Drum Throne Height Mechanics, Prevent Back Pain, Increase Performance

Let's demystify choosing Drum Throne Height! Ultimately it all comes down to you, your specific anatomy and what your body can anatomically handle. This video will explore
1) basic mechanics of choosing drum throne height
2) playing drums doesn't mean back pain
3) increase performance by working within your bodies capabilities
4) simple step by step process
Skip forward to 8:29 to the step by step process if you are not interested in any of the science or reasoning.
Want more? Tell me about it. I am a studio musician as well and Exercise and Muscle Specialist. Tell me what you want to learn more about and we will talk about it!
chopmechanics
chop_mechanics
www.stratainternalperformance.com

[@RyanAlexanderBloom]

Nice video. This makes total sense. You are one of the few people on KZbin 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.

[@FanaticDrummer]

Ryan Alexander Bloom So many 80’s guys and jazz drummers do it. They sit so low that their foot work suffers so bad.

[@JaymixCollision]

This comment alone is extremely helpful.

[@jpb93360]

So Gadd, Garibaldi, Blade, Horacio "el negro", Weckl, Vinnie Collaiuta, who made a carrier sitting very low are "wrong" ? Come on...

[@RyanAlexanderBloom]

@@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.

[@jpb93360]

@@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.

[@davemarks8832]

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!

[@leeschmitz993]

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.

[@georgespencer3973]

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!

[@codyplaysthedrums11]

Came for basics on drum throne height but got an entire wealth of knowledge. You’ve definitely got my sub.

[@Rockin_Ross]

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.

[@edwardrummer]

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 🙌

[@jarrettmartin2738]

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.

[@fritswester2833]

Finally a good explaining video on this topic. I have been saying this to my students for years now.

[@rmmccarthy1240]

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.

[@OrfeasSierras]

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!

[@Gunkaleh]

Thank you for donating your time to help others. You're a good man.

[@Devon523]

Awesome! Over the years I’ve found the things you’ve said here to be true. I found the most comfortable spots for Optimum performance but i never knew why or how it worked from a more anatomical or scientific stand point. Thanks so much for the education, I can use this to help my students now too!

[@samuelnardi5634]

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.

[@tripledrum8575]

Finally a video that shows the proper way analyze and understand drum throne height. Great stuff Brandon. Thanks for sharing.

[@philsown]

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.

[@thibodaux3424]

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

[@geekmyth4291]

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!

[@stijndries7832]

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.

[@MichaelSileno]

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.

[@zauwee]

Thanks for the educational video, Brandon. Very informative. Keep 'em coming!

[@TheEmack03]

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

[@justinburleson]

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!

[@samstreet6405]

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!

[@chicharoalmaraz8688]

This is wonderful. Thank you so much, man. You are helping me and surely a lot of people with this information. God bless you.

[@lunalarosa4845]

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.

[@radkon67]

Hi Brandon. Thanks for such a great video. You've given me medical terms to describe what I often tell drum students. Your comments on multi pedal orchestration seems key. You're a legend, thanks!

[@drumsybatabamboom8022]

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!

[@kinserjosh]

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!

[@ChrisJohnsonDrums]

As a drummer and a teacher, this is hugely helpful. Thank you!

[@Chiroman527]

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 !!!

[@rhythmista7707]

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 !

[@MarkosVassiliou]

Thank you! I have been waiting for this for a long time!

[@anmat5933]

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.

[@drummerdude123456]

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!!

[@danieljaburg2021]

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.

[@wuffb]

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!

[@bigdukepod]

Outstanding! Thanks so much for your insights and time! Clear and concise. Perfect!

[@michaelm2945]

Great video! I've been waiting for a video like this for many years. When I started, it was similar to Tommy Lee but learning double bass and having L5/S1 sciatica, adjusting my seat higher and moving pedals closer was a big help.. side note, being 6'5" I needed a higher end throne to adjust correctly. 🤘

[@martybo2814]

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 😊

[@AB-pe5nl]

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!

[@brandondrummechanics]

I’m honoured!!!! Thanks

[@EarthtonesCymbals]

It is always beneficial to be reminded of the relationship between form and function. Good stuff!

[@CamberleyDrumTeacher]

This was really interesting, thank you. Luckily, not so much recently but I've suffered with back pain over the years and I feel that knowing this may have helped prevent some of it. I'm definitely going to think more about this from now on and would love to see you expand on the subject. Great video! 😎👍

[@nico_poriol]

Definitely deserves million views. Great explanation! Helped a lot!

[@reedscanlon6246]

Just what I needed to see. Thank you so much!

[@flatgroundtv7097]

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. 🙏🏽🙂

[@jamesberlo4298]

Finnally somebody made a Video on this! Thank You.

[@P4Eight]

Thank you for taking the time to cover this topic, you did an excellent job

[@brandondrummechanics]

Glad it was helpful!

[@charlesbullock2856]

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

[@greenbra17]

Awesome! Thanks so much!

[@EJarvenpaa]

This is one best and most informative videos I've come across on KZbin. 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!

[@brandondrummechanics]

EJarvenpaa thank-you!!!

[@astrologist174]

Dude, awesome! Thanks so much for taking the time to create and post this!

[@brandondrummechanics]

Astrologist Thank-you!

[@johnfoschino46]

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.

[@gmontie2010]

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.

[@xxdemonshitxx]

Awesome video. I'm the kind of person who needs to know how any particular system works so I can manipulate it in the most efficient/beneficial way possible and I thought I was just going to get simple info on how high I should set my throne versus my body height or whatever, but what you explained was a lot more informative. I'm just starting out on the drums so this is really good info for me.

