KGMA’S PRACTICAL DRUMMING GUIDE

Lesson 2: Drum Kit Set-up

In this lesson we will cover the necessities that you need to know when you take your second step towards becoming a drummer! Watch the video below for a more detailed guide on how to set up your drums by our drum teacher Darrill Chan!

There are two basic things a drummer needs to know: Proper Drum Kit Set-Up, Assembling & Arrangements of the Drums and Cymbals.

Proper Drum Kit Set-Up

How you set up your drums plays a very important part in how well you actually play the drums. It could help you to play easier, naturally, more efficiently and without injuring yourself.

Oftentimes, drummers set their drum kit up according to how it looks rather than how it feels. This aesthetic way of setting up might be great for showmanship but could cause you discomfort or injury.

Therefore, it is important to know these information and steps to properly set up your drum kit.

Knowing Your Drum Parts

Firstly, it is important to know and gather the necessary parts for your drum kit such as:

Drums:

Bass Drum
Bass Drum Pedal
Snare Drum Stand
Snare Drum
Tom 1
Tom 2
Floor Tom
Drum Stool

Cymbals:

Cymbal Stands
Hi-hat Cymbals
Crash Cymbal
Ride Cymbal

After you have gathered all the necessary parts, you will want to find a comfortable spot to place your drum kit. Then, take a look at the position of your drum stool. It is essential to have your drum kit placed in a wide and open space so that there is sufficient space for you to hit your drums.

Assembling and Arrangements of the Drums and Cymbals

Assembling the Drums

Install the bass drum's legs and the bass drum pedal, then place your throne behind the bass drum and adjust it to the proper height.
Assemble the snare drum in its stand and adjust the snare to a comfortable height.
Then mount the toms on the bass drum and attach the floor tom's legs and position it in a suitable spot.
Lastly, check that the height of the Floor Tom is close to the snare.

Assembling the cymbals

Unfold the hi-hat stand and add the bottom cymbal.
Install the top hi-hat cymbal.
Install the crash cymbal on its stand.
Install the ride and any other cymbals (if any).

Double Check

Get yourself behind the kit, put your right foot on the bass drum pedal and have your legs be at a comfortable distance apart. Hi-hats should be at a comfortable height relative to the snare drums.

Snare drums should be also placed at a comfortable position aligned to your waist.

Make sure no part of your kit is in contact with any other parts of your kit.

Next, make sure your crash and ride cymbals are not touching any metal parts. your cymbals should always have a plastic or rubber felt between them and the screw thread.

Last but not least, make sure that your hi-hats have rubber on both sides of your top cymbal, and your bottom cymbal is not touching any metal.

Now, you are good to go! Happy Drumming!