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Are drum kits left & right-handed?

By Matthew Underwood

Are drum kits left & right-handed?

Does playing left-handed yield any unique advantages? A drum set in a left-handed configuration simply mirrors a standard right-handed setup. Your hi-hat goes on the right, the right cymbal on the left, and the bass drum on the left.

Is there such a thing as a left-handed drummer?

Drummers. A drum kit for a left-handed person is set up so that percussion instruments drummers would normally play with their right hand (ride cymbal, floor tom, etc.) Some drummers however have been known to play right-handed kit, but play leading with their left hand (e.g. playing open-handed on the hi-hat).

How should a left-handed person play drums?

Left-handed drummers usually play the bass/kick drum with their left foot, and put the hi-hat to their right. Other than the mirror image, drum set players pretty much play the same way, using whichever hand is available for whatever they need to play.

Why do drummers Cross Hands?

One such example of this is how drummers cross their arms when they play the hi-hat. Why is this common practice? Drummers cross arms so they can use their dominant hand on the hi-hat, as cymbal rhythms tend to be the most physically demanding part of a groove.

Is Phil Collins a left-handed drummer?

Phil Collins enjoys world fame from his time as a drummer with Genesis and subsequently as a solo artist. He is a true lefty. He has set up his drum kit according to his needs, playing hi-hat and bass drum with his left side.

Were any of the Beatles left-handed?

6. The Beatles had two-left handed members. Both George Harrison and Paul McCartney were left handed.

How do you set up a right handed drum kit?

Your ride cymbal should be set up to your right, usually just over the floor tom. If you’re using one crash cymbal, set it up to the left of your kit somewhere between your snare drum and your mounted tom. If you’re using a second crash cymbal, you should place it between your mounted tom and your floor tom.

How high should my drum throne be?

But many drummers agree that your drum throne’s height should be set so that your hipbone is slightly above the top of your knee. This allows your leg to move to its natural angle, 145 degrees. When your leg is in its natural position, your muscles are much less strained.

Is open handed drumming better?

The biggest advantage of open handed drumming is the most obvious one: ergonomics! You can set things up more easily to work with your arm and leg lengths, your hands don’t get in the way of each other, and you’ll be able to hit parts of your set without having to stop hitting another.

Do drummers fingers bleed?

Your hands should not be bleeding or be in pain if you’re drumming. Most likely, you’re playing with bad technique or perhaps you’ve just been playing for too long and your hands need a break. In any case, bleeding hands isn’t something to be proud of. It’s indicative of a novice drummer.