Nice video. This makes total sense. You are one of the few people on TH-cam who actually thinks correctly about anatomy and drumming. I can't tell you how many people sit too low and reduce their range of motion and think it's totally fine. It drives me crazy as a teacher. Good video.
@@jpb93360 yes. Not gonna qualify it. They would have less potential for pain or long term injury if they sat at a reasonable height for their own body size. They’re also constantly fighting against a reduced range of motion in their hips.
@@RyanAlexanderBloom How do you know Gadd, Garibaldi Blade Horacio etc have injuries ? They play this way for decades. They would have changed if so painful. It's a fact you should consider.
This is exceptional. My posture is terrible and it's so bad that my back problems are causing significant performance issues while playing . Thank you.
As a 58 yr old woman with low back problems (bulging disks) from a lifetime of computer jockey work and who is starting drumming, THIS IS HUGELY HELPFUL! Thank you so much for explaining this critical body mechanic and showing me how to determine what is healthy and comfortable for me body.
This is a good video! My percussion ensemble professor, in college, taught me that I should adjust the throne to where the snare sits at my belt buckle, and my legs rest on the floor at a 90° angle. I always wondered why she was so specific about these instructions, and this video explains it thoroughly. It's a crime that this isn't taught in music classes.
4 seconds into video... "oh, is he Canadian?" 10 min into video... "This is way more informative and useful than I thought it was going to be." Thanks!
Hey Brandon, I just stumbled upon this YT video. Excellent disclosure of anatomical info. I'm 69 YO, have plenty of spinal issues (Stenosis [lumbar and cervical], Degenerative Disc Disease, Facet Joint Arthritis , and a number of disc bulges / herniations) and a shorter right leg resulting from a fractured right femur in 1966 (15 years old, playing HS Football) I started to play drums again after a 50+ year Hiatus. Now retired, Due to the physical disabilities, I play drums recreationally in my Basement Studio created during COVID Hibernation in 2020. I play along to My Music : CCR, Petty, Clapton, Stones, Cars, Beatles, Mellencamp, etc., mostly basic Rock N Roll. I play a single Bass Drum - Heel down , always did, but definitely more so now with that shorter leg affecting so much in my posture and spine condition. You have a fascinating background of a Studio Drummer and a PT. Your tips are very valuable. In my case, with heel down playing (I just cannot play Heel up), the height of the throne is Crucial to me. I will try your web site for more data. I don't do Instagram, or Facebook. THX again for the insight and info. Word to You Folks out there : Take care of your SPINE !!!!. It is the essence of your overall Well Being . Having Chronic Pain and Stiffness SUX BIG TIME !!!
thank you! just got an e-kit after a few years without anything (been playing since high school). went hard for a couple hours and woke up to intense pain on my left side - now i know it’s from my body compensating for the lack of motion my hip had sitting up way too high.
Old vid I know but really helpful. Im 60 and have a buggered back. I have never been able to sit behind the kit for extended periods. Now I know why. Thanks.
This video is extremely helpful. I started playing drums when I was 11, I'm 51 now. It has taken a toll on my body over the years. Using the info in this video I'm hoping to continue to play for many years to come.
Six years late I find this video, thank you so very much!! This is an important topic and I am really happy that you shared this!! I sincerely appreciate you and this video.
Bro that's so cool thank you.i use to sit low now I don't.i noticed I had more cramps when I was low.Now I sit hi no more cramps are pain.You saved a lot of drummers pain by this.Awsome man
I ve been playing drums for 21 years now, and I have to say that this video is totally accurate. Excellent information. This issue is KEY not even for the drummer´s health, but also to get to play drums with no tension and easier, much easier. It took me years to realize what this video is telling.
I'm currently suffering from chronic back pain due to a lumbar injury and an epidural from an operation due to a mid section injury. Drums are my life and i make my living with it. When I work out, i do squats with weights when i want to strengthen my back, legs and sciatic, but every time i'm done exercising and even icing, i'm still in pain. This demonstration really helped a lot in giving me an insight on how important it is to take care of your back as drummer, or for anyone sitting for very long periods of time. Thanks for posting ! Subbed !
This week I have been watching these kinds of videos on drum chairs, but this is the best one that I have seen so far. Have you done another video on this subject focusing on the height adjustments of those chairs in relation to the height, anatomy, and preferences that a particular drummer finds to be comfortable?
Yes! Check my most most recent throne video. I think it was about 2 months ago. I also have a Book that will be done draft in a week... hope to have it our year end. Lots more detail about thrones and “sitting” in it!
