Muscle memory plays a big part in what drummers do. In other words, we train our limbs to be able to do things by practising, thus creating a memory bank of familiar patterns and motions to use in our music making. The common and in my opinion; correct way of looking at this phenomenon is that although it is an essential process in learning any musical instrument; practicing and developing muscle memory should not overshadow the importance of thinking musically by creating parts that compliment the music, rather than shoe-horning beats from ones arsenal into a given song or piece of music. In theory, exercises for independence and control will aid your musicality. The less restricted you are by the limitations of what each limb can or can't do; the more free you are to express yourself. Therefore, this article is aimed at musical development as much as it is about the testament to the drummer’s four-way independence.
Practicing rudiments and sticking exercises routinely can give both hands an even workout in terms of technique, strength and speed. As we go through our musical journeys, we develop independence through learning more challenging beats and refining our touch. However, A few years ago, I heard a fellow drummer state: "to be any good, you should be able to play both ways", meaning on a right-handed or left-handed set-up. Although I don't necessarily agree with this, I knew what he was getting at.
As a natural southpaw, I taught myself to play the drums on a left-handed set up before seeking instruction from a pro. Consequently this is the way I have played ever since. Early in my drumming career, I realised when attempting to play on a right-handed kit, that my abilities were heavily reliant on a relatively limited library of muscle memory. There were things I could do with my left that my right struggled with and vice versa. My right leg felt very detached and my left would not respond to anything other than a kick drum instruction. This is all despite becoming comfortable with double kick pedals, Texas shuffles and openhanded grooves (where the right hand plays time). These symptoms brought with them the revelation than my right hand technique was poor and that my licks must have become stagnant with my muscles being too used to particular combinations.
A couple of years ago I decided to stop burying my head in the sand and set my practice kit up right-handed. Initially it was a pain. I couldn't just get on the kit and experiment without getting confused, but I stayed with it and soon got into the swing. Ever since I have continued to practice both ways and I am now confident to use a right-handed kit when out gigging. Today I feel so much more 3-dimensional and experimental in my playing, not to mention comfortable with my technique. I would recommend switch-hitting to be a desirable goal for any drummer who wishes to seriously improve their skills.
Sam Whitehouse
