A number of drummers experiment and are comfortable with open-handed drumming but do not always play in that configuration, such as Dennis Chambers, Sean Reinert, Thomas Lang and Marco Minnemann.
Steve Smith and Deen Castronovo have used the open hand technique for the Journey song "Don't Stop Believin'".
There are also open-handed drummers who keep the ride cymbal in its traditional position on the opposite side of the hi-hat of the drum kit.
Others have pointed out the added conservation of energy attained by not having to fully raise and cross one's lead hand when playing, for instance, between the hi-hats and ride in faster passages.
[2] Open-handed playing is more common in the metal genre than other contemporary music as it is easier to hit the snare drum hard at high tempos with the dominating hand.