Open-Handed Playing, Part 2: Asymmetrical Accents and the Control Stroke
November 2011
Rock ‘N’ Jazz Clinic
Open-Handed Playing
Part 2: Asymmetrical Accents and the Control Stroke
by Claus Hessler
One of the biggest advantages to playing open-handed is that you no longer have to deal with the obstructed movement of crossing your hands to play the hi-hat and snare. Part one of my article series on open-handed playing covers basic exercises to help unlock your coordination. Part two discusses ways to add accents on the snare that don’t line up with the hi-hat. I also included different hi-hat variations to explore.
Once you’ve mastered the examples from the article, try the following advanced exercises, which are based on five-note groupings. Enjoy!
Open-Handed Playing, Part 2: Advanced Exercises
Check out the complete article in the November 2011 issue for exercises and additional insight.