[Sean Francis]

Originally Posted by stangfromhale

Thanks Harry. I'm actually more comfortable using my left hand on the high hat rather than crossing my hands to play the snare and high hat (it's weird I know). I'm right handed, so I will definitely try your suggestion. What I'm really having trouble with is fast rolls. My coordination isn't good enough yet to nail those super fast rolls. Any input on what I could do?

Also, when you say open handed, what do you mean? This is only the 3rd day I've had my kit, so my knowledge base isn't that great yet.

It's funny how we think that it's so weird to play with the left hand on the hi hat; traditionally, that's how drum set was played and it was unorthodox to cross the hands. Maybe you'll start a trend and swing the pendulum the other way as far as what is considered normal. lol

[Harry]

Hi Tommat,

I always thought it was not such a big thing myself, until I went to see Simon Phillips (from TOTO) and all of the sudden I understood what the advantage of open-handed playing was.
To move your right hand from the high hat (sitting to the left of you) to toms,cymbals, etc and the worst , to the China (to the right) becomes very,very hard to perform when the drumming has to be quick.

In other words open handed playing buys you more time!!!

Even when your drum kit (like mine) is not all that big (extended), the advantage is that you do not have to rush so soon "to get it all in", also it is slightly less tiring.
Unfortunately I have not (yet) reached the point of reaping the benefits and still have to stick(for live performances) to the old cross handed manner.
But one day...........

Cheers and happy drumming,

Harry