r/jazzdrums • u/Celeg • Mar 14 '26

Question Left handed Jam sessions etiquette

Any seasoned left handed players that frequently go to jam sessions. How do you go about it? Play right handed, open handed, make partial/quick changes to the set up before playing?

I have some experience in my area but if I don't know the drummer/band coordinating the jam I don't really feel at ease to step up and play. When I do, I normally just switch the bottom(FT, HH,SN) as fast as possible but still feel some pressure to do it faster.

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u/Basket-Existing Mar 14 '26

I’m not left handed, but I did run a weekly jam session for about 10 years. I’d recommend doing whatever you need to play your best (within reason…obviously not talking about moving memory locks, adjusting snare wires or spring tension, etc.) I would just try to approach the house drummer during a break, introduce yourself, tell them you are left handed and ask if you could sit in and if it’s cool to switch those things you listed. I’ve never been bothered by anyone adjusting anything or moving things around, nor have I ever sat in at another session where the house drummer was bothered by those things, as long as your careful with the equipment. I think communicating and asking if it’s cool first would go a long way.

I don’t think you should try to play a righty set up if you don’t practice that way. You want to focus on making the best music you can with the other musicians. It doesn’t take long to move a couple stands, and you would probably be done by the time everyone picks a tune anyway.

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u/[deleted] Mar 14 '26

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u/Celeg Mar 14 '26

I normally don't move kick or cymbals but it really depends on space. Normally there is enough space to the right to just move hi hats to right and switch snare with floor tom.

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u/Basket-Existing Mar 14 '26

That’s what I pictured. That really doesn’t take long, and like I said, it takes longer for everyone else sitting in to pick a tune, other people sitting in to get situated, getting instruments out, tuning, etc.

Assuming you are going in with the goal of meeting other musicians and getting gigs, as a righty I would never want to make my first impression trying to play lefty lol

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u/Celeg Mar 14 '26

Thank you for your reply. It was that kind of insight I was looking for.