5 Tips for Drumming Open Handed

Dudes. It's time I finally own up and answer your questions about this wonky setup with which I've been disturbing the peace. And boy is it a ramble. There are eventually some playing demonstrations in there if you can make it past the 9,000 minute mark. Godspeed!

---------
---------
Want to try this setup yourself? Buy any of the gear you saw in this video through the following Amazon links, and Amazon will send me a small commission, which helps me make more videos like this'n. Holy capitalism! Now rock:

---------

Thanks also to all of you commenters who inspired this video \m/

[JamesMcCormickIV]

I was here for the cowbell. Thank you for adding it. I am satisfied.

[danteramones]

So.... Which cup holder is YOURS at the movies theaters???

[backstabbath]

I'm not even a drummer, I literally know nothing about drumming. I'm here cuz I like to watch you play drums, especially like watching the faces you make while you play. I mean that in the least creepy way possible

[stoplookingatmeplease]

His drums look like a bathroom literally, the white shells with gold hardware reminds me of sinks, toilets n stuff dunno why

[danrecords]

Just set up my drums like this, except cheaper! Total cost about $20

Converted my bass pedal (cheap PDP) using a set of Hex wrenches.

Built the remote hi hat stand using an old stand and a bicycle shift cable.

[IAM_Reedy]

Left handed drummer and play open handed on a “right handed” kit. I honestly think this is the correct way to play. It is awesome to play with no crossing of hands. Add a floor tom to the left of the snare and you’re in business. I also play a “right handed” guitar and bass, again it seemed more natural to me, chord hand is my strong hand, strumming hand my weak hand. Makes sense to me.(edited per comment below)

[JarretGrimesAquaticLife]

I'm a left hand dominant individual, but I play open-handed on a basically traditional set-up. it works for me and I don't allow anyone to hinder my ways! keep up the good work

[LIVNPRF]

I’ve been playing drums my whole life. Traditional. Thanks to you I’m now open handed. And I love it. It frees me to do whatever.

[MichaelD]

6:50 "THIS IS NOT NORMAL, AND I CAN'T DO MY GO-TO RIGHT-HANDED LICK AND I *REJECT* IT"!!! LOL I laughed so hard there.

[kencosta]

Harry...I switched my kit to this set up about 2 months after seeing your first video, only cause for some crazy reason it just makes sense...been playing like this ever since, and it has improved my abilities 10 fold!! Thank you, and I’m so glad your back, you truly keep me inspired!! Crazy or not!! Thanks Dude!!

[mws]

Very interesting. When I first started teaching myself in high school, I played open and felt comfortable doing it. A year or so later, I started taking drum lessons and my teacher told me that it would just work better if I played traditional, so I retaught myself and have been traditional ever since. Years later I see that I could have played open and that one of my favs (Carter B) played open too! Kicked myself for sticking to traditional. Traditional is nice to know but I wish I stuck with playing open. Maybe some day I'll go the route of your set up. Thanks for taking the time to explain it.

[teekomeeko]

I'm left hand and have only started learning, and this video has helped inspire some much-needed changes to my set up. Thanks a bunch for a couple years later.

[ByHisHandswoodworks]

This is how I would play if I could afford the remote hi-hat and double bass. I’m a right footed left handed lead and the way you have this set up is the way I would set up an e-drum. Thank you for showing this. Glad I’m not the only non-cookie cutter drummer out there.

[RobSanx]

9:01 I love that part, even though you accidentally focus your shot perfectly. 😆 It sounds amazing. I was searching for inspiration because I'm about to start playing e-drums and I can place the hi hat wherever I want because the pedal is not attached to it. I was wondering if I could replicate a different setup in an acoustic kit if I end up playing acoustic drums in the future. Good example and good ideas about the placement of the rest of the kit. Thanks a lot.

[JK-FPV]

Dude... Just tested your setup on my electronic drum kit and I freakin' love it! It just opens me up in an awesome way and makes so many new cool playing combinations available.
I thought it was going to feel super weird, but it didn't.

[Bluespand]

Hey! I bought the Pearl cable hihat, but the cable broke after 2 months... Oh noooo... How often does your cable break?

[joseph-owhf]

I've been trying to learn open hand with a conventional setup. I'm still sort of a newbie, so maybe it will take hold, but doesn't not feel as natural as crossed. As I have an extra ride cymbal, going to put one near the hat to try that very cool technique you showed. Love your playing dude. Creative fills and rock solid groove. You are a star in the making for sure.

[SimpsonSound]

This is GREAT! It's one of the most creative drumming videos that I've seen in a long time. It's adds a new definition to the old saying, "Do whatever you gotta do to get up for the game." Thanks for the inspiration!

[SeanSentDaBeat]

It's all about what's comfortable for you ! Love the vid

[clarkerots]

2 days ago I didn't know who Harry was. Now, he's among my top 5 favorite drummers.