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Open-handed drumming refers to a method of playing a drumset in which the arms are not crossed when playing the hi-hat and snare drum simultaneously. Right-handed drummers will typically play the hi-hat with the right hand and the snare with the left hand, which requires crossing the arms on a standard drum kit configuration. Instead of crossing their arms, drummers who employ this method play the hi-hat with the left hand and the snare with the right hand. Drum sets may also be set up with the hi-hat on the right rather on the left.

There are a few reasons why a drummer may prefer this method. Hand mobility around the set is increased as the drummer does not need to cross and uncross his/her arms as often. Playing with crossed arms may feel less comfortable to some drummers. It can be beneficial for players who use the hi-hat in fills.

Open-handed playing also makes it easier for left-handed drummers to use kits set up for right-handed drummers. Instead of reconfiguring the entire kit, and setting it back when they're done, the drummer simply plays open-handed.

Drummers who play open-handed will commonly place the ride cymbal on the left of the kit rather than the right. This enables them to play in the open-handed style when riding on the hi-hat or the ride cymbal.

Open-handed players usually place their hi-hat lower than drummers who cross their arms.

Some open-handed drummers include: Gene Hoglan; Simon Phillips; Rayford Griffin; Billy Cobham; Scott Travis; Michael "Moose" Thomas; Mike Bordin; Shawn Drover; Gordon Campbell; Carter Beauford; Josh Eppard; Bobby Jarzombek; John Kiffmeyer, former drummer for Green Day; Cenk Ünnü, drummer of Pentagram; and Ginger Fish, drummer for Marilyn Manson. A number of drummers experiment and are comfortable with open-handed drumming but do not always play in that configuration. Steve Smith and Deen Castronovo have used the open hand technique for the Journey song "Don't Stop Believin'".