The ride cymbal is a cymbal of material sustain used to maintain a beat in music.[1] A standard in most drum kits, the ride's function is to maintain a steady pattern, sometimes called a ride pattern, rather than provide the accent of a crash cymbal. It is normally placed on the extreme right (or dominant hand) of a drum set, above the floor tom.[2] It is often described as delivering a "shimmering" sound when struck soundly with a drumstick, and a clear ping when struck atop its bell.
The ride can fulfill any function or rhythm the hi-hat cymbal does, with the exception of an open and closed sound.[2]