Hand-Foot Independence — Metal Drumming Technique | MetalForge
Learn hand-foot independence in metal drumming: Hand-foot independence is the ability to play rhythmically distinct patterns with the hands and feet simultan...
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hand-Foot Independence?
Hand-foot independence is the ability to play rhythmically distinct patterns with the hands and feet simultaneously, without one limb's motion influencing another's. This foundational skill underlies nearly every advanced metal drumming technique, from polyrhythms to linear drumming to Meshuggah-style polymetric riffing. Without genuine independence, limbs tend to "leak" into each other, causing accents to blur and complex patterns to collapse into simpler, more habitual groupings.
How fast are hand-foot independences played?
Hand-Foot Independence is typically played around Any.
Who is the best hand-foot independence drummer?
Tomas Haake (Meshuggah) is among the most cited Hand-Foot Independence drummers, alongside Danny Carey, Mike Portnoy. See the full list on MetalForge.
What are the different types of hand-foot independences?
Hand-Foot Independence has 4 main variations: Ostinato Independence (One steady repeating pattern (usually hi-hat or kick) while other limbs improvise); Polymetric Independence (Hands and feet playing patterns of different lengths that phase against each other); Four-Way Coordination (All four limbs playing independent, interlocking rhythmic roles simultaneously); Melodic Independence (Feet carrying a rhythmic "riff" while hands provide coloristic accents).