How to Set Up a Drum Set


		The Completed Drum Set



		Arrange your set to look like the completed set shown above. If you're left handed, reverse the drums from right to left. If you don't already own a drum throne, purchase one. You'll be spending hours at your set so select a throne that is sturdy and comfortable. Set the height of the throne so that it carries most of your weight. This'll make you "light" on your feet so you can play your pedals with maximum speed and agility. Position the throne so you can reach the bass pedal comfortably. Place the snare drum in front of you and adjust the height to a comfortable level. You can play the snare drum tilted (as shown above) or flat. Experiment with different tilt positions to discover which works best for you. Position the hi-hat next to the snare drum within easy reach of your other foot. Your legs should feel relaxed, not too close and not too far apart. Most of all, you should feel balanced. Adjust the height of the hi-hat cymbals so that they can be reached comfortably.

Adjust the height, tilt, and closeness of the 12" tom so that it butts up against (but doesn't touch) the snare drum. Position the 13" tom beside the 12" tom. Set the floor tom level to or slightly lower than the snare drum. Arrange the toms compactly so that you can move from drum to drum quickly and easily. When everything is comfortably positioned, tighten all Stop-Locks securely.

Position your cymbals where they can be reached easily and don't get in the way of your drums.

Note: The above instructions are only suggestions. Again, there's no right or wrong way to set up drums·what matters is how the drums are set for you!