A hi-hat is a type of cymbal found on a drum kit. It is two cymbals facing each other that can be pushed together or apart using a foot pedal. When the cymbals are pressed together this is called a 'closed hi-hat' and when hit with a stick creates a short sound. When the cymbals are apart this is called an 'open hi-hat' and when hit with a stick creates a long sound. The long hi-hat sound can be cut short by closing the hi-hat. So, on a drum machine or in beatboxing, the closed hi-hat always cuts off an open hi-hat.