The Golden Rule of Drum Kit Setup!

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 ม.ค. 2022
  • Drum Kit setup has a huge impact on how we perform as drummers and can either be a big help or a big hinderance! Because of this, it's worth spending the time getting it right for you so you can perform at your best.
    While it can be a very convoluted topic, this one golden rule will set you in the right direction no matter what kind of kit you play.
    For more in-depth lessons on all things drumming, check out our site where you can explore full-length lesson packs! - drum.dog
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ความคิดเห็น • 224

  • @jamieseiple
    @jamieseiple 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +90

    Playing drums professionally for 50 years I will save y'all alot of time...set everything up where you can reach everything easily. That's it.

    • @Groov3lab
      @Groov3lab 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

      100% Same goes for stick technique. Do whatever is most comfortable and effective for you.

    • @FaZeCanLickMyCrack
      @FaZeCanLickMyCrack 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@Groov3lab Yes do. But learn different techniques so you can make an informed decision.

    • @NintenDub
      @NintenDub 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      I thought your supposed to set em up and than go outside

    • @boomerguy9935
      @boomerguy9935 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I agree with you. Much ado about nothing. "Symmetrical Posture" - this is not about the appearance of the drummer It's about the music.
      I've been playing since the 1960's, from rock to jazz in all size kits. I never worried about which direction my body was facing and I never twisted my back. It's about the music and not about how the audience sees my body or my face. I've even had to face the audience at a 90-degree angle because of the small bandstand and I had to fit into the contour of the grand piano. This is not a big deal. When I get hired to play with a trio, quartet or big band, I am never asked about how my drums look. I do get asked about my playing abiity.
      I always faced the bass drum towards the audience, or wherever the band leader wanted. As long as my body is positioned ergonomically for my comfort AND efficiency, I am happy.
      As a matter of interest, most drummers who read music (if right-handed), will have their head facing to their left and looking down while reading.

    • @krusher74
      @krusher74 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      @@Groov3lab that's poor advice, because when you are a beginner and muscles in the fingers/wrists are weak you will learn bad habits like using your strong fore arm muscles only. Learning correct technique is never going to be "comfortable" bit its a necessary progression to getting good

  • @lionheartroar3104
    @lionheartroar3104 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +6

    Your advice about the "center" instantly improved my simple 4/4 time roll around my 4 piece kit. I have such a long way to go but you helped me solve one mystery,,,thank you. Back to practice!

  • @JessicaJTS
    @JessicaJTS 2 ปีที่แล้ว +75

    This is why I always set up my kits with the kick off to the right, because I always have my snare to the center. Even in a 1 up 2 down set up I do. I've been told it looks odd, but it helps a lot in both my ability to play as well as keeping my spine and muscles from getting more distorted, overall prolonging how late into my life I can play. I have scoliosis so not only does it keep my back from hurting, it also helps me keep posture during the complex stuff like fills, rolls, and fast kicks.

    • @davidhanson5181
      @davidhanson5181 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      It's all about personal preferences and what's comfortable and natural for you but I agree you're way is better for me as well it does look weird but thats because so many have been caught up setting up the drumset with the bass drum center for decades so people naturally assume that's how it has to go

    • @HushAngel
      @HushAngel ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I'm 62, still playing rock, moved from double bass drum kits to single bass drum with a double pedal, i've tried angling the bass drum over to the right, but it pushed the 1st floor tom a tad more behind which affected some fills i'm used to, i now have the bass drum straight like everyone, still sitting well centered but with offset rack toms to the left which allows the ride to be moved inward over the bass drum, i play heel up on the bass drum, so my foot is slightly angled and not totally straight with the pedal foot plate, no speed or power issues with the right pedal...

    • @mathewscottcallejas5538
      @mathewscottcallejas5538 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I’ve been drumming on and off stage for over 20 years and i dont twist my back have my kick faceing straight forward.. this is 100% personal preference. This video gets a c- rating

    • @NintenDub
      @NintenDub 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      With the kick off to the right? Wow thats odd
      (Every setup ever has the kick off to the right/or mirrored left if left handed)
      So weird. Is the snare between your knees, cuz that'd be real unique of you to do

    • @Koazeee
      @Koazeee หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@NintenDub I am going to make the assumption that the commenter is a woman and since they have wider hips it’s probably more off to the right than normal, but you’re right snare in the middle is unheard of lol

  • @toomdog
    @toomdog ปีที่แล้ว +22

    I remember making this realization a few years ago. Once I set up facing forwards, my playing just opened up and flowed naturally as opposed to before when I was all jammed up. The sound of your instrument (and you, by extension) should always take precedent over what it looks like on stage, but I usually work this into the stage set up. I’ll set up upstage left and the bass player will set up upstage right and angle left, so it’s like we’re making a little semicircle. It’s always struck me as a more intimate, less pretentious sort of feel.

