Simon Phillips drum lesson: open-handed playing

It's no secret that Simon Phillips has forged a phenomenal drumming career that shows no signs of stopping. From musical theatre and jazz, to tenures with massive names including Toto, Jeff Beck and Mike Oldfield, Simon's playing has added a touch of magic to an incredibly diverse spread of musical situations.

In the October 2014 issue of Rhythm Magazine Simon talks about how, decades into his career, he continues to find ways to improve his drumming, production and general musicianship.

We were also invited into Simon's personal LA studio to shoot some accompanying video. Here, he shows you how to get started with open-handed playing and how it can expand your movement around the drum kit.

[coachbillturpin]

"Maybe I'd be a better drummer"....Simon Phillips. What an incredibly humble statement from one of the best drummers of all time.

[tkalward]

I love Simon. He is so down to earth, and genuine.

[fabiomaccatrozzo]

What a nice guy.
Great humble musicians are rare today.

[biffmalibu]

Simon's phenomenal. It's strikes me as funny that he still uses the old school term "Tom Tom's" instead of simply Toms. Love it!

[TravisSmith]

When I started playing drums at 16, I noticed my left hand was significantly behind my right. So I started playing open handed, kinda in a way to 'speed up' my left as it would have to play the hats. I'm now 37, and I'm still playing that way! I love it, and can play both 'right' and 'open' - and I frequently switch between the two.

[jeraldcuccurullo]

Simon is one of the only drummer's that is ambidextrous! !! love his groove. He was amazing when he was 18 yrs. old.

[josephgiarraffa]

He’s one the icons in drumming The young generation gotta listen and learn from these guys Your missing out on a lot

[RiC]

Open handed playing also helps develop your left hand (if that's your weaker arm) think about all those years you played hi hat with your right hand consistently doing eights, triplets, and sixteenths making your right more dominant then left then switch up and see how much weaker your left hand is on hi hat. from my experience it's gotten my weak hand ALOT better.

[christopherhoffman]

being a "righty" and playing the Rosanna shuffle open-handed? legend!

[elijerrr]

Seeing this dude perform in person is life changing and highly recommended.

[biblebear]

I saw Simon live when he played with The Who in the 1989 tour! He was and is amazing! And I too play left-handed like he does!!!

[Robert-cknm]

Simon is a great ambassador for the drums. I saw him at a clinic once. He's not only a world class drummer, he's a world class person. Thank you, Simon!

[goatflieg]

Brilliant... as one would expect of Simon Phillips.  I've been playing with traditional grip for 50 years, so it might be a bit late for this old horse... but I've always taught my students matched-grip and open-handed playing.  One thing in particular I teach is: once you've learned a groove or fill and are comfortable with it, then try it backward... then try it opposite-handed.  If you can do that regularly, and apply it to all your playing, you open up your coordination options exponentially. 
Oh, and of course I recommend Simon Phillips videos as an excellent training tool... along with many other top-tier drummers.

[UWB]

As humble as he is talented. I find this SO impressive in a musician. He seems like an awesome guy.

[boarhog]

This is why his double strokes and sticking are top-notch. He has no weakness, and his kick drum is underrated. His kick foot is wild too.

[davidmaynard]

When a player opens up his game and does the kinds of things that Simon Phillips does, there is a word for that : Genius. Good show, Mr. Phillips.

[shiznicks]

Not only is Simon one of the all time greats, he seems like he's a really awesome person as

[ilovemydog]

I loved Simon's work with Mike Oldfield. He's an amazing player and comes across as a really nice guy too.

[richoliver]

I can say I have never been blown away more from watching any drummer play . I dont watch anyone else but the drummer 99% of the time. When people would ask me who my favorite drummer is I absolutely tell them Simon Phillips. I believe Simon is in a class unto himself and it is absolutely that he plays left handed on a right handed kit and it is awe inspiring to watch him play. He is fluid and smooth . I swear I witnessed this guy levitate when he was doing some of those rolls when he played for The Who Alpine Valley 1989 ish... To this day I have never seen anyone close. Sadly because Simon didn't tour with The Who after that tour when Ringos son started touring with them I was so upset I never went and saw The Who again... 🤦🏻‍♂️ I love Neil Peart, Bonham and all the other more famous drummers, My vote since that night has been Simon Phillips . Have you heard him play with Toto 😏

[iowadrummer]

Thanks Simon for this video! It inspired me to learn to play open handed after 30 years of playing cross handed. Here we are, 3 months later and I have my first gig tonight playing open handed. You were certainly right, "a bit tougher" when you get older. But, as you also said - IT IS POSSIBLE!!!!