We all struggle with obtaining that mythic ambidextrous facility. Even ambidextrous people have little nuances in how they might use each limb. The fact is that we can all be ambidextrous if we want. Although natural ambidextrous people are born with this gift, this does not mean we all cannot work to obtain the same ability. So, lets begin our journey to becoming ambidextrous. One simple rule must be followed: start doing everything with your weak hand.

The connection between the brain and your hand is like a highway. The more you use it the more the body will adapt and restructure this highway such that it becomes more efficient and fast. It will build more lanes and repave them for you. The brain will begin growing dendrites into the grey matter to make more and stronger connections. And this is true with any new skill you learn. Understanding this means that you should be patient as your body and brain will take time to make these changes. The best stimulus for the body to begin this process is simply use and lots of it.

So here are some everyday things you can do to begin training that weak hand and growing some dendrites:

1. Play open handed on the drumset. Instead of crossing the right hand over to hit the high hats use the left hand to do this and the right hand to play the snare. A few drummers who play open handed are: Billy Cobham, Buddy Rich, Carter Beauford, Kenny Aronoff, Marco Minnemann

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2. Brush your teeth with your weak hand.

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3. Open doors with your weak hand.

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4. Use your computer mouse with your weak hand.

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5. Eat using your weak hand.

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6. Wash with your weak hand.

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7. Practice shooting basketball or throwing with the left hand.

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8. Brush your hair with the weak hand.

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9. Shave with your weak hand (be very careful with this one and don't call me if you end up in the hospital.)

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10. Practice drum exercises that utilize the weak hand as much as the dominant hand.

This is why I love the paradiddle rudiment so much. It is my favorite rudiment because it uses both hands equally by training them both for doubles and singles. Check out my lesson on paradiddles with triplet feel that can be used across the drumset.