  • @scottbrower9052
    @scottbrower9052 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Beginner here, learning on my own w/o lessons. This was *extremely* useful.

  • @KutayYavuzMusic
    @KutayYavuzMusic 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    As a beginner drummer, this video helped me a lot! Thanks for straight to the straight-to-the-point content and great drumming!

  • @dougfinlay7531
    @dougfinlay7531 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Thanks! I'm going to try this after 41 years of playing.

  • @garysmith3173
    @garysmith3173 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Absolutely correct. I discovered this concept a few years ago by accident playing a very small stage. So much more comfortable and really helped my mobility around the kit. Brilliant video sir.

  • @MrCaveman8
    @MrCaveman8 15 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Having played for 35 years myself and reluctant to change anything, as I felt it would be like trying to figure out something but after watching this video I feel set free and going to make the change because I felt some low back stiffness and my left arm starting to bother me some so thank you very much !!!

  • @U2WB
    @U2WB ปีที่แล้ว +2

    BRAVO. I have been saying this for years. I start my kit setup as a tripod, with my seat being one leg, and my feet the other two. Thus, with my feet planted on the ground in the most comfortable position, I place the kick pedal and hi hat pedal under my feet. Bass drum is setup where the kick pedal was placed. My snare drum and first rack tom are directly forward. Hi hat and bass drum at angles right and left. Very comfortable and efficient !

  • @KirkHMiller
    @KirkHMiller 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I love this! I have been playing snare-centric for about 3 years and I have seen a shift in my posture and my playing!

  • @grahamroden8897
    @grahamroden8897 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    A great video, it’s something I tried after some guitar lessons where the teacher explained about the ergonomics of the guitar. Moving the bass drum to the right made an immediate difference, comfort and control over the kick improved right away.

  • @mlowder06
    @mlowder06 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Arguably the most important fundamental when starting to play the drums!!! Well done!

  • @Rhythmic1
    @Rhythmic1 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Absolutely correct. I figured it out in my early twenties when I put together my first double bass drum kit. All of a sudden everything was balanced and ergonomic. It all made sense. I was no longer fighting against my body. When I went back to a single bass drum kit after many years of playing double bass drums nothing changed with my seating position except that I took away one of the bass drums. I've had musicians and sound people ask me why my bass drum isn't facing forward which always amazes me because a lot of times these are shows at fairly decent sized festivals and they should know better. I tell them the bass drum facing forward is not a natural position for playing drums. That I want to do as little twisting as possible and want to have everyone on stage to be at a minimum easily within my peripheral vision. I've also sat in on drum kits where the drummer has insisted the bass drum face forward. I look at them and wonder why they never ask themselves why their foot is hanging off the edge of the bass drum pedal at a weird angle. Or why their hi hat pedal is way over to their far side at a weird angle to compensate for their primary problem of having set the kit up in a way that doesn't conform to the human body.

  • @alanjackson3515
    @alanjackson3515 ปีที่แล้ว

    I too have been playing for many years and never gave this a thought. It’s blindingly obvious now. Can’t wait for a new beginning this week. Thank you

  • @AnfalasHerdsman
    @AnfalasHerdsman ปีที่แล้ว

    I followed your tip and i played the coolest, smoothiest, continuous 10 minute jam around all my kit for the first time since i started (less tham 2 months ago), god bless you!

  • @markrichardson239
    @markrichardson239 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I just bought a set of Tama Swingstars. I like them a lot.
    I am new to drumming, but I discovered I love it!
    It is very important to me that I start out right, and do not develop poor habits.
    And the set-up, that is elemental. Essential. The bed-rock.
    Thank you so much!!
    Mark

    • @drumdog
      @drumdog  หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      That's fantastic, Mark! Welcome to the drumming community. Starting with the right foundation is crucial, and I'm glad you're emphasizing set-up. If you have questions along the way, don't hesitate to ask!

