open "ambidextrous" drumming

[tylerxfury]

so ive been drumming for a year and a half
and im learning different techniques, still developing my drum skill
and i was wondering about peoples opinion on 'open handed drumming'
in particular, the right handed drummer playing hi hat with the left and snare with the right, as well as ride with the right and snare with the left
pros and cons accepted, and tips for learning are much appreciated

[Gretschem]

That's just a left handed drummer, playing a right handed kit.

[imrussman]

My son has been drumming for about 4 years now and he prefers to have his kit set up symmetrically. He never has to cross his hands, unless he wants to, and he can "swing away" as much as he wants to.
His "main" hi-hat is above the front rack toms. My son get a ton of criticism of this type of set up because everyone else just doesn't have the ability to open their minds. Danny Carey uses this technique. You can see my son's set up on youtube/imrussman
Hope this helps.

[tylerxfury]

makes sense, and actually sounds like a good idea
im just having trouble getting used to this 'style' of playing
i might have to make some adjustments to make it work
thanks for the post =)

[garageband]

the right handed drummer playing hi hat with the left and snare with the right, as well as ride with the right and snare with the left

Man, if I was feeling there was something there, I'd ride that horse as far as it'll take you. It's so easy to sit down and play the same stuff. This approach will take you far a-field fast. Who knows what you'll learn and how your personal identity as a drummer will grow.

I haven't played the drums that long myself. Just learning to crash a cymbal with my left hand opened things up in amazing ways. I can't imagine what sorts of doors will open playing with, essentially, different hands. Very cool stuff.

[homebuilderman]

You should play how it feels comfortable to you, but keep an open mind for things that are traditional. Sometimes things are "traditional" for a reason - but sometimes everybodys doing something just because everybody else is doing it - which is not always a good reason. So, again, do what feels right - the important thing is to keep playing!

[garageband]

That's just a left handed drummer, playing a right handed kit.

So everyone's clear: No, it's not.

You should play how it feels comfortable to you,

You should play in a way to produces a musically useful result. Seriously, how "comfortable" is playing the violin? Seems like kind of an irrelevant standard.

[homebuilderman]

Originally Posted by garageband

You should play in a way to produces a musically useful result. Seriously, how "comfortable" is playing the violin? Seems like kind of an irrelevant standard.

I think you are arguing just to argue.

I played viola as a kid and don't remember it being uncomfortable. Awkward perhaps, but not uncomfortable.
un⋅com⋅fort⋅a⋅ble  /ʌnˈkʌmftəbəl, -ˈkʌmfərtəbəl/ Show Spelled –adjective
1. causing discomfort or distress; painful; irritating.

Play the instrument in a way that feels right and doesn't cause pain.

[garageband]

Just a bit. There is a point in there, somewhere.

[tylerxfury]

IMO, part of being a musician is being versatile in multiple styles
this is just a different style of drumming, that is slowly growing in popularity
im more than comfortable to my drum setup, but im looking for ways to improve
ive read a few articles on this style and was looking for musicians opinion is all

so to clear it up: indeed its not a left handed drummer on a right kit
as i stated, right handed drummer alternating his 'dominant' hand in regards to a beat
i take no discomfort from drumming so that isnt an issue

maybe a few examples will help:
watch the drummers of bullet for my valentine, three days grace, and dave matthews band