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.
To read the most recent interview with Simon pick up the latest issue of Rhythm (295) Feb 2020 or subscribe at www.rhythmdrumnetwork.com

[@coachbillturpin]

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

[@foxmccloud8749]

Imagine that humility in this world a lost human at tribute

[@stefanwalfridsson5524]

I agree 100% Bill

[@ERICJPEG]

It's pretty funny indeed ! SP is just the best drummer of the world. Maybe he's the only one that doesn't know that ? 😉

[@taxicamel]

@@ERICJPEG if you think "SP is just the best drummer of the world." ....then you don't get out much ....and you haven't heard the thousands of other drummers of very much the same "talent" or "skill". .

[@TonyDeanDrums]

@@taxicamel You look dumb right now

[@tkalward4196]

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

[@mariacolasurdo2349]

I totally agree! ❤

[@fabiomaccatrozzo9243]

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

[@HadEnough745]

How do you know he's a nice guy?

[@Rondo2ooo]

@@HadEnough745 Nice enough for what we see, know and need to know.

[@mikemerkin1215]

@@HadEnough745 he doesn't make shitty comments on a great video?

[@biffmalibu9488]

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!

[@cjgoulet]

He also said bass drum, not kick. It is a bass!

[@jeraldcuccurullo2497]

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

[@vegaslimoguy2376]

Checkout Joe Vitale, plays right handed, open handed and switches to left handed. One of the greatest drummers most people haven't heard of, but hes on hundreds of albums and has played with just about everbody.

[@TravisSmith1]

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.

[@Hurricane1990]

I had the same issue. I’m right handed but open handed drumming felt natural. Problem is I lead with the right so I’m not quite truly ambidextrous but close.

[@813RiC]

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.

[@goffredo29]

I'm going to show this clip to my students who I tell that I am ambidextrous. It all started when I was having to practice cursive as a kid. Without thinking about it much, I immediately just practiced one day with one hand and the next day with the other and so on. Drove my mother crazy. But I just never chose to be one or the other and carried that into all the other activities, like sports, where I didn't choose either. This guy gives me an example I can show my students of what I essentially did as well.

[@gabrieldelacruz4278]

Well I'm cross dominance but I prefer open hand drumming even though I started with a right handed way.

[@-zawolf-8325]

For some reason I cross my arms

[@fendas123]

I'm left handed... and I can't play the ride cymbal well if it's on the right side... but sure, I guess I can develop my right hand...

[@neworleansbeats]

All true. ....

[@josephgiarraffa6379]

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

[@bigredmachine1]

Saw him with Jeff Beck's There And Back tour. Outstanding!

[@christopherhoffman481]

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

[@hannibalixlecter]

I absolutely agree

[@biblebear6795]

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!!!

[@elijerrr]

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

[@dukeofpearl]

Great drummer.....and a very humble and cool guy!

[@boarhog1979]

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.

[@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.

[@shiznicks74]

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

[@rogerpr364]

He is a great guy!

[@U2WB]

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

[@davidmaynard1530]

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.

[@_s827]

And yet he says "maybe I would have been a better a drummer" at one point in this video

[@davidmaynard1530]

@@_s827 An amazing talent and even more amazing person. A breath of fresh air.

[@Arizonaoverlander]

When I started taking lessons 20 years ago, my instructor taught me to play open handed and I am so glad he did. I have gotten a lot of compliments from drummers who saw me play saying they wish they could play open handed. It really does make it easier and more fun to play certain parts. I would start out just like Simon showed. I would practice back and forth between the hi hat and snare and another drum to the left of my hi hat. I highly recommend it to learn to play open.

[@mikeysplayhouse1971]

Hey I'm in Arizona! Where you at? I'm a huge Simon fan. I saw him play Give Blood open handed and it changed my drumming forever. My teacher TOO tried to get me to do that but it was so way out I was like "WTF??" He said don't worry about it so I guess he gets the credit for first showing me the way. I've been doing it for years, playing right handed feels weird now and I have to think about doing things with my right and I'm right handed. LEL!

