Odd-Arne Oseberg
Platinum Member
I made a decision this week for myself, being a right handed mostly traditional grip player, to set up the kits at the school where I teach lefty and play matched grip.
How to improve the left hand.
- Thread starter LKD123
- Start date
A difference in ability between hands is not much of a problem. Habits which magnify that difference over time are a concern. I think that is exactly what you are asking about.
You will definitely benefit from suggestions for work from Stick Control. As others have said, make sure you dedicate at least as much time to exercises with left hand lead as you do to the ones with right hand lead. You probably have a big enough gap to warrant practice time specifically to catch up. Just remember, that a single crash course won't lead to steady and ongoing improvement of your left hand.
A practice routine which engages and challenges both hands is a great way to address the shortcomings of the weaker hand. As others have suggested, practicing new rudiments and associated exercises will be great with this. I'd take it a step farther and look for a book with rudimental snare drum solos or marching band street beats. Two-thirds of the work might be getting your left hand up to speed, but it will feel more like a single challenge to both of them.
You can apply similar reasoning to the drum set. Find some new material you have not played before. Then try to play it both with left on a cymbal and right on snare and vice versa. Some books, like The New Breed (Gary Chester) already make you do this.
After starting primarily on the drum set, I spent several years playing a lot of keyboard (marimba, xylophone, etc.) percussion. That really helped me because many melodic lines are naturally easier to play with a left hand lead.
Finally, you could also look at Accents and Rebounds for the drummer. It's the sequel to Stick Control.It is very difficult, so I wouldn't recommend diving in right away. It is a nice progression from Stick Control and I wish I had tried it sooner. Just be warned that it's really tough. It is to Stick Control what the Japanese Super Mario 2 (Lost Levels) is to the original Super Mario Brothers.
You will definitely benefit from suggestions for work from Stick Control. As others have said, make sure you dedicate at least as much time to exercises with left hand lead as you do to the ones with right hand lead. You probably have a big enough gap to warrant practice time specifically to catch up. Just remember, that a single crash course won't lead to steady and ongoing improvement of your left hand.
A practice routine which engages and challenges both hands is a great way to address the shortcomings of the weaker hand. As others have suggested, practicing new rudiments and associated exercises will be great with this. I'd take it a step farther and look for a book with rudimental snare drum solos or marching band street beats. Two-thirds of the work might be getting your left hand up to speed, but it will feel more like a single challenge to both of them.
You can apply similar reasoning to the drum set. Find some new material you have not played before. Then try to play it both with left on a cymbal and right on snare and vice versa. Some books, like The New Breed (Gary Chester) already make you do this.
After starting primarily on the drum set, I spent several years playing a lot of keyboard (marimba, xylophone, etc.) percussion. That really helped me because many melodic lines are naturally easier to play with a left hand lead.
Finally, you could also look at Accents and Rebounds for the drummer. It's the sequel to Stick Control.It is very difficult, so I wouldn't recommend diving in right away. It is a nice progression from Stick Control and I wish I had tried it sooner. Just be warned that it's really tough. It is to Stick Control what the Japanese Super Mario 2 (Lost Levels) is to the original Super Mario Brothers.
John Lamb
Senior Member
Totally agree on both books. Funky Primer is fantastic.
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T
TwoCables
Guest
Yeah, you almost just have to work your left hand very, very, very hard when you're practicing.
I also recommend trying to do more "everyday" things with your left that you normally do with your right, just to help strengthen it and to give your mind more focus on it.
Your body is only going to be able to do what you ask of it (because it adapts). So, work that left hand very hard, but don't be mean to it.
I also recommend trying to do more "everyday" things with your left that you normally do with your right, just to help strengthen it and to give your mind more focus on it.
Your body is only going to be able to do what you ask of it (because it adapts). So, work that left hand very hard, but don't be mean to it.