Set Position:
For set, the left cymbal is the same as for an Horizontal Crash, level with the left hip, at a shallow 45°. The right cymbal is above the left and perpendicular to the left so that the bottom of the right plate is 2 to 3 inches above the left, "aiming" just below the knot inside the bell. From the front, the system looks like a tipped over, upside-down T. Angle the plates as to not show your knots to someone standing right in front of you.
This crash has three (four) steps:
Prep - move the right plate up and to the right (along the same line that the cymbal creates) so that it ends up about 6 inches above the left.
Contact - Bring the cymbal down and to the left, making contact with the bell of the left plate. The point of contact is slightly below direct center, just so you don't hit the knot.
Release - Bring the right plate up again to 6 inches, like the prep.
(4.) Return to set.
This crash sounds like a "gong."
Count Structure:
Prep on 4, crash on 1, release on 2, return to set on 3. For quick repetitions, make the release of the first crash, the prep to the next. Remember, all motion between the prep, crash, and release is fluid.
Things to Watch:
Don't move your left cymbal at all. The natural tendency is to move it up and to the right to meet the right. Just like the Horizontal Crash, always think about pushing the left cymbal down, so that the contact point doesn't drift up towards the center of your body.
If you use this crash a lot, consider trimming the knot ends, so you don't get the dead sound that happens from a missed contact. Keep in mind that it'll be more difficult to tighten straps if you do so.
When returning to set, be sure to have full control over the right cymbal, so it doesn't jiggle when you get there.