@@brandondrummechanics Thank you. I will search for and watch your recent throne video. Also, I would like to read your book on the subject when it is available. Will it be available at Amazon or is it already available there?
Thank you for this information. I have a bad back pain and knee joints. This video is super helpful. I play drums will low throne. I'm surely rises my throne after this point. This video still relevant for so many years to come. Thank you again. 🙏🏽🙂
Brilliant! Absolutely no one talks much about this sort of thing but is super important if you want to keep playing drums when you get older. When I was young I sat low but as I got older I started sitting higher because it made my back feel better. Vinnie also mentioned this in one of his interviews years ago
Thank you for this advice. I've been playing for 25+ years and recently having some hip joint pain after replacing my kick pedal. Used the same one pretty much the entire time. I know I need to make some adjustments and this knowledge to consider is very helpful.
This is one best and most informative videos I've come across on TH-cam. The practical side I was quite familiar with but it was interesting and very helpful to hear about the physiological side, also. Keep this up! There are too many people saying harmful things, especially about drumming ergonomics. Good job!
This was the first video I saw of yours, what a fantastic explanation. Now i wonder if all the years as a piano payer this is why i was getting back pain as well from all the pedal work and sitting too low. Drums i play heel up and traditional grip so i have to sit pretty high even if I'm not that tall. Thanks for the video.
I've had a fusion l4 and l5 and just had another surgery for s1 and l6.... This is the first advice that I have seen to help me to continue to play with reduced pain. Thank you very much! Everett
Great video. I've noticed hip flexor pain and pain in my lower back after playing long 3 hour shows, where after the show my back is in need of serious stretching. I've been doing kettle bell workouts to strengthen my back and my core, along with yoga to alleviate pain and avoid injury. I'm going to set down my kit and watch this video as a guide to make sure I'm doing what I can to maximize performance and avoid injury. Great insight, great video.
Gnarl Sagan thanks for your comment. I'm glad this helps. Staying within your active motion is one of the best ways to make sure that there are no abnormal forces going to your body and this often leads to less discomfort!
Getting back playing after herniated disc, this video is just perfect! Exactly what I needed to know , already had my seat height roughly right but now I know the mechanics behind it and how to test to make sure it’s perfect with feet space too! Thanks for making it 🙌
Are u sitting comfortably, well I am. I am tall 6ft, so I have always found that I tended to sit fairly high, its so much more comfortable. This gives me a wide range of movement and my feet don't lock up up either. I play heel up. I recently after 30yrs of using the same drum throne ( with a motorcycle seat style, backrest and gas shock adjustment) had it recovered, with a split down the middle as Ahead and Carmichael are now producing. This is even more comfortable and will ultimately protect my spine. So thanks for such an informative vid.....
Thank´s for this video! I'm glad there's people like you who wants to help drummers and musicians to prevent body aches! I would like to watch a video dedicated to the arms and fingers for those who we use finger control technique Again, great video! Thanks a lot!
As a life long drummer & Chiropractor well done Brandon~! The forward curve (lordotic) of the neck and lumbars help absorb shock under axial loading. Ideally sitting as upright and neutral as possible is ideal. There are times most have to lean into the kit a bit, which is fine but try to return upright as a habit. It is a serious topic because once permanently damaged our one spine for life can lead to surgeries and disability. I also highly recommend a backrest because I've seen drummers with osteoarthritic spurs and disc bulges as early as 32. Great Job~! I may post one as well.
thanks, this was very helpful ... my back used to get so tight I could barely stand up after an hour of playing... I have played since I was a kid, and sure wish my first drum teacher had passed this advise on to me years (and years) ago.. great job man!
This is great. Thank you. ...Weird optical illusion with the clear floor tom and the bass drum... Looks like they are merged and occupying the same space.
Dude your awesome! I've been drumming for 10 years and a physiotherapist for 5 years and it's great to see finally a video with everything explained about the precautions through anatomy about drumming. Keep it up! Spread the word!
ABSOLUTELY please make more videos like this. I just finished a course of Physical Therapy where we dealt with my back but we didn't get into my drumming much.
Thanks mate. I thought that I was sitting rather high, but after your tips I have moved my seat ridiculously high. Amazing: 30 minutes double bass I am faster, hits are stronger, less effort. Also my arms reach is greater. Thanks!!