[@agusrocks0065]

Arizonaoverlander a

[@Woodtyper]

Good for you! You found a teacher with an open mind! Good observations too. (From an open-handed player 50-some years into the drumming business)

[@ilovemydog6847]

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

[@richoliver1095]

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 😏

[@Metragnome_Images]

Yes, certainly the best in my lifetime.... lucky enough to see him play with Toto... unbelievably good.

[@spiderjuice9874]

If I were a drummer (and yes - I am not), I always imagined that I would play right handed on a left handed kit. It took this video and your comment to know that this was what to call what I would 'naturally' do, if I could set up the kit how I wanted and play how I wanted, without being told off for doing it 'wrong.' Maybe one day...

[@shiznicks74]

Everything about this man is just awesome.

[@Robert-ck7nm]

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!

[@catkeys6911]

He came to Long Island years ago and I saw him (at a Holiday Inn). Very nice guy; he was there to share *anything* anyone wanted to hear or see.

[@joshkosh95]

Simon should so make a new masterclass dvd just demonstrating different beats, signatures, solos, recording etc in his studio like these!

[@janborrowitz]

Sin after Sin LP! Great stuff, great ability....Thanks Simon

[@itsmedrooms6071]

janborrowitz yeah, he played that one album with Judas Priest. So weird. I wouldn't say it represents his best playing though.

[@janborrowitz]

Yeah its possible, but at that time he was only 18 or 19, when he recorded SaS LP with J.P. Unbelievable....

[@hugolafhugolaf]

@@itsmedrooms6071 Much better than what later drummers did for JP though. Sure, Scott Travis is great, but he is not a dynamic player.

[@itsmedrooms6071]

hugolafhugolaf Give Blood, incredible performance with David Gilmour on that tune as well. It's really all the Townsend solo stuff where he first came on my radar and it's where his drum sound really shined. I'm not forgetting Space Boogie though lol, not a bad recording but I think the big open sound of his kit really comes out on Townsend's stuff. I think Space Boogie can be debated as more technically demanding than most of what he played on Townsend's material though. The Beck stuff and that song specifically sounds like straight out fusion to me.

[@ColtraneTaylor]

@@hugolafhugolaf I like Dave Holland the best. Simple but very effective and powerful.

[@OZRIC1985]

Simon is an absolutely brilliant drummer, and definitely one of the very best in the world! :)

[@tokiwartooth714]

Great drummer. Love the fact that he played on Judas Priest's "Sin After Sin" album.

[@patmcn]

John John first time I heard that album I heard it.

[@amosamaralmarao7846]

I am from Brazil!!!Seria um sonho se Simon Phillips estivesse ficado com o Judas Priest!!!Toda sua sofisticacao e elegancia daria uma dimensao maior ao som do Judas Priest!

[@flugplatz21]

That album and Simon are why I finally got into Judas Priest. I waited far too long. That album is great!

[@tuslokbaki9579]

The drums on Dissident Aggressor was way ahead during it’s time.

[@stevendavid5370]

Simon - I'm a HUGE fan of yours. I'm a beginner at 61 to learn how to play the drums. I think for a right-handed person, having the ride on the left next to your high hats is simply brilliant. I agree letting your left hand (weak hand) keep the tempo allowing your right hand (strong hand) do the fills is brilliant. I look at your set up and I can tell you've put a lot of thought on how you can maximize yourself to the drum kit. Simply amazing. Adding your recording and sound technical knowledge, you really impact the songs you play. Thanks so much for your videos on how-to play instruction. Still miss you NOT being with Toto, but I understand. Everything has a time. When the situation is right - for you - you might be with them again. Bottom line - Love ya

[@iowadrummer79]

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!!!!

[@andrehof7876]

first time I hear this man speak, and I am stunned ....this is a totally nice man! I am impressed, not for drumming, as I don't know a thing about that..but this is just a great person..

[@sniffingdogartofficial7257]

Super enjoyable to watch. Great drumming and a great personality too.

[@MeiZu0606]

mr. phillips you..are..AMAZING!!!!

[@AlexVonCrank]

Such a musical and lyrical drummer. He makes the kit sing!

