 9"-16" being the most common, and thin but still with some taper, resulting in an extremely thin rim. Many are dual purpose and can be played by stick or mallet at softer volumes. Others are intended exclusively to be played by hand.