    • @markrichardson239
      @markrichardson239 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@drumdog Thank you so much.
      I have cymbol, high hat, base, snare 3 toms, cowbell...
      So big tom to the left?
      I want to arrange the furniture correctly.
      There has to be a floor-plan, I ain't got one because I know nothing, other than I want my setup correct before I really get into it and develop all the bad habits and reflexes...
      Really, thanks!
      Mark

  • @golflre7179
    @golflre7179 2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Ty! Just started drums, got my first drum set, setting it up. This will help tons.

    • @drumdog
      @drumdog  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Great to hear!

  • @jendel42750
    @jendel42750 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    LOVE THIS POST! THANK YOU! I would like to add a second item: NEVER handle cymbals with bare hands. It's just about IMPOSSIBLE to get fingerprints OUT of them once they're IN the grooves of them.

  • @DRUmBEaTTS
    @DRUmBEaTTS 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    And yet we still twist ourselves up by crossing our hands/arms over to play the hihat and snare which makes even less sense than facing our bass drum forward. The best thing I ever did for my playing was to start playing the hihat and snare open handed, not only does it take all of the remaining stress off of your spine, it will work wonders on you left/weak hand! I started doing this about ten years ago and the change in my weak hand is tremendous!

  • @youtuup
    @youtuup 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Okay Mr. Drum professor : and now you start learning me these great rolls you do in between. 😊🙏

  • @KKIcons
    @KKIcons ปีที่แล้ว

    I am so glad this was the first video I looked at before I set up the kit for the first time.

  • @paulhislop4591
    @paulhislop4591 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    I've been doing this for years. An added benefit is the kick is usually aimed at the guitarist which helps him feel it more.

  • @GustavMonkey
    @GustavMonkey ปีที่แล้ว +11

    I'm a retired fireman and former policeman and Naval Petty Officer and have just chosen to become a drummer at 57. I have the kit and will practicing alot. I liken this to my cycling tech hobbie. I hope to be on the GCN cycling Rock Concert event with my fellow road cyclists someday. #peace

    • @sullysullster8217
      @sullysullster8217 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Cycling drummer myself. Stamina and cardio not an issue. Looks like you retired just in time. Keep on rockin.

  • @Colichemarde
    @Colichemarde 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I have been playing drums for many years, but never considered this. Thanks.

  • @michaelprozonic
    @michaelprozonic 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    I think the bass drum became the center of the kit because in the early days of rock ’n’ roll, bands often put their name across the bass drum head. It was natural then that they wanted the majority of the audience to see it.

    • @krusher74
      @krusher74 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      most drummer still have the bass drum facing toward the front of the stage for the same reason, it just means you as a person aren't facing the front of the stage, but it;s not like you are far off.

  • @sarojaband4664
    @sarojaband4664 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    5:39. Ergonomics are critical. So is stretching, warming up, hydration and nutrition if you want to play full throttle for long shows.
    Great topic. Love your Samba and Bossa Nova lessons!

    • @drumdog
      @drumdog  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks for joining us again Saroja! 😊

  • @jemmace2586
    @jemmace2586 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great overview and basic lesson that, I'll bet, a lot of us drummer's just by pass on the road to playing fast rudiments and fills etc.
    Great content, as usual.
    Thanks.

    • @drumdog
      @drumdog  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks Jem 🙏

  • @rbtz07
    @rbtz07 ปีที่แล้ว

    Came here for the info but stayed for his playing. Outstanding groove and tasty fills. Prace from California, brah.

  • @dapperbleach1598
    @dapperbleach1598 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Gotta say i loved the drumming while showing the changes made correctly. Those were slick af

  • @LTDLimiTeD1995
    @LTDLimiTeD1995 ปีที่แล้ว

    I love the sound of your toms!

  • @emmanuelmensah8998
    @emmanuelmensah8998 16 วันที่ผ่านมา

    Man man.. you're too good❤🎉..with explanations and with your drumming as well

  • @Destinydividedband
    @Destinydividedband 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I’ve been doing this for years. Great explanation.

  • @matthiasspitz
    @matthiasspitz ปีที่แล้ว

    Well said and presented! Nice snare sound and playing, too 🙂.

  • @shaunmclendon2135
    @shaunmclendon2135 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I’m a beginner, shifted my kick right, and adjusted everything accordingly to the new position. This has made a huge difference, and doesn’t feel as alien as the kick directly in the center seemed to be, in my opinion. Thanks for the heads up 👍

  • @Trentstone121
    @Trentstone121 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I had this very epiphany just last week! Everything felt immediately more natural the second I rearranged my kit with the snare as my center. I found myself smiling because it felt right for the first time. Great video!

