Health and Wellness Part 3- The Drum Set

[@jamiebrillus755]

Hi Rick, My name is Jamie and I just wanna thank you for your amazing content. I've been playing for a while now and my feet have never been up to the same standard as my hands. Your discussion in regards to balance on the seat has really helped me understand and play better. So I'd just like to say thank you. Your channel is a hidden gem for drummers.

[@lastmilieu]

Even for an absolute rank beginner like me, you are a phenomenal instructor. While much of your channel is over my head, I have picked up at least one or two things from every video of yours I've watched. I am so grateful to have found you!

[@williamkleitsch1153]

WOW! A lot to think about and try.

[@wunoteu]

Hi Rick. Wow! You've done it again! Great video!! It's not often that I reach out to professionals , but Rick,you never hold back on the info you share,so I have to express my gratitude. I'm one of the older guys (68),enjoying my retirement and pursuing drum technique, that I had to put on hold in the mid 80s. I was playing in decent small group back then,and I had to make a difficult choice. Anyway,I live in the Philippines now and play with local musicians, up till the time we went under quarantine we played every weekend. Like a lot of us,I knew what to do,practice and learn and Rick,you have helped me make a major difference in my approach to practicing and helped me tie up some loose ends,. THANK YOU SO MUCH!! P.S. I did study some back in the 70s and early 80s in the Philly ,South Jersey area.

[@rickdior]

Hi Mark Thanks so much for watching. So glad you are enjoying the videos. Please stay safe in the Philippines

[@bastard0meter]

Wow hi Rick! Thank you so much for taking the time and sharing all those thoughts/knowledge! It is so important and literally almost no one speaks about those issues! So, I am very skinny and near 1.82 in high and I realized that I have fairly loose joints and I used to sit reaally high on the set (almost as high as the throne goes) and it seemed to fit me. This allowed me to do minimal movements with my hands being down, playing a lot with fingers and also be able to play really soft and feather the bass drum. Also, I cannot really do big movements with my hands, even when playing loud, because it feels like my arms are gonna break haha. The problem is that (especially when playing louder) I loose balance and control of the bass drum and also seems to me that there is some kind of delay on time because of that. When I sit low it feels more comfortable, more grounded, if that makes sense, but I realize that I maybe change the relaxed way I hold my sticks, because I have to hold them higher so they don't hit my legs and maaaybe a bit more difficult to go around the set relaxed. Not that I am stiff, but it is just different (I have also shoulder pains related to other issues). Also, the fact that most drummers that I admire their sound and playing (ex. Brian Blade, Bonham, Nick Yacyshyn, earlien Elvin Jones etc) seem to sit low and that affects me and makes me stubborn some times. I know that those guys also seemed to have change their position on the drums over the years! Soooo, if you can share any thoughts on that, considering my body type, I will be grateful!! Thanks!!!

[@rickdior]

Hi Is there anyway you can send me a video of you playing so I can see what is going on? There are too many variables to discuss without actually seeing you play. You can upload it as unlisted onto KZbin and then send me a link. Thanks

[@bastard0meter]

@@rickdior thanks so much for taking the time!!! Right now I am off my practice space but I will try to take a video and upload it soon!!

[@bastard0meter]

@@rickdior I just send you an email with a video! Thanks so much!

[@davidtorras5556]

Hi Master, Which seat or throne do yo use? Thanks a lot for your fabulous videos, they are best ever

[@rickdior]

I use either roc n soc saddle throne or a spinal seat....the type with a slit in the middle. That one is round.

[@carloslp144]

great info, and great content. what about a video with mesh drumhead and low volume practice configuration.

[@fredlittle8127]

Rick, Thank you for another informative video and for getting our focus back on good technique. Since you mentioned that you do a lot of singing, I too sing a lot while playing. Backing vocals or lead about 90% of the time. I use the Roc-N-Soc Nitro (shock absorber) throne. The comfort, support and balance are good. However, I would love for you to give your recommendations on practicing good posture, breathing, and playing while singing. Maybe worth another video presentation. Thanks.

[@rickdior]

Hi Fred I do not mentioning that I d0 a lot of singing because I don't. Not sure were I said that. I do sing the rhythms that the different limbs are playing when I practice at time. Breathing is an important topic and I neglected to talk about that so maybe I will do another. Thanks Rick

[@fredlittle8127]

@@rickdior Thanks for your reply. I consider myself a drummer that sings rather than a singer that drums. I would actually prefer to eliminate some of the singing but with gigs nearly nonexistent at the moment and the need for "mini ensembles", I guess I'll keep singing. I got that you sing from this video (Health & Wellness Part 3) @ 9:30. Would look forward to you discussing breathing.

[@alistaircornacchio5727]

@@fredlittle8127 I think that he said sitting and not singing

[@denuenk]

Hi Rick! Thank you for sharing! I'm sitting on the edge of the throne for years now, not happy with my ballance and sound .. I'm trying to sit deeper on the throne, trying different throne heights, but when i sit deeper just for a 30 minuntes i struggle with lower back pains. What would you recommend to do?

[@rickdior]

Hi Anton Are you sitting up high or low? Try to sit so that your legs are almost parallel to the floor. It's like sitting in a chair. Have you had your lower back checked out? It could be unrelated to drumming. If you have a disc issue then lifting your legs up could be exacerbating the problem.

[@denuenk]

@@rickdior thank you for the answer! i'm still trying different heights, searching optimal position. Do you keep your throne steady as a rock, or do you loose it a bit? No, i didn' t checked my spine yet, because when i sit as i used to (on the edge of the throne) pain dissapeares. May be i should check.

[@SalMichael]

What Bass Drum pedal are you using Rick? Excellent video as always.

[@rickdior]

I use an old Tama Iron Cobra with the strap when possible.

[@SalMichael]

@@rickdior ok thanks

[@alistaircornacchio5727]

Hey Rick, I bought a new throne (Mapex t750a) because I wanted a good throne I could balance on to start using this heel slightly up technique, but its a little wobbly. It's completely new and it seems like it was part of the design to move a little bit but I really find it tough to balance because the throne shifts a bit to lean forward. I was just wondering if whatever thrones you use do or don't do this, because it seems tough to use good technique and posture with this issue.

[@rickdior]

Hi I would definitely not want my throne to move around. I have never heard of a throne that is supposed to wobble but I would think that would be terrible for your balance.

[@alistaircornacchio5727]

@@rickdior Okay thanks for clearing it up. I just didn't want to buy a new one with the same issue.

[@vincentrizzi4929]

Hello Rick, What size is your ride cymbal with the rivets in it.

[@rickdior]

Hi Vincent It's in the description but it's a 20" Sabian Jack DeJohnette Ride that I put 8 rivets in.

[@williamkleitsch1153]

From my experience lots of good info. Time to quit playing on the edge of the seat.