The Unique Hand Crossings in Drumming: Snare and Hi-Hat Technique
Do all drummers cross their hands when playing the snare and hi-hat? Not all do, as the answer depends on the individual drummer's personal style and technique. There are two common approaches: open handed playing and closed handed playing.
Open Handed Playing: A Different Technique
When a drummer opts for open handed playing, they set their left hand on the hi-hat and their right hand on the snare. This technique offers a different approach to drumming, as it does not involve crossing the hands.
One of the primary reasons for playing open-handed is the natural hand dominance of some drummers, specifically left-handed drummers. These drummers may choose to play open-handed to strengthen the less dominant hand and avoid the need to cross their arms while playing.
Some notable drummers who play open-handed include Lenny White, Rayford Griffin,, Dom Famularo, and Gordon Campbell. These drummers often have their ride cymbal positioned on the hi-hat side for a natural and comfortable playing position.
As a teacher, I often encourage beginners to play open-handed. This approach helps them develop better dexterity and coordination in their left hands. However, I instruct students to keep their ride cymbal on the right side for versatility. This ensures they can switch to playing with either hand as they see fit.
Predominant Hand Crossings: Right-Handed Drummers and Left-Handed Drummers
Most right-handed drummers are familiar with the traditional setup, where the hi-hat is on the left side of the drum kit, and they play with their right hand on the hi-hat and left hand on the snare. It may appear awkward, but for right-handed drummers, this is the standard and preferred method.
Left-handed drummers, on the other hand, often have the hi-hat on the right side. When playing this way, they use their left hand on the hi-hat and their right hand on the snare. This setup allows them to avoid crossing their hands while playing, making their technique more natural and comfortable.
Some left-handed drummers choose to use a right-handed drum kit and setup, even though they are naturally left-handed. An example of this is Ringo Starr, who had to use his right hand due to his grandmother's insistence. This setup required Ringo to cross his hands, playing his rolls in a reversed order—from floor tom to front tom instead of the standard front tom to floor tom.
Ringo's unique style of drumming is a testament to his versatility and adaptability. His left-handed hi-hat technique, combined with a horizontal swish movement, created a signature sound that was distinct and captivating. His drumming skills, when combined with rhythmic innovation and soloing style, were legendary and hard to replicate.
Conclusion: The Importance of Mastery over Personal Preference
While personal preference and technique choices play a significant role in drumming, mastering both open and closed handed styles can provide drummers with a versatile and comprehensive skill set. By understanding and experimenting with different techniques, drummers can develop a unique and effective playing style that resonates with their individuality and artistic expression.