[gyutae]

Open handed playing is when you hit the hi-hats with your left and the snare with your right, if you're right handed. The point of this is to improve your left hand. For me, I'm so used to grooving with my right hand on the hats and the left on snare. Anyone ever try this? I did it for a while where I basically switched everything up and reversed it. It did wonders for limb independence and strengthening up that left side.

[DrummerMom]

I have taught all of my students to play open handed. Some can some can't. I don't force this with any of them. But it does do wonders for limb independence.

[gyutae]

What do you mean they can't? I think with enough determination and practice anything can be done, especially something like open handed playing.

[DrummerMom]

Originally Posted by gyutae

What do you mean they can't? I think with enough determination and practice anything can be done, especially something like open handed playing.

I have a student that lacks the determination to play open handed.

[malletjazz]

I'll use open-handed playing on some grooves, especially some Caribbean-based grooves that utilize my rack toms along with the hi-hat. I keep telling myself that I should just do what Dom Famularo has done, and make the 100% commitment to open-handed playing, but I haven't taken that leap yet.

[gyutae]

Originally Posted by malletjazz

I'll use open-handed playing on some grooves, especially some Caribbean-based grooves that utilize my rack toms along with the hi-hat. I keep telling myself that I should just do what Dom Famularo has done, and make the 100% commitment to open-handed playing, but I haven't taken that leap yet.

Yeah, I agree with you 100%. It's a tough transition, but something that can open up your playing and pave the way for a lot of new possibilities in your technique. Well worth the benefits if you ask me.

What are some Caribbean-based grooves?

[Qwerk]

Originally Posted by malletjazz

I'll use open-handed playing on some grooves, especially some Caribbean-based grooves that utilize my rack toms along with the hi-hat. I keep telling myself that I should just do what Dom Famularo has done, and make the 100% commitment to open-handed playing, but I haven't taken that leap yet.

Me and a friend have been playing a Carribean type song for the past few days, and I know what you mean. I keep on wanting to do eighth notes on the hi-hat and keep playing the groove I was doing on the toms, but can't because it's awkward having to get my left hand around my right.