Thank you so much. I'm sure you get tons of comments on this, but I wanted to give you some more positive feedback. I've been a touring drummer for many years now, I used to play with a super low throne. For some reason I liked it. When I hit 25-27 it became very uncomfortable. I then lifted my throne and it got better. I guess over time I've let it sink lower and I've noticed that I'm losing circulation. I tried this and it helped a lot! Thank you so much again!
Thanks for the anatomical insight! I've always prioritized comfort when playing drums - low cymbal placement to avoid shoulder strain, not too wide between pedals and proper spring tension, etc.
Excellent video with good information. There are plenty of videos telling you HOW to setup your kit, but not many providing the WHY and how to determine what's best for you. Well done.
thanks. had L5-S1 discectomy a few years ago. getting back into playing and trying to choose a throne, and i'm already a big guy (6'3" and usually 250-270lbs) so all this is great.
I know this video doesn't have as many views as you would prefer, but THANK YOU. Some of us are really cognizant of joint/spine issues and want to avoid them, if possible.
Thanks for doing this video. . . as we get older, I think our comfortable position changes and paying attention to an ergonomic set up is so important . . . THANKS for doing this! The whole lower spine capability part was really an eye opener!
Brandon, thanks for breaking this down. Ever so often I have a day where my base drum foot is not working as well as is normally dose. Seat hight, distance from the base drum, position, balance on the stool all have a play finding my comfort zone. Thats easy to say however hard to find.
Great vid Brandon! I have the chance of having a drum teacher who is also a kinesiologist... He made me changed my position behind the kit: height of trone, legs position, cymbals and toms heights and placements!!! It is a bit difficult at the beginning but the human body is such a wonderful machine that can adapt quickly. My playing has changed since, more fluid cause there are less tension and no more pain after long hours!!! Keep up the good work 😊
I often thought about the mechanics of your body before playing and is there a way to tell what height is good for playing long term, so i have experimented for years and never really found a happy medium ,So NOW i have something to work with .Thanks for breaking it down for me
Dang for years I've been wanting to see a video like this! I'm 6' 5" (longg legs) and have had hip pain whenever I have to fill in for someone at church who has everything set up too low for me. Nice work Brandon. Thanks!
For me, your discussion on mechanics is an essential (and overlooked) aspect in the art/discipline of the drum-set. Excellent and valuable tutorial. Great job, great contribution! Keep at it and thank you for posting.
Hi Brandon, this is a highly neglected topic in music programs - I find this, to say the least, irresponsible. All the programs that I attended during my musical studies in various countries ignored the risks of getting hurt by assuming a bad posture while playing an instrument. I myself have serious problems (I am 47). Thank you for this video. Keep on posting them! All the best...
this is all valid info, and great. whats not covered is the fact most drummers sit on thrones that are solid seats, and those seats compress the bottom of your spine, Check out the Carmichael Throne Company. A doctor who makes chairs and thrones. Theres a 3 inch gap in the middle of the throne vertically, when you sit in the middle of the gap , your spine is no longer compressed, alleviating any discomfort that mayve been there previously. Been using this for close to 6 years now, best thing to ever happen to the throne market. One more thing about the content in this video, if you're lifting your legs as high as the video depicted to play your bass drum or hi hat, you're defeating any technique thats going to help you , and obviously , you're going to have discomfort because you're using way more energy then is necessary .
super cool brother! This answered alot of questions. Im a competitive bodybuilder so a personal trainer so seeing information like this is like gold to me. I love to see videos when guys really know their stuff. And that my friend is you!
Thanks for this! I really appreciated the medical science approach with the visual model of the spine. It really helped me figure out why my back was hurting when I played.
Thank you for this. Been doing it "wrong" all these years (been playing for more than 30 years! I used to go for the thighs parallel to the floor concept. Will experiment now and really dial it in.
Keep going man! I would love to know all the Kinesiology behind hitting the drums! I hate the thought of not being able to play without restrictions and it would no doubt help a lot of people!!
Thank you so much for this. You're the first that I've personally seen who has addressed this issue. I have my kit torn down at the moment & will use this advise today when I set back up. It just might make my playing that much better from here on out.
Thank you, Brandon, for your extremely helpful video! You showed very clearly how to treat your joints well. I've adjusted my throne, and can clearly feel the improvement in my energy and technique. Thanks again!
