Left or Right Handed Drums
Lefty or Righty
Even though left-handed people have had to deal with all sorts of
right-handed items, there have long been "lefty" versions of things, including guitars, basses, computer mice, and baseball gloves. Some of
them make great sense: If you're left-handed, then you're used to doing
many more things with your left hand, so everyday activities like
moving and clicking a computer's mouse are made easier if the mouse is
on the left side of the computer, and even better if the shape fits
under the hand correctly. For you right-handed people who don't believe
it makes a difference, try putting your mouse on the left side of the
computer and using your left hand for a few minutes. You get the
picture.
Although left-handed instruments like basses and guitars are available, a lot of "lefties" play standard right-handed ones. For some, it's simple economics: Many left-handed instruments have to be specially ordered, cost extra, and take more time to get. And the selection can be limited. What about drums? A drum set can be arranged for left-handed or right-handed drummers, but it may make little more than a cosmetic difference to a drummer who studies technique. Why? Because most drummers learn independence, where each hand is supposed to pretty much be able to do what the other one does.
Most teachers will have left- and right-handed drummers set up "righty," which makes it easier for both teacher and student. Why? First, the drums don't have to be set up differently for each student. Second, most of what is taught doesn't favor either hand. Most rudiments are taught and practiced starting with the left hand and the right hand. Third, if your natural tendency is to favor the left hand, then eventually--after you get beyond the basics of drumming--you will develop an impressive left hand. Fourth, if you're used to a right-handed kit, then you will have more opportunities to try other drummers' sets and more opportunities to sit in at jam sessions.
Some left-handed drummers set up their drums right-handed, but play their ride cymbal with their left hand, since they feel they have more control that way. This makes some sense, because your right hand can be moving from one tom-tom to the other without crossing over the other hand as much. It's a different approach. Some instructors teach what's called an "open-handed" approach, where you play the ride cymbal with the right hand and the hi-hat with the left hand.
So there is no right, left, or wrong in drumming. The short answer is: Set up righty. The long answer is: Talk it over with your teacher before you begin. In any case, you can always change later.