Drumming technique question

[Karma_WN]

Ok a few things. I just got my drums a few days ago so bear with me.

Alright now,

A) I'm left handed. Which side of the drums should my hi-hat be on or does it matter?

B) Another placement question. Is the snare better in the middle of the drum kit or next to the Hi-hat where I currently have it.

C) How do I get the Hi-hat to play quiter. What I mean is, whenever I watch people that are professionals play it (Not with their feet either) the noise is always very low and near mute. More of a white noise really. But whenever I play it, it's always to loud no matter how gently I play it with the sticks. How do I get it to play softer?

D) How open should an open hi-hat be?

That is all and thanks very much for the help.

[Forgotten]

A. Leftys usually play with it on the right side, but my drummer's a lefty and plays it on the left side. He's ambidextrous though, so just try whichever feels more comfortable for you.

B. I play my snare next to the hi-hat, so I have mine on the left. Basically, another preference thing. Wherever you like the snare is where it goes.

C. My hi-hats are all messed up. I just screw the hi-hat shut so that i can use both feet for double-bass, but my cymbals are so bent that there are openings that I can get a good noise w/o it sounding dead. I don't recommend twisting your cymbals so I can't help you here.

D. Like I said, I play with it closed, so I can't help here either.

You'll find that many things in drumming are all about preference. Which drum heads, which drumsticks, which cymbals, where certain drums are set up, etc. You just have to try different things until you find what works for you. Hope this helps at least a little.

[Pontus]

To answer you C question... I think the answer to your question is that professional drummers mic their drums, but not their cymbals. Therefore all of their other drums are louder while their cymbols appear to be quieter.