This is a really fantastic video! I'm glad the subject is being covered. I just got back into drumming last year after a few years away (been playing for 25 years altogether), and I set my throne too low. I'm a session player, so I play everything, but one of my main gigs is a black metal band, and so it's hours and hours of double kick all the time. I messed up my left hip quite badly from sitting too low, and having my kicks too far apart. I've since re-arranged my kit (so now I'm a black metal drummer that looks like he's trying to be Steve Gadd), brought my feet closer together, raised the throne, and my hip has been improving. It's still pretty tender sometimes, especially after a three hour rehearsal, but I don't think I'll have to walk with a cane any time soon, haha. :) Any good advice for stretching exercises for people recovering from injuries like that?
I too am a Personal Trainer! I love your presentation! The problem I have is when I play someone' else's drum kit at open mic jams! Lol! Most of the time I don't have time to adjust the throne, cymbals and etcetera, due to be called up on a whim. Boy do I feel the difference from my set up at home! Ouch!
A great video. I’ve had two lumbar surgeries and have been trying to get back into playing and have had fatigue in my back and shoulders. I am going to apply what I’ve seen here. Thanks.
Awesome info Brandon, and super well delivered! Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge in relation to drums, really interesting to understand and reassess. I'd be keen to learn more about proper positioning of a kit depending on different body types, and perhaps even simply understanding the effects of playing drums on the body; how does playing this instrument affect our joints/muscles, what are long-term results, what can we do to prevent damage, ect ! Thanks again man :)
Returning to this video as it popped up after years.... 1) sound mechanics are crucial no matter what your gear, but buying a 4 legged AHEAD Spinal Glide throne w the ass crack was a GAME CHANGER for me. I also have spinal issues, a bit of Lombar but alot of Cervical. 2) you should do a collab with Marthyn Jovanivic from Austria, he's the only other drummer I've seen address human anatomy and it's majorly important with death metal/blast beat athletics.
Thanks for this video. Very important things to think about. By the way you just confirmed for me somethings about playing position that I have practiced through the years. Now I have something to back it up! Thank you.
Brandon, more videos like that, they are really helpful. also If you have better mics (or even phone recorder) try using that one, cause the video is awesome , but audio is really hard to hear especially on speakers:)
Nice video. This makes total sense. You are one of the few people on TH-cam who actually thinks correctly about anatomy and drumming. I can't tell you how many people sit too low and reduce their range of motion and think it's totally fine. It drives me crazy as a teacher. Good video.
Ryan Alexander Bloom So many 80’s guys and jazz drummers do it. They sit so low that their foot work suffers so bad.
This comment alone is extremely helpful.
So Gadd, Garibaldi, Blade, Horacio "el negro", Weckl, Vinnie Collaiuta, who made a carrier sitting very low are "wrong" ? Come on...
@@jpb93360 yes. Not gonna qualify it. They would have less potential for pain or long term injury if they sat at a reasonable height for their own body size. They’re also constantly fighting against a reduced range of motion in their hips.
@@RyanAlexanderBloom How do you know Gadd, Garibaldi Blade Horacio etc have injuries ? They play this way for decades. They would have changed if so painful. It's a fact you should consider.
This is exceptional. My posture is terrible and it's so bad that my back problems are causing significant performance issues while playing . Thank you.
Drums need more people like this who explain how to drum comfortable and be comfortable for the rest of their life playing drums. Great video!
As a 58 yr old woman with low back problems (bulging disks) from a lifetime of computer jockey work and who is starting drumming, THIS IS HUGELY HELPFUL! Thank you so much for explaining this critical body mechanic and showing me how to determine what is healthy and comfortable for me body.
This is a good video! My percussion ensemble professor, in college, taught me that I should adjust the throne to where the snare sits at my belt buckle, and my legs rest on the floor at a 90° angle. I always wondered why she was so specific about these instructions, and this video explains it thoroughly. It's a crime that this isn't taught in music classes.
4 seconds into video... "oh, is he Canadian?"
10 min into video... "This is way more informative and useful than I thought it was going to be."
Thanks!
Glad it was helpful! And busted… Canadian 😂
That was awesome, Brandon. As an older guy with a semi-worn out back just starting to play, your video was super helpful. Thank you so much!