  • @blujay9191
    @blujay9191 ปีที่แล้ว

    After almost 40 years of playing 4 piece I pulled that other rack tom out of moth balls and decided to go 2 up one down for fun like I did in the 1970s. Using the double tom mount on the bass drum like I did back in the day didn't cut it so I ended up mounting both rack toms on a stand just to the side of the bass drum. I didn't really consider it at the time but it does put me centered over the snare drum instead of the bass drum as Mr. Drum Dog describes and it's definitely easier to get around the kit now.

  • @brucelogan
    @brucelogan 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Thanks Drum Dog. That was excellent. Like Ms. Jessica, I've been setting up like you suggest for years. It was purely selfish on my part because I wanted to face forward. I still get asked a lot why the kick isn't facing forward. The easy answer is, then I would by facing stage left. Drums are pretty omni-directional anyway.

  • @simontinguely862
    @simontinguely862 ปีที่แล้ว

    Cool principle to build your set, thank you for the vid !

  • @MrLudvigsen
    @MrLudvigsen 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanks for the info..it solved my drum setup🎶🤗

  • @butchcassidy3373
    @butchcassidy3373 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    When I set up I put the snare between my legs and my pedals under the corresponding feet and then build around that. As an old guy, you gotta be comfortable

  • @ddaley87
    @ddaley87 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great vid. Nice chops as well

  • @ericstearns170
    @ericstearns170 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Did this for years. When I started singing more leads, I set-up on the side of the stage and faced left. It was weird for the band at first but we grew to love it.
    The big point is don't kill your posture for the sake of 'tradition'.

  • @donaldshattock6414
    @donaldshattock6414 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Such good stuff! Thank you!

  • @andrewbryan2031
    @andrewbryan2031 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanks for the video. I had never thought of this, and found it very useful!

    • @drumdog
      @drumdog  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Glad it was helpful!

  • @mitch85714
    @mitch85714 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    just made the switch over the weekend and a much better feeling

    • @drumdog
      @drumdog  9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Awesome 😎

  • @moresnare
    @moresnare 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I just ran across this video today. However, I figured this out myself a few weeks ago. I have a double tom stand that I use. Before I set anything else up, I set that up, put my two toms on it and then center my snare on them. My kick is angled slightly to the right now, but it feels just fine. : )

  • @adityatyagi4009
    @adityatyagi4009 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Informative and useful. Thanks for sharing!

    • @drumdog
      @drumdog  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @jadedenthusiasms
    @jadedenthusiasms ปีที่แล้ว

    This is an great, very informative video and I especially love the visuals you showed, my brain works visually... well... when it works, it works visually 😊😂
    I'm 50, hubby 53, and had been keeping our sons huge nice mapex set he's been building up since he saved and bought it on his own at 15. But was also just sorta teaching himself as we didn't have the money for lessons😢🤦🏻‍♀️🥺 so, I'd just play around in them here n there... I'm a lefty, ambidextrous in everything including my art.... so I just played on his, he's right handed, but while I could get 2 things going together, adding the 3rd🥵🤯🤬🤬🤬🤬🤯😬 but, in a visit home a song came on i love and as always I don't have a choice but to drop the dishes (slowly of course... somewhat anyway 😬) and pound out the beat with my hands on the counter.... so my son and I were side by side when he realized which hand I tended to keep time... not sure that's the correct terminology, probably not, sorry😊, but but I did so with my left. I had mentioned before that my doing things with both hands makes things easier in most ways, I think it made it a bit difficult on the drums because, for example, I just wanted to be able to do the opening to the Disturbed song Down with the Sickness... I know I know, y'all are like "oy!! SO simple!" 😊 but, I'm old with very significant health issues so my brain is pretty foggy, and now oxygen deprived due to a surgeon that seemed to forget how to surgeon in the middle of my dangerous one... so, now oxygen tanks forever, but, at least I worked my 🤬 off and got most of the use of the arm back after he killed it😬
    Anyway... so, I'd find my rhythm with it, but then my other hands would try to go first one time and of course mess me up.
    But once he saw me drumming fast on the counter, plus I've been using it as both exercise, physical & mental & getting out aggression with very loud noises no matter how bad i suck at it :)
    But, he finally found a place to store his drums to play up with him.... and I realized how much I'd miss being able to do downstairs on a good day when I could walk,, and pound on them😊
    So, even though drowning in debt due to my new medical needs, my hubby is an awesome guy and he likes drums too, so we just yesterday got a used 5 piece Tama, but an upgraded snare and good heads. But we need a stool and better cymbals (one day) and cymbal stands, now... for $200... we tried to do as much research as possible but also what we could afford, well, forcefully afford, and what was close-ish.... so hopefully it's a good one😬
    But, our son learning on his own 15 yrs ago, yea, he set it up kick straight out and once he added a ton to his kit, its real hard .. I think, but he won't admit🙄😏... to twist so far around to hit that 2nd (3rd?🤷🏻‍♀️) floor tom. My lower back i all titanium, with many other injuries, so, too hard for me.
    But, everyone just said that was the way :/
    So, I'm glad to know it doesn't have to be the way.
    So... first off...sorry fornthe long comment, but I'm an over-explainer, clearly, and I'm excited/nervous so, babble ensues 😊
    Next... does having the kick off to the side affect the sound a lot? I'm guessing no since it works.
    We're trying to figure out how to set our up... as I said, I'm a lefty, though I'd gotten used to the toms on my right so that will be an adjustment, but not bad.
    But also trying to set it up to somewhat easily flip it for occasionally when my hubby wants to play... so... we'll see :)
    I'm not looking to be a pro or anything near, and with my health practice will be as often as possible, so, just learning.
    So I appreciate these videos SO much!! Any advice is awesome!!!
    Thank you!!😊

