Need To Develop Confidence In The Weaker Foot

[jneiblum]

I have what I believe is a very unusual situation that I can't find an answer to in any training book. I've been playing drums for over 40 years on a right handed set. I am left handed by nature but my first 2 teachers insisted that I learn the traditional way of playing - right handed with a traditional stick grip. So I learned to play that way. Over the years, my right foot became used to taking the lead on downbeats but I've still always favored my left hand for leading on fills (which makes for interesting contortions when doing fills around the right handed kit!). I later modified the kit so that my ride cymbal is on the left hand side and I switched to match grip, but everything else is still based on the right handed model. Anyway, I am trying to get my double bass chops together and have run into a problem. Although my right foot wants to lead on single kick patterns, my left foot wants to lead on double bass runs. When I try to lead with my right foot on faster double bass patterns, that foot is not as confident on the downbeat. Also, when I lead with my right foot, my hands will sometimes get confused and gravitate to the stronger (left) foot.

Does anyone know if training is available to reshape the brain to feel more comfortable leading with the weaker side?

Thank you,

Jeff

[cdawg]

wow. that's a good one. i'm kinda like you, in the way that i'm a lefty playing a righty kit, but have grown pretty accustomed to it. i sometimes use left on the hi-hat, but all else is "normal." anyway, i was frustrated at first, but eventually learned to be more adjustable. pick up "4-Way Coordination: A Method Book for the Development of Complete Independence on the Drum Set," by Marvin Dahlgren. it's painstaking, but really helpful.

[DamoSyzygy]

Being able to play both sides is actually an ADVANTAGE, and I envy you!

Have you looked into Dom Famularos book "The Weaker Side"? It may be of some assistance.

[joshisaces]

I'd suggest flipping your entire kit around (or maybe not :P) and try thumping with your left foot.
I've done it before and it really helps.

[Casper "DrPowerStroke" Paludan]

I have what I believe is a very unusual situation that I can't find an answer to in any training book. I've been playing drums for over 40 years on a right handed set. I am left handed by nature but my first 2 teachers insisted that I learn the traditional way of playing - right handed with a traditional stick grip. So I learned to play that way. Over the years, my right foot became used to taking the lead on downbeats but I've still always favored my left hand for leading on fills (which makes for interesting contortions when doing fills around the right handed kit!). I later modified the kit so that my ride cymbal is on the left hand side and I switched to match grip, but everything else is still based on the right handed model. Anyway, I am trying to get my double bass chops together and have run into a problem. Although my right foot wants to lead on single kick patterns, my left foot wants to lead on double bass runs. When I try to lead with my right foot on faster double bass patterns, that foot is not as confident on the downbeat. Also, when I lead with my right foot, my hands will sometimes get confused and gravitate to the stronger (left) foot.

Does anyone know if training is available to reshape the brain to feel more comfortable leading with the weaker side?

Thank you,

Jeff

The Weaker Side, by Dom Famularo

[jneiblum]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I will pick up Dom's book, retire to the barn, and do some serious woodshedding.

Jeff