If you’re a left-handed drummer or you like to experiment with different playing styles, you’ve probably given open-handed drumming a go. It’s a common technique, but it heavily divides opinions. If you’re already comfortable with crossing your hands – this is the way most of us learn to play – you might find that open-handed playing feels slightly unnatural. So, why is it worth learning?
I’ve given it a try myself, and in this article, I’m going to share what I think are the pros and cons of open-handed drumming, based on both my own experiences and those of others. We’ll discuss how it can affect your technique, performance style, and how to use it within a performance setting.
What is open-handed drumming?
Open-handed drumming is a relatively straightforward technique in theory. As the name suggests, it basically involves you playing the hi-hat and snare without crossing your hands. On a standard right-handed kit, this typically means using your left hand for the hi-hat and your right for the snare.
When you play this way, you have better access to the whole kit. It’s a popular style among left-handed drummers who need to work with a right-handed setup, saving time at gigs where a shared backline is in place, as it avoids the need to reposition the kit.
But if open-handed drumming is so beneficial, why did we ever learn to play cross-handed? Cross-handed drumming became common with the introduction of the hi-hat to the drum kit. Before that, most drummers only had a ride cymbal, which they played openly with their dominant right hand. If they wanted to use their stronger hand to play the hi-hats, they had to learn to cross over.
This technique eventually stuck, even as drum gear evolved, and has remained the default playing style ever since.
The pros and cons of open-handed drumming
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| More freedom to move | It can be difficult to retrain your hands |
| Comfortable way of drumming | Fills can feel more difficult to play |
| Improves coordination and technique in weaker hands | Could cause strain |
| Adaptable technique for left-handed drummers | You may want to move the ride to sit behind the hi-hats |
Pro: More freedom to move
One of the biggest advantages is the amount of physical space open-handed drumming gives you. With your arms no longer locked in a crossed position, both hands can move more freely around the kit. This allows quicker access to toms, cymbals, and percussion, without any awkward repositioning.
Pro: Improves comfort
With your hands no longer getting in each other’s way, you can set up your kit in a way that feels more natural. You’re less likely to twist or overreach, which reduces strain on your wrists and shoulders and helps you play for longer with less fatigue.
Pro: Improves coordination and technique in weaker hands
Open-handed drumming naturally strengthens your non-dominant hand. Over time, this balance can improve your overall precision and fluidity. It also helps to even out speed, control, and stamina between both hands.
Pro: It’s an adaptable technique for left-handed drummers
If you’re left-handed, this style can make playing on a standard right-handed kit much easier. Instead of reversing the setup or learning to play entirely right-handed, open-handed drumming offers a practical middle ground while still giving you full access to the kit.
Con: It can be difficult to retrain your hands
Probably the biggest downfall of open-handed drumming is that you have to retrain your non-dominant hand to take the lead. Even though this eventually becomes a benefit in that it strengthens your weaker side, it takes time to get there. If you’ve spent years relying on your right hand for hi-hat work, switching to your left can feel like starting from scratch. At first, everything will feel slower and more deliberate than you’re used to.
Con: Fills can feel more difficult to play
There’s also a mental shift when it comes to fills. You’ll often need to work through them in both directions, leading with your left and your right, to keep things smooth across different musical contexts. This can slow your progress, particularly when you’re trying to keep up with faster material.
Con: Could cause strain
Even though open-handed playing is more ergonomic, I actually find it uncomfortable because it’s not my default drumming style. Without properly warming up, I’d be worried about strain. You need the right setup adjustments, or you could end up with just as much tension in your posture as with traditional playing.
Reaching for cymbals or playing off-centre can create its own set of issues if not carefully managed.
Con: You may want to move the ride to sit behind the hi-hats
If you’re gigging or jamming with others, you may find that reconfiguring the setup slightly so that the ride sits behind the hi-hats is more comfortable. In fast turnaround situations, such as backlined shows or shared practice spaces, this can be more of a limitation than a benefit.
Open-handed drumming: the verdict
I first got into open-handed drumming thanks to my music teacher, who saw it as a way to strengthen my weaker left hand. Progress was slow at first, but things started to click when I, myself, taught a left-handed drummer preparing for his graded exams. Watching how naturally he played open-handed helped me see the benefits from a different perspective.
These days, I’m not an expert, but I’m confident enough to use it when needed. I still default to playing cross-handed, though. As a right-handed drummer, it simply feels more natural. It suits how I sit at the kit, especially when pushing through faster fills or laying into heavier grooves on the hi-hat. It’s what I was taught from day one, and muscle memory plays a big role in that comfort.
Even so, I’d recommend giving open-handed playing a try. You don’t need to master it, but developing the ability to lead with either hand is useful. It’s also a helpful skill if you ever find yourself teaching, especially when working with left-handed students who want to play on a right-handed kit without reversing the setup.
If you want to explore different genres, open-handed drumming can prove very beneficial here, too. It’s often found in high-tempo genres like metal or fusion. Plus, it can suit players looking to explore the kit more creatively or reduce physical strain from traditional setups.
FAQs
How can I practise open-handed drumming?
To practise open-handed drumming, start by playing basic grooves using your non-dominant hand on the hi-hat or ride. This helps build coordination and breaks the habit of crossing your arms. Begin slowly with rudiments and mirror exercises, then gradually introduce full drum kit patterns as your control improves.
What drummers play open-handed?
Drummers who play open-handed include legends such as Billy Cobham, Simon Phillips, and Carter Beauford. These players favour the technique for its ergonomic benefits and fluid movement. Open-handed drumming allows for greater creative freedom across the kit without the limitation of arm crossover.
Why do drummers cross their arms when drumming?
Drummers cross their arms because the traditional technique places the dominant hand on the hi-hat and the weaker hand on the snare. This setup evolved out of habit and ease of learning. While functional, it can restrict movement, which is why many drummers choose to explore open-handed alternatives.
Final thoughts
You might feel that learning open-handed drumming is beneficial, or you might decide it’s not the right technique for you, and that’s perfectly fine. While it can offer more freedom around the kit and help develop ambidexterity, it also comes with a learning curve and certain limitations in specific musical settings.
Ultimately, it’s worth exploring to see if it suits your setup and playing style. It won’t be for everyone, but it’s a valuable option to have in your toolkit.
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