Hey Brandon, I just stumbled upon this YT video. Excellent disclosure of anatomical info. I'm 69 YO, have plenty of spinal issues (Stenosis [lumbar and cervical], Degenerative Disc Disease, Facet Joint Arthritis , and a number of disc bulges / herniations) and a shorter right leg resulting from a fractured right femur in 1966 (15 years old, playing HS Football) I started to play drums again after a 50+ year Hiatus. Now retired, Due to the physical disabilities, I play drums recreationally in my Basement Studio created during COVID Hibernation in 2020. I play along to My Music : CCR, Petty, Clapton, Stones, Cars, Beatles, Mellencamp, etc., mostly basic Rock N Roll. I play a single Bass Drum - Heel down , always did, but definitely more so now with that shorter leg affecting so much in my posture and spine condition. You have a fascinating background of a Studio Drummer and a PT. Your tips are very valuable. In my case, with heel down playing (I just cannot play Heel up), the height of the throne is Crucial to me. I will try your web site for more data. I don't do Instagram, or Facebook. THX again for the insight and info. Word to You Folks out there : Take care of your SPINE !!!!. It is the essence of your overall Well Being . Having Chronic Pain and Stiffness SUX BIG TIME !!!
Came for basics on drum throne height but got an entire wealth of knowledge. You’ve definitely got my sub.
thank you! just got an e-kit after a few years without anything (been playing since high school). went hard for a couple hours and woke up to intense pain on my left side - now i know it’s from my body compensating for the lack of motion my hip had sitting up way too high.
Electric kits often get set up much lower because of the size of the instrument. We can’t make that mistake !! Glad this helped!!!
Old vid I know but really helpful. Im 60 and have a buggered back. I have never been able to sit behind the kit for extended periods. Now I know why. Thanks.
Thanks! Still the most popular video - ha! Glad that it’s helping
Single handedly the most informative and important drum video I've watched in my 20 years of drumming. Thank you this is such a help!
I’m honoured!!!! Thanks
This video is extremely helpful. I started playing drums when I was 11, I'm 51 now. It has taken a toll on my body over the years. Using the info in this video I'm hoping to continue to play for many years to come.
Six years late I find this video, thank you so very much!! This is an important topic and I am really happy that you shared this!! I sincerely appreciate you and this video.
Glad it was helpful!
Bro that's so cool thank you.i use to sit low now I don't.i noticed I had more cramps when I was low.Now I sit hi no more cramps are pain.You saved a lot of drummers pain by this.Awsome man
Awesome! Thanks so much!
I ve been playing drums for 21 years now, and I have to say that this video is totally accurate. Excellent information. This issue is KEY not even for the drummer´s health, but also to get to play drums with no tension and easier, much easier. It took me years to realize what this video is telling.
I'm currently suffering from chronic back pain due to a lumbar injury and an epidural from an operation due to a mid section injury. Drums are my life and i make my living with it. When I work out, i do squats with weights when i want to strengthen my back, legs and sciatic, but every time i'm done exercising and even icing, i'm still in pain. This demonstration really helped a lot in giving me an insight on how important it is to take care of your back as drummer, or for anyone sitting for very long periods of time. Thanks for posting !
Subbed !
It's so important thing in drumming wrong position gets lower back pain that sciatica , good information for drummers thank you
I found myself slouching and having back pain. I bought a Mapex throne with spring loaded backrest and raised my toms and snare. So far it is working.
Thank u for this video dude!! I realized my back its compromised from playing to low many years!!
Glad this is helping!
Seeing this video seven years later is CRAZY! 🤩
This week I have been watching these kinds of videos on drum chairs, but this is the best one that I have seen so far. Have you done another video on this subject focusing on the height adjustments of those chairs in relation to the height, anatomy, and preferences that a particular drummer finds to be comfortable?
Yes! Check my most most recent throne video. I think it was about 2 months ago. I also have a Book that will be done draft in a week... hope to have it our year end. Lots more detail about thrones and “sitting” in it!
@@brandondrummechanics Thank you. I will search for and watch your recent throne video. Also, I would like to read your book on the subject when it is available. Will it be available at Amazon or is it already available there?
Great video! It's really nice to have someone explaining what is happening with my body opposed to people telling you you should sit this of that way.
Thank you for this information.
I have a bad back pain and knee joints.
This video is super helpful.
I play drums will low throne.
I'm surely rises my throne after this point.
This video still relevant for so many years to come.
Thank you again. 🙏🏽🙂
Brilliant! Absolutely no one talks much about this sort of thing but is super important if you want to keep playing drums when you get older. When I was young I sat low but as I got older I started sitting higher because it made my back feel better. Vinnie also mentioned this in one of his interviews years ago
Thank you for this advice. I've been playing for 25+ years and recently having some hip joint pain after replacing my kick pedal. Used the same one pretty much the entire time. I know I need to make some adjustments and this knowledge to consider is very helpful.
