[leas]

hi everyone, I went for my first official lesson yesterday and am very excited to practice tonight. I'm a bit worried though, because i'm left handed. My instructor told me that i would need to either switch the kit or play right handed. the thing is, i don't want to switch the kit around because i will only have access to a kit set up for a right-hander and won't want to inconvenience him by moving everything around. i was reading a bit about open handed techniques - would this be best for someone in my predicament? i would really appreciate any advice before my session tonight. looking forward to being a member!

[Meddy]

Welcome to the forum dude.

My friend is a left handed drummer, for his lessons which I occasionally sit into, the teacher switches the drums around for him. It's not hard and should only take a few minutes to do. Your paying for the lessons (i presume), so he should move the kit around and back for you. It would be possible for you to learn right handed, but it would take a lot longer for you to become any good. You really do need to learn left handed! Don't worry about inconveniencing your teacher, your paying him after all.

[Tainojim]

Okay so your new at this stuff. My son has been playing my drum set. I'm a rightly and he's a lefty. Didn't need to switch anything. It's a matter of preference and feeling comfortable. The teacher is getting paid anyway, so it's up to you. Lots of luck in the drumming world to you.
May the flams be with you.
If you don't know what a flam is yet, ask you instructor tonight. Don't hesitate to ask any questions.

[leas]

thanks for the advice. I have pretty much been doing that. I do know what a flam is - i think. have definitely downloaded something flam related (a lesson, but i'm also going to buy a beginners book soon)! have a great weekend

[Tainojim]

Leas, you can find allot of free drumming lessons on YouTube.com. I suggest the Moehller method, it's good and quick learning.
I think my spelling is not so good looking.

[Death]

If you don't wish to inconvenience your teacher, playing on a right-handed kit might not be a bad thing.

It would definately help you build up your right hand speed.



"Variety is the spice of life"


Do what you feel comfortable with. Good Luck

[IVANTHURLOW]

Hi Folks, newbie here Ivan's the name! I play in a 'The Shadows' tribute band
the band famously linked with ' Cliff!! We have been going for ooh around 27 years now, same line up bar 7 yrs when i left and persued a different style, didnt work so went back...graciously lol cloth cap in hand!! Anyway, really i suppose its not just Instrumentals we play we can do other stuff too rock n roll we especially like n play it with heart. We have a typical 'Shadows' line up lead, rythm, bass and of course drums! Red strats, vox amps, so no expense spared. If you want to know more or like to chat, ping me a reply... ok gotta go duty calls!!! Ivan

[IVANTHURLOW]

i know a few drummers who set up as a 'leftie' but play in right handed.. i have played on a left hand kit felt odd, but did wat cums naturally!! great for big crescedos on the floor tom as its right there in front of u as opposed to the right! Mate you need to play how you feel comfy
it the style you will stay with for the rest of your playin days so make it fit like a glove. I think a right handed kit if you are left handed would feel awkward at first but im concerned that it may put u off.. if you set the kit how its comfy for you i cant see it being a problem.. hope this helps? Ivan

[bandit]

Like the other drummers have advised if it feels good play it that way.Every set of drums must be set to the drummers preference or the beat does not go on right or left is an individuals preference if your teacher will not change the set to suit you find another teacher

[skinslapper]

I'd also recomend trying as many different playing styles as possible before your brain gets too stuck in its ways. The greatest thing a drummer can be is ambidexturious. Pitty we're incapable of spelling it.