  • @woodybear8298
    @woodybear8298 ปีที่แล้ว

    Great lesson, thanks.

  • @TimTM-gm6od
    @TimTM-gm6od ปีที่แล้ว +3

    The important thing is to align yourself with your set up. In most of the pubs and venues ive played in over the years sometimes i am squeezed into the back of the small area weve been given to play in and often the placing of the bass drum is the key to space management and sound projection. Whilst i agree with what you are saying ,to align yourself central to the rest of the band, sometimes its just important to set up the kit in the best way possible then sit behind it correctly. If that means facing slightly left, or right if you sre a left hooker, then so be it. The audience wont give a stuff anyway as they will be focused on the singer mainly!!
    Good video though.

    • @hazardeur
      @hazardeur 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

      your drum still takes up the same space. if you do this kind of set up in a small venue, the only difference is that you wont be looking at the audience straight, which is a small price to pay for a non twisted back

  • @rythmblood27
    @rythmblood27 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you….I’ll try this. It makes perfect sense even if it is something I wish I knew 30 years ago🙄.

  • @AnimalJohn85
    @AnimalJohn85 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Fantastic vid

  • @Shanoa
    @Shanoa 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I will give this a try!

  • @Sera69FI
    @Sera69FI ปีที่แล้ว

    Good video, good sounds.

  • @oldenmusicianco.4527
    @oldenmusicianco.4527 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I take a similar approach to drum kit setup, however I actually place the hi-hat and bass drum pedals parallel to each other so that I face foward and I don't have to turn my body to reach around the drum kit.
    To be fair, I only use 1 floor tom usually, and I don't use many cymbals either, but it means the kit and myself can face forwards and everything can be close together!

  • @AxeMan808
    @AxeMan808 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I immediately said "NAW! Not the kick it's the snare!" But that's where you were headed.
    It's also the center of the beat! If you can JUST keep the snare (or get it back) on time you can do whatever you want elsewhere.

  • @KKIcons
    @KKIcons ปีที่แล้ว

    Do you have a video lesson on how to play that snare and hi hat riff you were doing? I really liked that a lot!

  • @JCL1amas
    @JCL1amas 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Excellent video thank you

    • @drumdog
      @drumdog  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Glad you enjoyed it

  • @hazardeur
    @hazardeur 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    i set my drums exactly like that without any lessons. it is just the most natural way if you think about it. the only difference I have is that I see the player/drum throne as the absolute center instead of the snare drum but it is still the same principle at work

  • @Cell1969
    @Cell1969 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Nice to see a thought out approach to this. I actually figure this out back in about 1986. As my budget and kit grew I ended up with a big 9 piece, double kick Pearl Export (the classic chrome finish, very 80’s) setup. The natural way a double kit sets its itself up, especially with the four up one or two down, is both kicks angle to your feet with the snare in the centre. Now, I just simply removed the left kick (got sick of varying two kicks about) and there it was. The natural seating position. My kit shrunk back to my original kit with 1 up two down but I’ve always retained the doubles kick layout. The actually make for a nice snare and tom central to each other with the ride sitting nicely over the kick. I see too many one up two down with the tom kicked over to one side of the snare which then makes it bloody awkward to get from the tom to the first floor. Still, after all that waffle it is 100% down to personal choice. Whatever make you fell comfortable, just watch your back. After 43 years of playing it’s imperative you keep your posture correct.