[@JohnParkerDrums]

Solid info! Thanks, Brandon. I'm almost 40 and pain has started to become an issue. I'm looking forward to applying this info.

[@paulkrauss6387]

love the video! lots of great info, thank you!!

[@DeadDad1]

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.

[@brandondrummechanics]

Glad it was helpful!

[@retrogore420]

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.

[@brandondrummechanics]

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!

[@christopherjohnson7767]

awesome stuff! I am looking to revamp my practice set so this is perfect info. Would like to see more stuff like this.

[@oldforestroad]

Thank you! This was a very helpful lesson.

[@beyondbetrayal]

Great information. I'll be sharing this with my students. Thank you for making this video!

[@brandondrummechanics]

beyondbetrayal thank-you! Happy to create content to help drummers! Please let me know what other content you would like to learn about!

[@MLRomo]

love the video! i have definitely had to make adjustments to my style of play as well as setup due to lower back pain.when i see drummers like Dave and Taylor from foo fighters they have there thrones set to the lowest position... i recall thinking that can't be good! looks like a lot of extra work with no pay off IMO thanks again and keep them coming!

[@reverendobrown75]

I subscribed to the channel and would be definitely interested in other videos like this...keep going Brandon!

[@herbshappyhour6637]

Loved the Video. Thanks so much for the info.

[@reverendobrown75]

Very nice video, about something rarely adressed with this level of specificity and precision, thank you

[@stylekanton7006]

Just simply a great video, thanks

[@Brak0777]

Thank you so much for this video. It was really helpful.

[@drummerdavid12]

It's so important thing in drumming wrong position gets lower back pain that sciatica , good information for drummers thank you

[@parrattdiddle]

Thankyou. You are a superb and articulate communicator Brandon. Some invaluable guidance, truth and wisdom.

[@brandondrummechanics]

Thanks for the very kind words! Thanks for watching

[@RogerioJardim]

excellent video, thank you so much!

[@nickaria]

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 :)

[@brandondrummechanics]

NICKARIA thanks for your comment. Great idea. Being such a physical instrument there are a lot of different facets to explore. Noted!

[@kaylaemerick8943]

Love this! Ive been drumming for 4 months w an old computer stool. Im about to buy a throne and have been wondering about what height to sit at. Thank you. You covered all the questions i had ❤

[@carlosdrums97]

Thank you very much for your advices!! 😎🥁

[@dodo13500]

Always wondered about this! Thanks for sharing. Time to assess myself.

[@vortexsophia]

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.

[@TMPKNSS]

Thank you man. You should make as many clips as you can because your work is needed. #bigup

[@mikepietrusko5775]

Great Video! Just what I was looking to research on KZbin since I've had issues with height. It would be great to explore snare, tom, and cymbal heights in relation to the throne heights. I find myself constantly changing positions. I get to the point where I'm happy and put drum locks on everything. Eventually a gig comes up where I need to reassess and change what I thought I liked.

[@nickhuang1408]

Thanks! Never seen this kind of video before, very informative

[@marcoquevedomusic]

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!

[@greenbra17]

Thanks!

[@frichoman]

Thanks Brandon! great video.

[@HarshanPushpakumara]

Great Video. like how you explain in simple terms. Thank you.

[@mihirgodbole5338]

Great detailed info! Totally acceptable! Worth watching

[@damostirling]

Great video! Us drummers need a channel like this! 👍

[@aenmelendez]

Thank you so much! I've never thought about this before. Liked and subscribed to your channel!

[@brandondrummechanics]

Thanks so much! Glad this helped !

[@MrRoarkArchitect]

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.

[@AdamSmith-vc1vl]

Absolutly fantastic!!!!

[@wynton765]

Doc, you just changed my life

[@punkmusiclessons]

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.

[@brandondrummechanics]

Electric kits often get set up much lower because of the size of the instrument. We can’t make that mistake !! Glad this helped!!!

[@TheEmack03]

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.

[@StarNate2112]

Excellent video Doctor and thanks for the help! I found a big difference even switching from a round throne to a bicycle seat with a lip on the back! Also, I know it's not really connected with this video but I've noticed a huge difference with now having a cloth top instead of vinyl for keeping cool. I have a very long torso with shorter legs (and I'm 6' 1" but still wear a 30/32 in a pant length). I'm also build like a "brick poophouse" as they say so I also sit very wide. I am definitely going to use this and look at my drums with a fresh perspective and see what I can tweak because I would like more speed in my double bass playing but not have to run while sitting in my throne to get it. I know I like my petals in front of me more than off to the side but with a 14" snare that's not always an option. Anyway, thanks for the video and I'll let you know how it all works out!

[@eyesonfire4301]

EXCELLENT helpful video. Thanks a ton for this buddy! keep on groovin mang. :D

[@R.I.P_Itachi]

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.

[@Juancabrone56]

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

[@jaewonkim3950]

Thank you! Very helpful video!

[@dencon310drums2]

Great video, thank you.

[@brianprinty112]

Explaining the body mechanics is really really helpful. Ty

[@ponder85]

Awesome video! Thanks!

[@FedericoLucchi]

Excellent video, very useful!

[@hwtileston]

Great video and very informative. Especially valuable in light of increased playing in addition to a lot of golf. Should help with my lower right back pain. Thanks.

[@sallyhubert9027]

Really helpful and clear , thank you