Set Up

The topic of set-up is often ignored. It actually plays a very important part in your playing.

If you set up your kit properly, it will help you play better. Place each part of your kit so they are easy to reach. You do not want to overreach or have them way too close.

The first thing to consider is your throne. A good rule of thumb is to have your knees no more than 90 degrees (thighs parallel with the floor). Keep your back straight as possible and sit as far forward as you can. In doing this it improves the power to your feet. You want to project your energy forward. Keep it comfortable.

Position you bass drum pedals in a natural position for you. Do not put them at extreme angles, so it feels unnatural to you. Put the snare drum and its stand between your legs. The heighth for the snare drum is roughly at waist level. Experiment with this but keep it comfortable.

Now you have the mounted toms. Again, put them at a comfortable reach. They should be placed around the snare drum leading to the floor toms in sequence. It is recommended to place them roughly at a 45 degree angle. Try experimenting with this to make it as comfortable to you as possible.

Place your cymbals at roughly the heighth of your head. You want the cymbals at a 45 degree angle. Using too much of an angle, you run the risk of cracking the bell and/or the bow of the cymbal. Having no angle at all, parallel to the floor, you run the risk of cracking the edge of the cymbal. Refer to the illustrations.

It is a good idea to place your ride on the side you use the most. If you are right handed, place your ride on the right side of you. If you are left handed, place the ride on your left side.

Your hi-hat should be roughly at chest level. It is good to have about a quarter of an inch gap between the two cymbals as they are relaxed.

These are the basic here. Set the kit to you, not you to the kit. Make it comfortable.