HOW TO SET UP YOUR DRUMS

This topic is skimmed over or sometimes not talked about at all but it is important Drums and can determine if you reach your playing potential.

Drums that are properly set up and adjusted for you will help you play better. It is really very simple because your goal is to place the instruments so that they are easy to reach.

The first thing to consider is how to adjust the height of your throne. A good rule of thumb is to sit so that there is a bend in your knees of no more than 90 degrees. Keep your back straight and sit as far forward on the seat as is possible but comfortable. This improves power to your feet. It is important to project your energy forward.

Try to position your bass drum pedals so that they do not force your legs and feet in to uncomfortable and awkward positions. Place the snare drum and stand between your legs and at approximately waist level. I like to set it up flat, not at an angle as some do. This is something you should experiment with because some people like it lower and tilted.

At this point the only remaining drums are the toms and they should be placed around the snare drum so they are easy to strike without having to overreach.

The ride cymbal and hihats should be adjusted to have a lot of clearance over the toms and snare drum and this is also something that requires a lot of experimenting to find the correct height. Fortunately, most all drum sets have a keeper ring or the equivalent locking system to allow you to always set up the same way once you have found what works for you.

 

Check out the short video clip on setting up your drums.

A TIP ABOUT PRACTICING WITH 2 BASS DRUMS

The best way to strike the bass drum with the beater ball is to allow it to strike the head and rebound . Don't let the beater remain on the head after striking, this will slow you down and dampen the sound. Make sure you do equal amounts of practicing with heels down on the floor and relaxed (for control and speed) and heels up and using your legs (for power). It is best to work on both methods rather than concentrating on only one.