[@simonc61]

Simons drumming on Mike Oldfields Crises is phenomenal, and I was lucky enough to see him with Toto 😃

[@SXI96]

Love his work with The Who and Toto, incredible drummer

[@JuanDiaz-mv1lg]

Not to mention Judas Priest

[@refractorhead]

Also with Michael schenker

[@hosurdatty]

I could listen to Simon for hours . Amazing talent and a pleasure to watch .

[@ididyermom3273]

Following Simon Philips, I've been playing open handed for years and also lead with the right all because I love Simon's playing. It really does open up a world of ideas without breaking the groove and it's fun to not be right hand dominant.

[@stianthijsen4784]

I love this guy! He's realy down to earth and far away from any rockstar attitudes. A real humble master of the arts!!!

[@rayistorico4090]

One of the all-time greats. Catch him in concert with Hiromi if you can.

[@777jones]

Ray Istorico see I just realized that I read about him both with The Who and the incomparable Hiromi. And here you go he really is the same guy! What a crowning achievement to tour with Hiromi.. jeeeez.

[@DavidBagshaw]

Always enjoyed Simon's playing - never realized he was this mellow, grounded genius.

[@ricothewestie6963]

A true gentleman and humble guy with such incredible talent!

[@flashtheoriginal]

Up there with the very BEST. Dont believe me? Listen to Smallcreep's Day - especially Out Into The Daylight. Total CLASS

[@stephenj8576]

at 3:00 is the secret to understanding Simon Phillips' style. Smooth groove.

[@jordykloos9665]

Yes, he said that at a masterclass I attended. 'the fill has to carry the groove'. Very musical approach.

[@johncole015]

I Started doing this December 2007 and it really changes your whole approach to everything.

[@mancavemusician]

You make it look so easy, love your humility. One of my favourite percussionists...

[@stalledrangen]

The human octopus according to Mike Oldfield

[@mauser66]

Human octopus! I love it!

[@_s827]

That's what brought me to this video

[@EDOGG62]

Simon is such an amazing player. Saw the tour with The Who doing Tommy. Blew my mind.

[@coffeecupblue]

I'm a a 55 year old beginner, and I'm left handed but play a right handed setup. After a few months of learning, I keep returning to the sense that my hi-hat should be more in front of me than to my left. And closer in height to my snare. A maze of videos led me here, and I see his setup. I'm going to adjust my hi-hat, snare, and position like this and see how that feels.

[@davidmorad4405]

That example he played switching from right handed to left handed was phenomenal!

[@richardneill2634]

One of the greats, my drum teachers favourite drummer!

[@Gary-59]

Love his playing on Beck's There & Back

[@randynelson3988]

Thank you Simon Phillips! You are a great inspiration.

[@drummingdog5706]

I love the way he explains things in a personal way. Very cool

[@zoltankorcsmaros6383]

He's one of the best drummer.

[@Zhaggysfaction]

Open-handed playing makes so much more sense to me. And I'd even say that the "normal" setup most people have is (and was when it was first "invented") a compromise in many ways. If you start to think about it (at least when I do) you start with with your feet. Most right handed players have better right foot so bass drum has to go there and snare between the legs so both hands can play it. Makes sense so far. Here comes the "problems". Where would you naturally like to play your right hand (as it's also better than your left hand) with which you can play faster and more complex stuff? On your right side. And there the ride cymbal usually is. Now whne people started to play with a hihat there was the problem of where to put it. I'd guess that most people would like to play it on their right but the hardware doesn't allow that (nowadays it does, but back then didn't) because right foot is on the bass drum and left foot is the only one free to control it. So it has to go on the left side. Now you have to decide with which hand you're going to play it. Playing the "normal" way restricts you in so many ways imo. That very example Simon describes here that if you wanted to play the toms inside the groove, the normal way you can't comfortably do that. Open-handed absolutely zero problem. All that said I think the most "intuitive" setup is Mike Mangini's. Firstly he has basically every drum and cymbal one can have and need on both sides so no restrictions on what are you paying, you always have that cymbal or drum on a side you can hit it. He also has them in symmetrical pattern so everything is on the same place on both sides and he practically has complete normal drumset on both sides. Of course this type of drum set is a pain to set up and expensive as you have to have double amount of stuff. And the normal setup isn't that bad as we've all used to playing it and adapted pretty well.