    • @johnmcisaac7905
      @johnmcisaac7905 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      After 43 years of playing you should keep your back straight.
      So what’s your advice for the 43 years before that ?!
      Lean to the left? Hunch forward?! Bend it backwards ?!

    • @Cell1969
      @Cell1969 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@johnmcisaac7905 I'd been playing this central way since 1986, as in I figured this out back then about the central positioning. Not sure you got my point in the original post.

  • @WilliamDavidPrichard
    @WilliamDavidPrichard 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I've always preached this... start with the snare. Centre. That alone is a drum set.

  • @feebypeels2883
    @feebypeels2883 ปีที่แล้ว

    This seems like it's going to be a gamechanger.

  • @poxcr
    @poxcr ปีที่แล้ว

    Awesome video! This is how I set up my kit, however it is definitely not something obvious for a beginner. By the way, is that a Swindoll snare?

  • @sweetleaf7751
    @sweetleaf7751 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    This is the most important un talked about topic for comfort and performance.

  • @MadWinter889
    @MadWinter889 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I've been playing with two bass drums for years, it kinda fixes the twisted back issue lol

    • @drumdog
      @drumdog  2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Instant symmetry 🙌

    • @djjazzyjeff1232
      @djjazzyjeff1232 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      We do the same thing except the left (from the drummer's perspective) kick is totally for show. Double kick pedal on the right kick, just keeps that consistency in sound, plus rather than wasting another mic pre and processing and another microphone just to have 2 kick sounds that don't match, nah.

    • @MadWinter889
      @MadWinter889 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@djjazzyjeff1232 I personally find that acoustically two ever so slightly different sounding bass drums gives a pleasant result to my ears. In the rare instances I'd have my two bass drums live I use triggers.

  • @Eurodrummer666
    @Eurodrummer666 ปีที่แล้ว

    I´ve been setting my kit this way for almost 20 years, since I´ve see Korn´s David Silvera setting up this way. It feels more confortable not to be facing slightly sidewise, apart from from being aesthetically more pleasant.

  • @juneyoon4432
    @juneyoon4432 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Nice jams.

  • @wellmounted
    @wellmounted 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thanks. It did make a big difference for me. I always wanted the band logo on the bass facing forward, but after readjusting I'm thinking the audience can turn their bodies to see the band logo.

  • @robertbelanger6733
    @robertbelanger6733 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I’ve always set my kit that way But didn’t think of it, it was just done without knowing😁👍🏻

  • @marty9464
    @marty9464 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    You seem to be assuming that facing just slightly to the left is a bad thing because you'd have to look back to your right!!! That entirely depends on the stage setup. In a big band the drummer often sets up to the right of the drop and thus looking a bit to the left is useful. Also, often we have musicians on both sides of us that we need to make eye contact with, thus it may not really matter that much exactly where you're pointed as long as you can access your kit comfortably and effectively.

  • @ivanhiliev
    @ivanhiliev ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Good video. And yes, actually the center of the kit also soundwise should be the snare. I have been playing many small stages with space being less than what wee need to add 3 cabinets for guitars and bass, we've always started with me positioning my carpet and the drum chair. I've always tried to be as much on the center of the stage and with my body facing straight towards the audience. Than i put the kick, pedals high hat, snare and so on. Naturally we end up with two amps on my left, first the bass than a guitar, and on my right, the other guitar. We've played on a skate ramp many times, with not more than 3-4 meters flat part and that was the only possible set up.

  • @Mudge07
    @Mudge07 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I recently replaced my round-topped drum throne with a saddle style and found that this issue came to the fore again. The focus on a previous “parallel” set-up; where the
    high toms, then and high-hat, snare and floor tom, and then you are facing the same forwards direction but are centred badd drum-breadthwise was the original way I’d play. Now with the saddle seat, placing my legs on a more fixed meridian either side of the snare at equal angles to each of the hh and bd pedals is the norm.

  • @mbj6555
    @mbj6555 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I've been setting up my kit this way for 30+ years. My first kit had two kick drums. When I went to double pedal, I just left my main kick where it had always been.

