There's nothing wrong with open-handed playing. It's not backwards, just different and probably a more versatile style of playing. I am left-handed and when I first picked up a pair of sticks, the band instructor got all over my case because I was holding them left-handed. He made me switch righty and I have been playing that way ever since. . . .James

left handed drummer on right handed kit. Worked for Ringo...

That's called "open handed" playing. It works quite well for Carter Beauford, Billy Cobham, Dom Famularo, and a number of other guys.

Here's a YouTube video of Dom demonstrating open handed playing:

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ5YfRHmT00[/ame]

I sometimes use a different method to avoid crossing over: I've got a remote hi-hat I'll set up at roughly 11 o'clock from my snare so I can reach it using either hand without needing to cross.

I'm right handed, but I'll play open handed sometimes just to change things up, and for left hand exercises also!

I had no idea Ringo is a lefty.

yep, he is a lefty.

The issue I have with the open approach is the ride cymbal. Just too awkward in terms of placement, and switching brain function to go back to righty is too much...

Everyone has an opinion, I don't buy that one. I think you're better off the way you are as long as your kick foot feels ok being on the right side.

In the Land of Bop you spend most of your time on your ride. But in everything that ever made the radio you spend more time on your hihat and with that you won't have all the problems that come with crossing your hands.

I always thought that it was weird that on some instruments like drums and guitar left handed people flip things around, whereas other instruments like piano or tympani they don't. I've never seen a piano strung backwards. At least on violin and drums they make miniature versions for kids but piano is brutal that way. It takes years to even be able to reach the sustain pedal.

I recall a Downbeat magazine interview where Billy Cobham described himself as "left handed but right footed" and that's what you'd be.

I would use whatever hand I wrote with to ride with. I think our brains have a strong "wiring" that way, and I wouldn't fight that.

Man, I haven't seen Dom in years; his band (one of them, I suppose) used to play at a hall I used to do the catering for (1984-ish); he had much darker and fuller hair, then. His words of wisdom to me were, "Always enjoy what you're playing". I guess that's why I don't play in a band anymore, ha, haaaaa. Seriously, I thought it was great advice.

As for someone telling you how you should be playing, HOGWASH!! Do what feels natural/comfortable. I, for one, do not play open (don't care to, either); I'm a righty, playing righty, but that's perfect for me. It works and is comfortable and I'll put my chops up against anyone's (on my block). Don't let anyone tell you how you should be playing......unless, of course, you can't play. Do you need driving lessons, too?

Interview with Ringo - he talks about his playing style....

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhjDClExtZs[/ame]