Claus Hessler: Open-handed Drumming Secrets Revealed

[@sweetwater]

Which drumming techniques would you like to see explored in future videos? Sound off in the comments below, and don’t forget to swing by Sweetwater for all your drumming needs 👉 sweetwater.sjv.io/Drums-Percussion

[@DavidOakesMusic]

Doubles. Purdie Shuffle.

[@pablovazquez8386]

Love that explanation. Claus Hessler is an amazing drummer (and Dom Famularo's continuation)

[@cjueschke]

I’ve always wanted to develop the one-handed roll that Lenny White uses a lot in his grooves.

[@keithpratt1849]

Independence.

[@xgreco]

Open close on hands and heel toe on feet

[@SopranoPizzaJMFNJ]

I was studying with Dom Famularo when Claus's first book came out. Claus is a great player and his book was a LOT of fun to work through!

[@ClausHessler]

thanks so much - still working on the book 🙂

[@alistairfletcher6187]

As a newb on the drums, open handed playing just feels more natural to me. I'm kind of used to playing different rhythms with each hand playing keyboards and guitar, and I'm used to pedals. I wish I had my current place 20 years ago, I'm playing nothing but drums. Too much fun.

[@businessconsultant7917]

Very very nice lesson. Thanks to two very great and courteous players.

[@drumlover1687]

Great open handed drumming from Claus! And of course Nick is always great! And let me just add that the Mapex drums sound killer!

[@ClausHessler]

Thanks man - Mapex has been sending such cool stuff for this session, sounded really great!

[@TheMcSimons]

Thank you Sweetwater, again. Finland appreciates.

[@BobSchoepenjr]

Claus is an inspiration

[@ClausHessler]

Thank you - much appreciated!

[@keithpratt1849]

Glad to see someone on the Mapex drums. Like Dom. They are really good drums. The finishes are also great.

[@ryanboyce3365]

They have come so far! Used to be pretty rough but now they are as good as any. A little like Meinl.

[@ClausHessler]

the drums are really very cool - and the company just rocks. One of the best decisions I made ...

[@steverichdrummr]

I absolutely love this, greatness! I now play both ways, but I have a different motive. I play mostly simple rock beats, and I like to twirl alternating sticks, so I switch back and forth continually. Also, in order to toss a stick in the air, my left (weak) hand needs to sound like 2 hands while my stick is in the air. That's been my motivation, but it's still so much fun. As I get better at it, for fun and visual entertainment, I switch as often as possible, often switching 2 times within a single measure. It's SO cool and fun. I mean playing strait rock beats can be a bit boring, but I'm now having a blast!!!!

[@CoredusK]

This guy is epic!

[@Rolostolo]

Thanks for this video. I’m a cross-dominant person (not Ambidextrous) who has a set up familiar to Claus’. (Dominant right foot but rolls left on the toms.) Open handed to me is much more comfortable and ergonomically correct.

[@DP-wi6hm]

Awesome ......very inspiring.

[@ClausHessler]

Thank you! Now back to the shed :-)

[@xgreco]

One can't help but notice that Claus is completely free on the kit - no limitations whatsoever

[@namesake7139]

Awesome video!!!!! Sounds amazing!! I have been playing drums for years and am a drum teacher. I don't know if anyone else feels this way but i am more creative playing open handed. I flow better and i don't understand why.

[@hansvanhees5689]

It's a great way to develop your weak left hand I think even wenn you stay a right handed drummer just a thought 😊

[@thomaslidauer8123]

traumhaft

[@RadioCamp]

Bravo! Also, good to see you struggle a little bit Nick. ;-)

[@ClausHessler]

... and don't we all struggle every now and then? We're human 🙂

[@jnewman4033]

Would you recommend swapping the left hand crash for the ride cymbal?

[@ChrisDorrmusic]

I always knew I wanted to be an open-handed drummer so I decided to be born left-handed.

[@keithpratt1849]

Cool of you developed your right foot. I applaud you. I went full lefty. It helps keep people off my drums.😂😂 Playing open handed is really good.

[@ChrisDorrmusic]

@@keithpratt1849 It's pretty convenient for the times when I have to use a backline kit at a club or a festival. All I have to do is set up a left-side ride.

[@ericstearns170]

So you went the Carter Beauford road? 🤣

[@RaymondPeckIII]

Are you Ringo?

[@ClausHessler]

Good choice! However it needs to be said that "handedness" does not automatically imply "footedness" ... so being left hand does not necessarily say you are also left footed. Most lefties I taught in the last 35 years considered themselves reather right footed; only very few really left footed ... foo(t)d for thought here 🙂

[@Billbob14356]

what is the sticking on this

[@ClausHessler]

the initial sticking with the hand exercise is R L R LR - L R L RL ... consistently changing from hand to hand ...

[@ThaBigBear]

I’m 100% convinced that cross handed drumming is indeed outdated and should be phased out of instruction. Cross handed playing has absolutely no advantage over open handed playing. It’s like running a marathon with your shoes tied together.

[@ClausHessler]

I like that shoe comparison 🙂

[@ClausHessler]

@@toothnail605 Well, not sure if that works as a reason. Why are piano players then playing "open-handed"? I can follow your argumentation, although I doubt if things are that easy ...