[@trucksguns6898]

TL;DR?

[@Zhaggysfaction]

Trucks & Guns Ok. But thanks for caring enough to take the time to respond however.

[@sticksbass]

true... id be scary for me to lower the hi hat like SP bc a low hh caused me to whack my knuckles on both hands as id do things between the snare and hats as a teen. havent had that prob since i raised the hats. i really like Mangini's old roto tom solo w Extreme.

[@JeanDenisCote]

I completely agree. I've been learning how to play with only a floor tom and no rack tom at all for a year or so, and now that the space in front of me is empty I will be able buy a remote hi-hat and put it there, right in the middle. That way, I'll be able to comfortably play it with either hands, or both at the same time for hi-hat and snare heavy grooves. Should be interesting!

[@pacificdrum0301]

Jean-Denis Côté Has

[@All.is.relative21]

One of the greatest musicians in history.🙏👏👏

[@thepizzaguys20]

Simon You are a star, your technique and groove feel on the drums is amazing, I love your style. Cheers

[@YouzTube99]

Has anyone ever seen Simon and Eric Idle in the same place at the same time?

[@landypaule]

Abolutely...not. I've actually scrolled the comments for this one :-)

[@brandonquod4910]

YouzTube99 ya they were both in the holy grail, simon was idles stuntman... probably

[@landypaule]

And unfortunately Simon could't show his drumming skills, because the cruzifying scene only allowed singing and whistling, not drumming...

[@landypaule]

oh, my goodness, I seem to be a bit confused...was thinking of The Life Of Brian... but I'm pretty sure he was Eric's stuntmen there, too.

[@nwest8274]

There we go - I see the point. Thats the solution to the mysterium.

[@davidbrinkmeier1494]

Did he say ..maybe he could have been a better player if ???? Is that possible to be better then he is now ? Hardly think so..such technical perfection

[@melaniel.4269]

You need to listen to more drummer i think

[@dibber43]

How can you NOT love what Simon Phillips says OR does??? Great drummer, great knowledge, great presenter!!!😎🖒

[@malcspring448]

Truly amazing. A genius behind the drumkit.

[@nicolaihgodt5367]

Never seen this guy before but jesus he seems so nice. And I love his way of playing!

[@IslandDigital]

If you have NEVER seen him , listen to "Slit Skirts" , "Give Blood" both by Pete Townsend and for sure watch Live Tommy concert back in 88 or so. He is an Animal , lastly , get Toto DVD Live In Amsterdam He's a MONSTER !!

[@itsmedrooms6071]

Nicolai H Godt "Give Blood" on Townsend's White City album. Just incredible playing. Anything with Townsend actually.

[@sirgregii]

Just listen to his record "Another lifetime". If you like good fusion, it's a must!

[@billygiamou7435]

Zounds! Simon has more talent in his one hand than I have in my entire body.....

[@raymckown4637]

and whether they admit it or not, the comment is true for every drummer who watches this video, me certainly included!

[@Markko1986]

What a pleasant gentleman! And nice playing too!

[@boekhour]

Since begin 90ties my favourite all-time drummer... Amazing to see and hear his original VHS lesson-videos at my soundsystem. Still crisp, full of bass and very clean!

[@herrbonk3635]

Never heard this drummer before (except one tune with Buddy Rich big band). But he obviously has good taste, a nice swing feel, and pretty impressive technique.

[@pauljordan4452]

Check out Pete Townshend.

[@cinnamonrollypoly]

The more great drummers that I watch, the more I am becoming convinced that I need to learn open hand drumming. Should have learned it ten years ago, but oh well. Later is better than never.

[@kennybarnes2375]

A lot of work. Go for it!

[@gperlman]

I'm left handed and have always played open handed because it felt most natural but recently I considered switching to playing right handed instead. This video (and a few others) changed my mind. For a long time I thought my early drum teacher had made a mistake in offering me this option. Now I'm glad he did.

