Drumming is all about rhythm, expression, and creativity. As drummers, we’re constantly exploring ways to push the boundaries of our playing.
One technique that has been gaining more attention is open-handed drumming. A fresh approach that flips traditional playing on its head (or, more accurately, on its hands).
If you’re used to crossing your hands when playing the hi-hat, open-handed drumming offers a whole new world of possibilities.
This technique allows your dominant hand to roam free, unlocking greater freedom, improved balance, and enhanced creativity behind the kit.
In this article, we’ll break down the essentials of open-handed drumming, explore its benefits, and introduce you to some legendary drummers who’ve mastered the technique.
At its core, open-handed drumming is about playing the hi-hat with your non-dominant hand while keeping your dominant hand free to explore other elements of the drum kit.
This technique eliminates the need to cross your arms, creating a more natural and ergonomic playing posture.
Start by practicing simple grooves with your non-dominant hand on the hi-hat and your dominant hand on the snare. Focus on maintaining steady timing and consistent dynamics.
Once you’re comfortable, begin experimenting with your dominant hand, incorporating toms, cymbals, or ghost notes to add flavor to your playing.
The key is patience. Your non-dominant hand will feel awkward at first, but with regular practice, it will gain strength and precision. Think of it as teaching your weaker hand to speak the same rhythmic language as your dominant hand.
To make open-handed drumming comfortable, consider adjusting your drum kit setup. Start by lowering your hi-hat stand to make it more accessible for your non-dominant hand. If your hi-hat feels too high, it could strain your arm and make the transition more difficult.
Your snare drum should be positioned in a way that allows for fluid motion between the snare and hi-hat. If you’re working with multiple toms or cymbals, ensure they’re placed ergonomically, enabling your dominant hand to move freely across the kit without awkward stretches or reaches.
Cymbals play a crucial role in open-handed drumming. Since your dominant hand is free, you can explore ride cymbals, crash cymbals, or auxiliary hi-hats with ease.
Consider adding a ride cymbal closer to your dominant hand’s natural range. This makes it easier to switch between grooves and accents without breaking your flow. Splashes and stackers can also add creative flair, so feel free to experiment with their placement.
For an even more dynamic setup, some drummers include an additional hi-hat on the right side of the kit. This creates opportunities for ambidextrous playing and allows for even more versatility in your grooves.
Sticking patterns are the foundation of open-handed drumming. Start with basic grooves, like a simple 8th-note pattern on the hi-hat with your non-dominant hand, while your dominant hand handles the snare backbeat.
As you gain confidence, incorporate syncopated patterns and ghost notes. For instance:
The goal is to make your non-dominant hand as agile and reliable as your dominant hand. This opens up countless rhythmic possibilities and enhances your overall drumming versatility.
By mastering these fundamentals, you’ll set a strong foundation for open-handed drumming, preparing you to explore its creative potential fully.
Open-handed drumming is a remarkable technique, and these legendary drummers have mastered it, showcasing their unique styles and musicality:
Open-handed drumming brings a wealth of advantages that go beyond just a different technique.
It empowers drummers to explore their potential in unique and exciting ways. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits:
With open-handed drumming, the traditional need to cross one hand over the other is removed, freeing up motion across the drum kit.
This allows for smoother transitions between different parts of the kit, such as moving from the hi-hat to the snare or toms.
The unrestricted movement creates an environment where drummers can focus on the music rather than on physical limitations. This freedom is especially beneficial for intricate fills and complex rhythms that demand fluidity.
Traditional crossed-arm drumming can sometimes lead to unnatural postures, putting strain on the wrists, shoulders, and back.
Open-handed drumming promotes a more ergonomic playing position by keeping the arms uncrossed. This reduces physical stress and minimizes the risk of repetitive strain injuries.
Over time, it fosters a healthier and more sustainable drumming practice, especially during long practice sessions or performances.
Open-handed drumming encourages a fresh perspective on the drum kit. With both hands freely accessible, drummers can experiment with patterns and fills that might feel awkward or impossible in a traditional setup.
This style opens the door to new grooves, polyrhythms, and dynamic phrasing, inspiring creativity that can set a drummer apart. Many iconic drummers have used this approach to craft signature sounds and redefine their style.
One of the most practical benefits of open-handed drumming is the development of balance and ambidexterity. By encouraging equal use of both hands, drummers can strengthen their weaker hand, leading to greater control and precision.
This balance improves overall coordination and allows for more complex rhythmic ideas to be executed with confidence and clarity.
Open-handed drumming gives drummers the opportunity to forge their own path. By stepping away from traditional techniques, they can develop a distinctive voice on the instrument.
This originality not only enhances individual expression but also helps drummers stand out in an increasingly competitive and diverse music landscape.
By adopting open-handed drumming , drummers can unlock greater potential, develop their unique style, and expand their musical possibilities.
The benefits of improved ergonomics, enhanced coordination, and the ability to think outside the box make open-handed drumming a powerful tool for players of all levels.
Whether you’re inspired by legendary drummers like Billy Cobham, Carter Beauford, or Danny Carey, or you’re looking for a fresh way to challenge yourself, open-handed drumming can revolutionize the way you play.
Take the leap, experiment with this technique, and see how it can elevate your drumming to new heights.
Founder of TheDrumNinja
I’m crazy about drums, it’s been my passion since I was 12 years old. I played in numerous bands going through different styles like Rock, Progressive, Pop & Jazz-Rock. After being featured in major music publications (Drumeo, Guitar Guitar, AudioIssues, MusicThinkTank) I started this website to share my knowledge and create a resource for drummers of all levels.
We specialize in helping drummers of all levels become rhythmic assassins and develop ninja-like skills, quickly. Our mission is to create the best resources for all musicians and build a community where you can learn and share everything related to your musical journey.
Our team is committed to exceeding our clients’ expectations with uncompromising honesty and integrity. We focus all of our energy on helping musicians of all levels achieve their goals and build a foundation of skills that will last a lifetime.
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“9 Powerful Tips To Get Faster On The Drums (And The Mistakes To Avoid!)”
