Do you want to take your drumming skills to the next level and explore new techniques? Look no further than open-handed drumming! Open-handed drumming is a versatile skill that can be used in many different types of music, making it a great choice for modern drummers. Learn how to play using this unique technique and discover the range of benefits it brings.
In this blog post, we’ll cover everything from what open-handed technique is and why it’s so popular amongst other drummers, to tips on getting started with your own practice. Read on for more information about open-handed drumming and get ready for an exciting way to express yourself through rhythm!
What is Open-handed Drumming?
Open-Handed Drumming is an approach to drumming that is becoming increasingly popular amongst beginner and professional drummers alike. As opposed to the traditional grip technique where a stick is held in one hand and the other free, open-handed drumming has both hands playing at the same time for a fuller sound.
Not only does this open up a range of unique tonal possibilities, but it also allows for different rhythmic combinations to be played quickly and accurately. It exponentially increases the speed and dexterity of players as compared to traditional techniques. So if you’re looking for a challenge that’s rewarding and fun, then give open-handed drumming a try!
How to Get Started With Open-Handed Drumming
Open-Handed Drumming is a great way to enrich your drumming experience. It focuses on using both hands in different ways with the same drumstick. This technique can help enhance your skills, create interesting rhythms, and increase your comfort and control while playing.
To get started with open-handed drumming, find a rhythm that has two beats of the same length and practice it slowly without any sticking patterns or accents first. Then add left-hand rudiments and combinations to build up your speed and groove.
Always remember to play the sounds evenly between both hands so they accent each other properly. To enhance your skills further, experiment with different beat lengths or learn more difficult rudiments with both hands together. With practice, you will be able to master the art of open-handed drumming!
Learning Open-handed Drumming Made Easy
Learning open-handed drumming doesn’t have to be an intimidating, long, and arduous task. In fact, if done correctly, it can be a fun and stress-free journey to achieving your goals! Knowing the basics of open-handed drumming is important for any would-be drummer who wants to progress in their playing and improve their skill level.
The open-handed technique involves using the left hand on the snare and the right hand on the hi-hat or ride cymbal. This technique allows for a wide range of expressions depending on how you put your hands on each instrument.
It also allows greater dynamics when playing with one hand while producing steady rhythms with the other. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player looking to improve your skill set, embracing open-handed techniques will greatly expand your expressiveness as a drummer.
A More Advanced Open-handed Exercise
Open-handed drumming is an incredibly powerful and gratifying exercise. With regular practice, you can develop incredible speed, accuracy, precision, and control over your playing.
The key to mastering open-handed drumming lies in studying the fundamentals and technique of the usual two-handed setup which requires a more advanced approach to playing.
It is also helpful to work on a variety of coordination exercises such as stick twirls and dynamic switches that help increase agility in both hands. Furthermore, it is important to play with focus and dedication by combining rudiments and beats together for a more balanced sound.
By putting in time for adequate warmup and honing your muscle memory through repeated practice, your open-handed drumming will progress steadily in no time at all!
More Benefits of Open-handed Playing
Open-handed playing on drums can bring a variety of benefits to drummers and those around them. While it is often associated with metal, progressive rock, or funk styles; open-handed drumming skills can be beneficial to any drummer who chooses to perform any style.
The primary benefit of open-handed playing is that both hands are equally developed and balanced; meaning more power and control over the instrument. Furthermore, learning open-handed techniques can create an opportunity for personal expression and originality in fills, licks, and solos with each side working independently to create unique melodies.
With improved coordination between the two sides of your body comes increased speed, dexterity, power, and accuracy in your overall play.
The open-handed technique not only encourages and develops these skills but also helps build confidence as a musician that promotes better live drum performance. Ultimately learning how to play open-handed is a great way for drummers to expand their playing possibilities!
Famous Open-Handed Drummers
Open-handed drumming is a technique that involves playing drums without crossing your arms over each other. It is a relatively new approach to drumming, but it has gained popularity over the years. Here are some famous open-handed drummers and their details:
Simon Phillips
Simon Phillips is a British drummer who has played with many famous musicians, including Jeff Beck, The Who, and Toto. He is known for his open-handed drumming technique, which he uses to achieve fast and complex rhythms.
Benny Greb
Benny Greb is a German drummer who is known for his unique and creative approach to drumming. He is a proponent of open-handed drumming, and he often incorporates it into his performances.
Thomas Lang
Thomas Lang is an Austrian drummer who is known for his technical prowess and innovative drumming techniques. He is a proponent of open-handed drumming, and he has developed many exercises and techniques to help drummers improve their open-handed playing.
Dave Weckl
Dave Weckl is an American drummer who is known for his jazz fusion and contemporary jazz drumming. He is a proponent of open-handed drumming, and he has developed a unique approach to playing drums that involves using both hands equally.
Jojo Mayer
Jojo Mayer is a Swiss drummer who is known for his fusion of electronic music and drumming. He is a proponent of open-handed drumming, and he has developed a unique approach to playing drums that involves using both hands equally.
Chad Smith
Chad Smith is an American drummer who is known for his work with the Red Hot Chili Peppers. He is a proponent of open-handed drumming, and he often incorporates it into his playing.
Virgil Donati
Virgil Donati is an Australian drummer who is known for his technical proficiency and innovative approach to drumming. He is a proponent of open handed drumming, and he has developed many exercises and techniques to help drummers improve their open handed playing.
Mike Mangini
Mike Mangini is an American drummer who is known for his work with Dream Theater. He is a proponent of open handed drumming, and he often incorporates it into his playing.
Is Open-Handed Drumming Bad?
Open-handed drumming is becoming a popular technique amongst many professional drummers and hobbyists alike. It allows musicians to play with their dominant hand leading the stick, increasing speed and facilitating the performance of more intricate patterns.
The downside is that it can cause tendinitis due to the unnatural angles the wrists are held in for extended periods of time. Additionally, those who use this technique may experience higher levels of muscle fatigue when comparing open handed drumming to traditional methods where each hand has a primary side.
Overall, it is up to each individual to decide if open-hand drumming is worth considering due to its pros and cons such as increased speed and risk of injury. Ultimately, as always with any playing style or instrument modifications, listen to your body!
Wrapping It Up
Overall, it is clear to see that open-handed drumming provides several benefits for professional and amateur drummers alike. Not only is the technique perfect for developing a wide range of skills such as speed and dexterity, but it can also result in less tension on your arms and hands while playing.
In addition, open-handed drumming can also result in greater control over the instrument and improved accuracy with each hit. All of these benefits make this technique an excellent decision for anyone looking to further their drumming abilities.
With the right mindset and some hard work, you will soon notice the difference open-handed drumming has made to your skill level. We highly recommend all aspiring or skilled drummers take advantage of this fantastic technique today! Take action now and unlock all the advantages of open-handed drumming!