This is one best and most informative videos I've come across on TH-cam. The practical side I was quite familiar with but it was interesting and very helpful to hear about the physiological side, also. Keep this up! There are too many people saying harmful things, especially about drumming ergonomics. Good job!
EJarvenpaa thank-you!!!
This was the first video I saw of yours, what a fantastic explanation. Now i wonder if all the years as a piano payer this is why i was getting back pain as well from all the pedal work and sitting too low. Drums i play heel up and traditional grip so i have to sit pretty high even if I'm not that tall. Thanks for the video.
I've had a fusion l4 and l5 and just had another surgery for s1 and l6.... This is the first advice that I have seen to help me to continue to play with reduced pain. Thank you very much!
Everett
Finally a good explaining video on this topic. I have been saying this to my students for years now.
Great video. I've noticed hip flexor pain and pain in my lower back after playing long 3 hour shows, where after the show my back is in need of serious stretching. I've been doing kettle bell workouts to strengthen my back and my core, along with yoga to alleviate pain and avoid injury. I'm going to set down my kit and watch this video as a guide to make sure I'm doing what I can to maximize performance and avoid injury. Great insight, great video.
Gnarl Sagan thanks for your comment. I'm glad this helps. Staying within your active motion is one of the best ways to make sure that there are no abnormal forces going to your body and this often leads to less discomfort!
Getting back playing after herniated disc, this video is just perfect! Exactly what I needed to know , already had my seat height roughly right but now I know the mechanics behind it and how to test to make sure it’s perfect with feet space too! Thanks for making it 🙌
Thank you for taking the time to cover this topic, you did an excellent job
Glad it was helpful!
Are u sitting comfortably, well I am. I am tall 6ft, so I have always found that I tended to sit fairly high, its so much more comfortable.
This gives me a wide range of movement and my feet don't lock up up either. I play heel up.
I recently after 30yrs of using the same drum throne ( with a motorcycle seat style, backrest and gas shock adjustment) had it recovered, with a split down the middle as Ahead and Carmichael are now producing.
This is even more comfortable and will ultimately protect my spine.
So thanks for such an informative vid.....
passtheparcel2007 thanks for taking the time to share!
I want to buy a drum throne that could serve me well, i can't decide which one. I am 6'3 tall and 280lbs, can you suggest me a proper drum throne?
Thank´s for this video!
I'm glad there's people like you who wants to help drummers and musicians to prevent body aches!
I would like to watch a video dedicated to the arms and fingers for those who we use finger control technique
Again, great video!
Thanks a lot!
Thanks!
Finally a video that shows the proper way analyze and understand drum throne height. Great stuff Brandon. Thanks for sharing.
Picked this up after watching 80/20. Thanks.
Hope you enjoy it!
As a life long drummer & Chiropractor well done Brandon~! The forward curve (lordotic) of the neck and lumbars help absorb shock under axial loading. Ideally sitting as upright and neutral as possible is ideal. There are times most have to lean into the kit a bit, which is fine but try to return upright as a habit. It is a serious topic because once permanently damaged our one spine for life can lead to surgeries and disability. I also highly recommend a backrest because I've seen drummers with osteoarthritic spurs and disc bulges as early as 32. Great Job~! I may post one as well.
Thanks, Dr. Peavy. I appreciate you taking the time to comment.
thanks, this was very helpful ... my back used to get so tight I could barely stand up after an hour of playing... I have played since I was a kid, and sure wish my first drum teacher had passed this advise on to me years (and years) ago.. great job man!
This is great. Thank you. ...Weird optical illusion with the clear floor tom and the bass drum... Looks like they are merged and occupying the same space.
I miss that kit!!
Wow. Thanks a lot, I think you helped me understand why my body hurts(lightly) after each session.
Dude your awesome! I've been drumming for 10 years and a physiotherapist for 5 years and it's great to see finally a video with everything explained about the precautions through anatomy about drumming. Keep it up! Spread the word!
the class every drummer should attend
Fantastic. I just adopted a lefty practice kit upstairs so I can try and balance out the two sides and get a more balanced core overall.
ABSOLUTELY please make more videos like this. I just finished a course of Physical Therapy where we dealt with my back but we didn't get into my drumming much.
Thanks mate. I thought that I was sitting rather high, but after your tips I have moved my seat ridiculously high. Amazing: 30 minutes double bass I am faster, hits are stronger, less effort.
Also my arms reach is greater.
Thanks!!
