Beatbox the High Hats
Learn to produce and practice beatboxing hi hat sounds using simple mouth techniques, rhythm patterns, and a metronome to build steady timing.
About this activity
Learn to produce and practice beatboxing hi hat sounds using simple mouth techniques, rhythm patterns, and a metronome to build steady timing.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Sit up straight in front of a mirror.
- 2
Step 2
Take three deep breaths to relax your mouth.
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Step 3
Make a short "tss" sound by placing your tongue behind your top teeth and blowing air sharply.
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Step 4
Make a longer "tsss" sound by stretching the "s" sound for about one second.
- 5
Step 5
Look in the mirror and check that your lips are slightly open and your teeth are close while you make the sounds.
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Step 6
Turn on the metronome and set it to a slow tempo like 60 BPM.
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Step 7
Make one short "tss" on each metronome click for one minute to practice steady timing.
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Step 8
Make two "tss" sounds for every metronome click so you play eighth notes (one on the click and one between clicks) for one minute.
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Step 9
Practice adding a slightly louder "tss" every four counts to create a simple accent while keeping steady time.
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Step 10
Create a 15 to 30 second loop that mixes closed "tss" and open "tsss" sounds at your chosen tempo.
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Step 11
Share your finished creation on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do you beatbox hi-hat sounds and teach a child to do them?
Start by showing the simple “ts” or “tss” sound: place tongue near front teeth and blow air sharply without vocalizing. Have the child practice single “ts” hits, then steady eighth-note patterns (1-&-2-&). Use a slow metronome to keep time and count out loud. Gradually increase speed as accuracy improves. Keep sessions short (5–10 minutes), use a mirror for feedback, and celebrate small steady improvements.
What materials do I need to practice beatbox hi-hats with my child?
You only need a quiet space, a metronome (app or physical), and a smartphone or recorder to play back practice. A mirror helps kids see tongue and mouth movement, and headphones let them hear metronome clearly. Optional items: simple rhythm charts or printed patterns, a timer for short practice bursts, and a cup of water for breaks. No special instruments are required.
What ages is learning beatbox hi-hats suitable for?
Beatboxing hi-hats suits children around 6 and up, with supervision for younger kids. Ages 6–9 benefit from simple “ts” patterns and short sessions; ages 10–14 can work on speed, rhythm variations, and coordination. Teenagers can refine dynamics and combine sounds. Adjust session length and expectations: younger children need more encouragement and shorter, playful practice times.
What are the benefits of practicing beatbox hi-hat sounds with kids?
Practicing hi-hat beatboxing builds rhythm, timing, breath control, and oral-motor coordination. It sharpens listening skills, concentration, and the ability to follow a metronome. Children gain confidence by mastering patterns and performing for family. It’s low-cost, portable, and encourages creativity as they combine beats. Short, regular practice also promotes discipline and fine motor control useful in music and speech development.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
I don't have a metronome or a mirror—what can I use instead?
Use your phone's front camera as a mirror and a free metronome app or a steady clock/tap your foot at 60 BPM to replace the metronome for the "one short "tss" on each metronome click" step.
My 'tss' sounds airy or inconsistent—how can I fix it?
Check in the mirror that your lips are slightly open and your teeth are close as instructed, place your tongue behind your top teeth, blow a sharper burst of air, and practice the short versus longer "tsss" slowly before using the metronome.
How can I adapt this activity for younger or older kids?
For younger kids, lower the tempo to 40–50 BPM, shorten practice intervals to 20–30 seconds, and guide them through the "take three deep breaths" and mirror checks, while older kids can increase tempo, extend loops to 30 seconds, and add more complex accents or faster eighth-note patterns.
How can we make the loop more creative before sharing on DIY.org?
Layer multiple recordings of your 15–30 second loop with different mixes of closed "tss", open "tsss", louder four-count accents, and optional hand claps or snaps to personalize and improve the creation before uploading to DIY.org.