    • @jamessbca
      @jamessbca 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Yeah. I just started thinking about this recently - always thinking previously, "well, as a drummer, I just sort of set up with my body oriented toward the left. It's crazy when you think about it! Double Bass players (with two bass drums) have basically always had this figured out!!!

  • @KennyattaPetit
    @KennyattaPetit ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Why didn't I realize this 30 plus years ago. SMH😫 well I can start now.

  • @oscarmckee1471
    @oscarmckee1471 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I sit straight on the kit..used to sit to the left..but since I have been open drumming it was a natural move..

  • @markielinhart
    @markielinhart ปีที่แล้ว

    As a tyro drummer it seemed only natural to ‘address’ the snare front on. Thanks for yet another interesting vid. A question from the floor: what sticking is that on the snare? I like the way it grooves…✌️🌻

  • @TheMcglinn
    @TheMcglinn 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thankyou so much. Obvious when it's pointed out.👍

  • @243063
    @243063 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Nice ,that is great info

    • @drumdog
      @drumdog  2 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Glad it was helpful!

  • @queenpurple8433
    @queenpurple8433 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Awesome video. I play with a 28 inch kick and 14 inch rack and 18 inch floor so my kick faces straight ahead of me and my snare is nearly in the center of it, rack tom is as far to the left as the floor is to the right just cause of the size of the drums.

    • @drumdog
      @drumdog  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Those are some serious drum sizes!! 💪

  • @Erix77
    @Erix77 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Totally agree with this👍🏻

  • @roadboat9216
    @roadboat9216 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    As a drum instructor, I like what you are saying here.

  • @wesleyreese7647
    @wesleyreese7647 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    As a beginner, I kept playing around (for 3-4wks) with trying to get comfortable and I managed to figure it out...
    3-4 Minutes Before I Got To See This Video 😂😂

  • @gabrielpline7490
    @gabrielpline7490 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I get it. I really do. But the result of moving the kick to the right is floor Tom moving more to the rear. Look at the video here and see how he’s now hitting the floor Tom off center. If you’re ok with that, then good on ya. But if you’re a drummer who likes to hit the floor Tom in the center, you’ll likely have to pull your right arm back more to hit the center. Me? I keep my kick facing forward and centered and just pivot my body to the left.

  • @squidskunk
    @squidskunk 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    great advice...thank you!
    i will be adjusting mt kit.

    • @drumdog
      @drumdog  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Let us know what you think of the change! 🙌

    • @squidskunk
      @squidskunk 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@drumdog ...i made the adjustment..i feel more comfortable after...funny thing is i thought i was comfortable before i moved the bass drum over...but now i realize i had been fighting poor posture...thank you for bringing this to my attention.

    • @drumdog
      @drumdog  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      So awesome to hear that it's helped you 😁🙏

  • @TYRONE_SHOELACES
    @TYRONE_SHOELACES ปีที่แล้ว

    I guess I made a mistake buying bigger drums for that fuller sound. I'm 63, new drummer. I wanted that low sound, so I have an 18" floor tom beside my 16" floor tom. By the time I twist enough to hit that 18" floor tom, I can feel the strain on my back.

  • @abettencourtmusic
    @abettencourtmusic 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    While I adhere to the mechanics you layer out, as it makes more sense ergonomically, I do keep my bass drum in the center, perpendicular to the stage, as is traditional. It not only looks more symmetrical, it also looks more pleasing and the the two are actually linked here. Because when things are not symmetrical in some way, it tends do be distracting. (Which is why a double kick setup doesn’t phase anyone: two kicks mean symmetry). The other disadvantage (and I know from experience) is that bandmates which see a kit with an angled bass drum as taking up more space in tighter spaces, and they tend to not like it as much. So it’s something to avoid, it possible. As to me, I just pivot to the left so I’m comfortable and it’s ergonomical. And that’s it.

    • @markrichardson239
      @markrichardson239 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Go ahead with that, leave the Bass perpendicular... but don't follow it.
      Yeah, you will be out of perpendicular, not the Base.

  • @scottharper7280
    @scottharper7280 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I solved the problem with a Offset double pedel. It centers the kick infront of you and allows a symetrical, or partaly symetrical layout. side benifet is no left pedal lag.

  • @fredflinstime6676
    @fredflinstime6676 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Drum dog! Great vid.
    Please let me know, If you would consider doing a review of a new and different way to set up a kit, please let me know. I think I may have something you would really find fascinating.
    It’s in some ways similar to Daru Jones, but with some key unique things going on.

