Question for open-handed players: How do you handle lead-hand considerations when playing a fill around the drums from left to right? Do you switch to right-hand lead if you're playing a descending tom fill, for instance?
I dont see any disadvantage, if there actually was a serious disadvantage to crossing open handed playing would be much more popular, here im only really seeing one person arguing pro open handed, and the examples of why its better are pretty poor and very exaggerated, also deathmetalcongo you said you started playing open handed, and never played cross, so your really not in a position to tell other people why its wrong, since you only play your way. I think the Carlock video was an amazing example, if your worried about speed or power crossing over, watch Deantoni Parks, then tell me its wrong and that how he would be better. The best technique is what works best for you. Just like all other techniques, its not how you do it, its that you do it. Practice makes perfect, pick what feels right and play
The reason more people don't play open is because more people don't play open. It's simple custom. If you think crossing your sticks or hands to do things works well, then do that when you type your reply to this. Or when you eat. Or drive. Or play ride cymbal. The fact that crossed players play open whenever they play ride proves that they, too, see the advantages of playing open. I just do it all the time, not part of the time.
If you have something that works for you, then stick to it. But if you play like everyone else, you will sound like everyone else.
The reason more people don't play open is because more people don't play open. It's simple custom. If you think crossing your sticks or hands to do things works well, then do that when you type your reply to this. Or when you eat. Or drive. Or play ride cymbal. The fact that crossed players play open whenever they play ride proves that they, too, see the advantages of playing open. I just do it all the time, not part of the time.
If you have something that works for you, then stick to it. But if you play like everyone else, you will sound like everyone else.
"The reason more people don't play open is because more people don't play open. It's simple custom. If you think crossing your sticks or hands to do things works well, then do that when you type your reply to this. Or when you eat. Or drive. Or play ride cymbal. The fact that crossed players play open whenever they play ride proves that they, too, see the advantages of playing open. I just do it all the time, not part of the time.
If you have something that works for you, then stick to it. But if you play like everyone else, you will sound like everyone else."
no offense but this is a rather ignorant response, typing on a computer and driving are completely irrelevant to playing drums. apples to oranges, its just like people who are right handed shooting left when playing hockey, its because its something completely different and you have to do what feels right. And if playing cross handed made everyone sound the same how do we have a world of different sounding drummers... Everyone plays violin the same, do they all sound the same? your really stretching your argument for open handed playing. The reason people dont play open is because they dont want to, everyone knows about it, your not the only one in the world who has tried, your attitude is very bizarre to me. And if you didnt notice Keith Carlock plays his main ride on his left above his hi-hat. Your argument is very narrow minded, if you like it thats cool, dont tell others they are wrong or following trends. The ride on the right does not mean people see the advantage of open, it just means they play the ride on the right, I dont think in terms of only "open" or "crossed" I play whats comfortable, and will continue to do so, and improve my abilities with both hands, playing my hi-hat strictly left handed would be a huge handicap to me, I also find its very uncomfortable for my left arm, I also cant get above my cymbal as well to play the bell of the hi-hat or with the tips of my sticks as well as with my right, I find it much much more uncomfortable after prolonged playing. If you like it better thats good for you, but if your reasoning is that you dont cross your hands when you type, I believe your doing it for all the wrong reasons.
Your left stick is trapped under your right stick, because your sticks are crossing. Two things cannot occupy the same space at once, so one stick must be restrained under the other.
If you're OK with that (and most players are) then keep doing it. Hands or sticks, not much difference.