Why Do Drummers Cross Their Arms?

Most drummers cross their arms when playing because it allows them to keep the rhythm on the hi-hat with their dominant hand. The vast majority of hi-hat stands that come with new drum kits are the standard fixed kind, which makes it difficult for drummers to change their position. Open-handed drumming is an alternative to this.

Not all drummers cross their arms when playing (Open Handed Drumming)

Open-handed drumming is a very valid alternative that doesn’t require the drummer to cross hands and the approach has quite a lot of benefits. On a right-handed kit, you can play the hi-hat with your left hand and the snare with your right while keeping the usual bass-drum and hi-hat foot positions. Changing the lead hand does not require rebuilding the kit.

Open-handed drumming is great as a drummer’s primary technique, while it also serves as a great exercise to help drummers become more ambidextrous and develop more independence behind the drums. Left-handed drummers may also find open-handed drumming easier to play if they need to play on a right-handed kit configuration (and vice versa).

To play in this method comfortably, it can be beneficial to lower the height of your hi-hat a little. Leave enough room to strike it freely and work its pedal without changing your posture. Try a slow groove with eighth notes on the hi-hat, snare on beats two and four, and bass drum on one and three; swap the hand roles while keeping those foot parts steady.

Remote hi-hat pedals are a good alternative

On a conventional right-handed kit, hi-hat pedals sit on the left so the right foot can operate the bass drum. This is a layout convention, rather than a requirement to use a weaker foot. A remote hi-hat uses a mechanical cable to separate the pedal from the cymbal mount, letting you place the cymbals in another reachable position. You still need secure mounting, adequate cable reach, and an unobstructed pedal position; it is not a wireless or electronic connection.

Summary

Drummers cross their arms as it makes it easier for them to keep the rhythm on the hi-hat with their dominant hand. For right-handed drummers, the hi-hat pedal is generally placed on the left so that the drummer can adjust the hi-hat pedal with their left foot. Open-handed drumming is an alternative approach to this.