Thank you so much. I'm sure you get tons of comments on this, but I wanted to give you some more positive feedback. I've been a touring drummer for many years now, I used to play with a super low throne. For some reason I liked it. When I hit 25-27 it became very uncomfortable. I then lifted my throne and it got better. I guess over time I've let it sink lower and I've noticed that I'm losing circulation. I tried this and it helped a lot! Thank you so much again!
Great video!
Austin Burcham thanks for commenting!!! Huge compliment from you!
Thanks for the anatomical insight! I've always prioritized comfort when playing drums - low cymbal placement to avoid shoulder strain, not too wide between pedals and proper spring tension, etc.
Excellent video with good information. There are plenty of videos telling you HOW to setup your kit, but not many providing the WHY and how to determine what's best for you. Well done.
thanks. had L5-S1 discectomy a few years ago. getting back into playing and trying to choose a throne, and i'm already a big guy (6'3" and usually 250-270lbs) so all this is great.
Great video.. thanks
I know this video doesn't have as many views as you would prefer, but THANK YOU. Some of us are really cognizant of joint/spine issues and want to avoid them, if possible.
Thanks for doing this video. . . as we get older, I think our comfortable position changes and paying attention to an ergonomic set up is so important . . . THANKS for doing this! The whole lower spine capability part was really an eye opener!
Brandon, thanks for breaking this down. Ever so often I have a day where my base drum foot is not working as well as is normally dose. Seat hight, distance from the base drum, position, balance on the stool all have a play finding my comfort zone. Thats easy to say however hard to find.
Great vid Brandon! I have the chance of having a drum teacher who is also a kinesiologist... He made me changed my position behind the kit: height of trone, legs position, cymbals and toms heights and placements!!! It is a bit difficult at the beginning but the human body is such a wonderful machine that can adapt quickly. My playing has changed since, more fluid cause there are less tension and no more pain after long hours!!! Keep up the good work 😊
Explaining the body mechanics is really really helpful. Ty
Brilliant presentation. Very helpful.
Thanks!!!
Thank you so much! I've never thought about this before. Liked and subscribed to your channel!
Thanks so much! Glad this helped !
I often thought about the mechanics of your body before playing and is there a way to tell what height is good for playing long term, so i have experimented for years and never really found a happy medium ,So NOW i have something to work with .Thanks for breaking it down for me
Dang for years I've been wanting to see a video like this! I'm 6' 5" (longg legs) and have had hip pain whenever I have to fill in for someone at church who has everything set up too low for me. Nice work Brandon. Thanks!
Wow, awesome man! Thanks you. Love to hear that!
For me, your discussion on mechanics is an essential (and overlooked) aspect in the art/discipline of the drum-set. Excellent and valuable tutorial. Great job, great contribution! Keep at it and thank you for posting.
great tip. I appreciate it. I am victim of sitting too low and it has been giving me lower back pains.
Hi Brandon, this is a highly neglected topic in music programs - I find this, to say the least, irresponsible. All the programs that I attended during my musical studies in various countries ignored the risks of getting hurt by assuming a bad posture while playing an instrument. I myself have serious problems (I am 47). Thank you for this video. Keep on posting them! All the best...
this is all valid info, and great. whats not covered is the fact most drummers sit on thrones that are solid seats, and those seats compress the bottom of your spine, Check out the Carmichael Throne Company. A doctor who makes chairs and thrones. Theres a 3 inch gap in the middle of the throne vertically, when you sit in the middle of the gap , your spine is no longer compressed, alleviating any discomfort that mayve been there previously. Been using this for close to 6 years now, best thing to ever happen to the throne market. One more thing about the content in this video, if you're lifting your legs as high as the video depicted to play your bass drum or hi hat, you're defeating any technique thats going to help you , and obviously , you're going to have discomfort because you're using way more energy then is necessary .
super cool brother! This answered alot of questions. Im a competitive bodybuilder so a personal trainer so seeing information like this is like gold to me. I love to see videos when guys really know their stuff. And that my friend is you!
Thanks for this! I really appreciated the medical science approach with the visual model of the spine. It really helped me figure out why my back was hurting when I played.
Thankyou. You are a superb and articulate communicator Brandon. Some invaluable guidance, truth and wisdom.
Thanks for the very kind words! Thanks for watching
Dude, thank you very much for that! After twenty years, I can slowly feel back pain creeping in, I'll be using this video to god of that, thank you!!
Thank you for this. Been doing it "wrong" all these years (been playing for more than 30 years! I used to go for the thighs parallel to the floor concept. Will experiment now and really dial it in.