[@pxlmvr7]

I didn't start playing until I was 39 as a hobby; after several years, I saw a video on open handed playing and it made sooo much sense! I decided to start at the beginning with one of my books and now, I can play open as well as right handed ... and I can even switch without breaking the groove! I'm not a great player by any means, but I'm saying it can be done if you desire to make the change. :)

[@gperlman]

I'm left-handed. From the time I started drum lessons at the age of 10 or 11, I played open handed because it felt comfortable and natural. As a adult I thought my childhood drum teacher had made a mistake allowing me to play this way. I can play right-handed but I'm not quite as good as when I play open handed. Lately I have been reconfiguring my kit and in doing so was very tempted to simply make the switch to playing right-handed. I searched KZbin for "left handed drummer right handed kit" and this video of Simon Phillips appeared. I was surprised to see him promoting the idea of playing open handed and even more surprised to discover that he's right-handed! Then I found several other videos promoting the benefits of playing open-handed. This made me realize that I truly am most comfortable playing open-handed and I can configure my kit to accommodate that. Thanks, Simon!

[@Erich_U]

Saw him at a clinic years ago. He had (and still has) the best drum sound I've ever heard.

[@homerinchinatown2]

Interesting side effect of having the HH lower is that it's easier to play bead-on-top as he's doing here, rather than shank-on-side. Simon's HH playing has sounded cool in a number of recordings and this might be part of the reason for his sound. Another interesting side effect of open handed playing for me was not only how the 'backbeat hand' learns to do things that the 'cymbal hand' usually does, but also the reverse. I found my right was not as good as my left at things like rimshots, ghost notes, the timing of the backbeat, etc. It dawned on me that it wasn't just about my better hand vs. worse hand, but at least part of it was about specialization...

[@URKillingme100]

I started playing in 1977 at the age of 16 (July 7, 1977 is the date I use because it's Ringo's birthday and it's 7/7/77). Because I didn't know any better, I started playing open-handed. I made fills come easier, as Simon mentioned, but it also gave me more power on my snare. But I also used the ride cymbal in the traditional spot, and my right hand eventually developed more finesse than my left. Now I find myself switching back and forth between opened and crossed playing, depending on the song.

[@ShakingTwoTrees2012]

I'm not buying it...Simon was clearly gifted with 2 right hands. Incredible balance no matter what he plays with what hand.

[@hansmeisterschulz5941]

First saw him in Dallas at a PAS convention at the Anitole hotel. He is amazing! I remember then I was so impressed that he would play the same groove with either hand! This was in the mid eighties. He's even better now. What a great attitude and humility. Blessings to him and his giftedness

[@Nylonfetish1]

One of my favorite drummers!!!

[@eddcain]

Love it! After many, many years I’m getting back into drumming (wish I had never stop) and its refreshing to see these videos. Wish I could play that well.

[@jsilence418]

He drums well ,he has cool hair, what else do ya need ?

[@WhistleWorld]

+jsilence418 lol

[@RogierRJDonker]

don't forget he has Billy Rainbird. .. hahaha

[@sidethehead]

My paddle game. And this pen. And my dog, shithead. ...... I don't need shithead.

[@dannylankford891]

Jerk!

[@ajn465]

Time. Like an atomic clock. And a pocket you could park a semi in...

[@refractorhead]

Who gives this a thumbs down??? This guy is a musical/drumming Genius!!!

[@MrRocking4ever]

jealous people?

[@tojafato]

thank you for your message SP🥁💯🙏

[@whyyeseyec]

Simon is beyond the beyond . Incredible skills!!

[@billbollins]

I am coming out of retirement , I have been influenced by Simon's video's to play open handed which I am going to try, wish me luck.

[@hughjarrse]

Good luck Billy boy!

[@blackie75]

You should start a band in Manchester called "Local Talent", and play only Shakin' Stevens covers.

[@hughjarrse]

@@blackie75 How about a three piece U2 tribute band called The Joshua Trio :o)

[@brendanjackson4728]

Good luck man!! 👍👍

[@billbollins]

Update, after trying to play open handed since January I'm getting it slowly but I only have so long to live and it's happening at far too slow a rate for me so it's back to the way I used to play, although I am using the rudiments now which I didn't do when I played before.

[@davidnissim589]

He played on a Judas Priest album when he was only 19 years old.

[@amosamaralmarao7846]

Muito bem lembrado,amigo!!!