    • @drumdog
      @drumdog  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Always keen to hear new ideas! 💡 Shoot us a message at hello@drum.dog

  • @toothnail605
    @toothnail605 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Been doing this for decades, glad someone finally gets it! When I used to teach I would tell the students how would you set the height of the snare, toms and cymbals if your were standing up? (Because most people set said items really weird and no ergonomics while seated.) Then I would say okay your snare height the way you have it standing up is correct so you have great posture, now sink everything down the way it is - so now your sitting... If you catch my drift.

  • @jakeloranger1419
    @jakeloranger1419 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I have been setting up this way for years. When I sit in on someone else's kit which has been set up in the "traditional" way -- kick drum facing straight ahead-- I find it rather uncomfortable. Also, I'm in my sixties and I have long standing neck issues. So I find the traditional set limits my view of the right side of the stage. I usually wind up with a very sore neck if I play for any length of time in this position.
    I didn't come up with the idea of centering the snare drum so that my body naturally faces straight forward. I read an article dealing with this concept in Modern Drummer Magazine some twenty years ago. I regret I cannot recall the name of the author. But I do remember him calling it the twisted torso problem. Anyway, I tried it and have played that way ever since.
    Six years I got an OffSet double pedal. It basically has two slave pedals with the drive shafts meeting in the middle where the beaters are located. This allows the base drum to set up facing the front while still maintaining the snare drum in the middle. It's not as quick to set up as there are three pieces instead of the usual two in a double pedal system. But it's fun to be able to sit in my favourite position and still have the base drum also centered and facing forward so that people can see the artwork on the resonant head.

  • @pacz8114
    @pacz8114 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    A+ on the content. A+ on the drumming skills. F on wearing earrings.

  • @DDandrums
    @DDandrums 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I have always set my bass drum completely square on and recently realised that I my bass drum foot is at an angle to the pedal! This works fine for me but for the fact this can annoyingly push the pedal sideways making it necessary for me to move it back to the correct position.
    In the 80s I had the bass drum at an angle for a more natural feel but was criticised for spoiling the aesthetic.

  • @thezogs95
    @thezogs95 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Drum ergonomics are very important but it depends on genre a Lil. If your playing light rock then a standard setup is OK. Twist and all. But if your playing metal or punk or something, ergonomics is a must

    • @drumdog
      @drumdog  2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Not sure I'd agree with you there, I'd say a twist is a bad thing no matter the genre. Even the lightest of playing benefits from a solid and stable core.

  • @dylanbaldwin7934
    @dylanbaldwin7934 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Im used to playing a 1 up 2 down setup. I love having my hi hats right to my left and its also why i used to not play double bass. I found a 2 leg hh stand and now ive been pearning double bass. With my current band and music im playing im upgrading my kit im refirbishing an old 8 pc i have its got 4 racks and 2 floors. I think im going to set up the 2 lower racks off of my 2 main right and left crash stands and get a double tom stand to add the other 2 to my left. Im willing to adjust cymbal height im going to try to set up the highest tom a bit over my hi hat. I refuse to move my hi hats over to accommodate for any tom toms thats just stupid to me. I look at neal pearts set up for a guage. Also seems nick menzas setup is pretty nice but i think his hi hats are put a little much to the left for me.

    • @dylanbaldwin7934
      @dylanbaldwin7934 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I see the way he has it set up in this video im going to do basically the same with one more tom more slanted over my hi hat. If it doesnt work out ill give up on that last tom

  • @JayJay-sk3iu
    @JayJay-sk3iu 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

    If you use a double bass drum pedal or 2 bass drums, you realize this pretty quickly. Good vid!

  • @erictorres4889
    @erictorres4889 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have my rack toms angled and play a 7 piece set

  • @pour-g8677
    @pour-g8677 ปีที่แล้ว

    When i play on my full energy hours ill notice my bass pedal kinda facing right.. time to move some drums.. thank you

  • @Brit_in_Mindanao
    @Brit_in_Mindanao ปีที่แล้ว

    This is why I preferred using a rack,the kick is free to place where it's comfortable...off to the right.

  • @haydenconley
    @haydenconley หลายเดือนก่อน

    Enter: offset pedals for double kick applications. Game changer!

    • @drumdog
      @drumdog  หลายเดือนก่อน

      Offset pedals are a game-changer for double kick functionality! Glad you're enjoying them. Thanks for sharing!