I actually had no idea this was so associated with drumming. Explains why I now wake up with excruciating back pain 😎
Awesome. I experience back pain and now I have an idea how to resolve it.
Thank you for donating your time to help others. You're a good man.
Keep going man! I would love to know all the Kinesiology behind hitting the drums! I hate the thought of not being able to play without restrictions and it would no doubt help a lot of people!!
blrsycth thank-you! I have a few more videos in the works starting with floor tom placement, hihat placement and stick mechanics
Doc, you just changed my life
It is always beneficial to be reminded of the relationship between form and function. Good stuff!
Thank you so much for this. You're the first that I've personally seen who has addressed this issue. I have my kit torn down at the moment & will use this advise today when I set back up. It just might make my playing that much better from here on out.
As a drummer and a teacher, this is hugely helpful. Thank you!
Definitely deserves million views. Great explanation! Helped a lot!
Thank you, Brandon, for your extremely helpful video! You showed very clearly how to treat your joints well. I've adjusted my throne, and can clearly feel the improvement in my energy and technique. Thanks again!
This is a really fantastic video! I'm glad the subject is being covered. I just got back into drumming last year after a few years away (been playing for 25 years altogether), and I set my throne too low. I'm a session player, so I play everything, but one of my main gigs is a black metal band, and so it's hours and hours of double kick all the time. I messed up my left hip quite badly from sitting too low, and having my kicks too far apart. I've since re-arranged my kit (so now I'm a black metal drummer that looks like he's trying to be Steve Gadd), brought my feet closer together, raised the throne, and my hip has been improving. It's still pretty tender sometimes, especially after a three hour rehearsal, but I don't think I'll have to walk with a cane any time soon, haha. :) Any good advice for stretching exercises for people recovering from injuries like that?
Myke Lewis yoga
Thank you Brandon, very helpful, as this is an area of drumming, along with stick grip, that I still revisit after 53 years of drumming.
It is a process! especially as we age! Thanks
I too am a Personal Trainer! I love your presentation! The problem I have is when I play someone' else's drum kit at open mic jams! Lol! Most of the time I don't have time to adjust the throne, cymbals and etcetera, due to be called up on a whim. Boy do I feel the difference from my set up at home! Ouch!
great work !!!
Very informative, please do more videos ! Thanks
This was awesome! Great video! Thank you! You've probably saved a lot of drummers a lot of pain and surgery from this. You're awesome!
Solid info! Thanks, Brandon. I'm almost 40 and pain has started to become an issue. I'm looking forward to applying this info.
thanks a lot, very helpful for drummers with back issues like me
A great video. I’ve had two lumbar surgeries and have been trying to get back into playing and have had fatigue in my back and shoulders. I am going to apply what I’ve seen here.
Thanks.
Finnally somebody made a Video on this! Thank You.
Awesome info Brandon, and super well delivered! Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge in relation to drums, really interesting to understand and reassess. I'd be keen to learn more about proper positioning of a kit depending on different body types, and perhaps even simply understanding the effects of playing drums on the body; how does playing this instrument affect our joints/muscles, what are long-term results, what can we do to prevent damage, ect ! Thanks again man :)
NICKARIA thanks for your comment. Great idea. Being such a physical instrument there are a lot of different facets to explore. Noted!
Returning to this video as it popped up after years.... 1) sound mechanics are crucial no matter what your gear, but buying a 4 legged AHEAD Spinal Glide throne w the ass crack was a GAME CHANGER for me. I also have spinal issues, a bit of Lombar but alot of Cervical.
2) you should do a collab with Marthyn Jovanivic from Austria, he's the only other drummer I've seen address human anatomy and it's majorly important with death metal/blast beat athletics.
Sound has improved exponentially! This was an ad hoc lap top recording and well... is still circulating! crazy. I'll check him out!!!
Great info!
Roland Canada thanks for your time, Roland. Appreciate the comment!
Thanks for the educational video, Brandon. Very informative. Keep 'em coming!
Great video! Us drummers need a channel like this! 👍
Thanks for this video. Very important things to think about. By the way you just confirmed for me somethings about playing position that I have practiced through the years. Now I have something to back it up! Thank you.
Brandon, more videos like that, they are really helpful. also If you have better mics (or even phone recorder) try using that one, cause the video is awesome , but audio is really hard to hear especially on speakers:)
Thank you man. You should make as many clips as you can because your work is needed. #bigup
very good video sitting low on a drum kit is asking for back trouble
Cheers for that mate. Hopefully this knowledge will help my balance issues.