[@timcloutier3729]

Also, if you haven't already heard. Check Simon out on the Stanley Clarke album Rocks, Pebbles & Sand. He is extremely young there, and his playing is OFF THE CHARTS INSANE TO THE BRAIN. 🤘🏻🥁

[@tomh9315]

OMG I forgot! Sad Wings of Destiny?

[@PaulWW36]

@@timcloutier3729 He was only 16 then !

[@jooj_crickets]

Sin after sin actually

[@ia5662]

So much taste and feel in this guy, his take on Toto's "Africa" at their Live at Amsterdam performance is so awesome. Jeff Porcaro is an amazing drummer in his own right and Simon did him justice, plus took it to the next level. And good lord, the man can play with BOTH hands better than most can play with one dominant! Unreal technique and style mixed with musical sensibility.

[@juthan0]

Simon Phillips - you absolute freak. ❤️

[@drummerxx1]

2:12 Are you kidding me Simon? ;-)

[@topcop3921]

I agree ....there's no way to get better then yourself.......Simon can't possibly get better..he is the gold standard in drumming I think of any type

[@onesong2001]

@@topcop3921 Even the best can always get better and Simon is smart enough to know it.

[@xh0rsex]

I've only ever played open-handed. I'm a lefty, and play a lefty/righty hybrid setup. Basically, everything is setup for a righty, except I put the hi-hat on the opposite side, by the floor tom.

[@ElMoShApPiNeSs]

James Bauer So you kick with your left foot?

[@xh0rsex]

ElMoShApPiNeSs yes

[@ElMoShApPiNeSs]

James Bauer But then isn't that just a left hand set-up?

[@Bananapuddinpie]

ElMoShApPiNeSs Sounds like it, except then he's got the floor tom on the right of his hats. The left to right line up of the kit is then Bass Drum, Snare, Hi-hat, Floor tom, with the toms I assume mounted on top of the bass drum. Just a possibility.

[@xh0rsex]

no. Left handed setups use left handed fills - right to left. I play a right handed kit, with right handed fills, just with the hihat on the right side and play open-handed

[@aaronreeves8376]

Excellent Simon, big fan !!

[@hippydippy]

Ahh.... That makes total sense after watching him perform for years. My God he's brilliant.

[@emlix1]

Urgh, you're so good I feel sick!! I'm giving up the drums forthwith, since my inferiority is apparent.

[@1035pm]

emlix1 I get the same feeling man... makes me feel like snapping all my sticks and driving a sledgehammer through my kit. Then again it drives me to better myself at playing :D

[@bankruptbritain6103]

emlix1 practise, don't be such a defeatist

[@cyjazz]

Muting the cymbals so gently speaks so much about his love of the instrument...

[@PNW_Sportbike_Life]

One of the true greats in drumming; humble and awesome!

[@hofi56]

i actually started playing open handed for a year or so when i was 12 and became obsessed with toto and simon philipps, it's amazing how the brain can learn new things like that when youre young.

[@glennkamp4645]

Anyone who put a thumbs down to Simon Phillips is obviously deaf!

[@KobZen]

jesus that drum set is...huge

[@EmmanuelMalibert]

You haven't seen Mike Mangini!

[@KobZen]

+Emmanuel Malibert I've seen it...( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) Mangini rocks!

[@EmmanuelMalibert]

E. Rodriguez yep!

[@dracdrum]

He does, just wish he had the same "feel" sometimes.

[@itsmedrooms6071]

E. Rodriguez yeah, he used to use clear Ambassadors top and bottom on all those toms so I started doing the same. I recorded that way and the toms just sound fantastic. Big influence.

[@pabloguindin238]

Thankyou very much Simon!

[@rodriguesmarcelo3216]

Very cool to see how you do! Thank´s for the video! Mac Sweden

[@elroyblackbean]

"Maybe I'd be a better drummer." Uhh...is that possible? I mean...you're Simon Phillips.

[@tp10488]

He makes it all look so easy. Trust me, it's not.

[@GatBrothers1]

Great drummer and very humble.... This is the signature of really great artists...

[@albertomponce]

Always a privilege to listen to you...best regards...

[@noampitlik2332]

"The drum kit was growing..."