HOW TO SET UP YOUR KIT For MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE

In this video we'll explore some ideas that can be used to adjust and customize your kit to fit YOU. This will not only improve your comfort level, but also help improve your flow and technique.
CLICK HERE to find out how you can easily show your support for this channel on Patreon! / robbrownondrums
Here's a great lesson showing a few helpful suggestions on how you can set up your drums! SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL for more cool lessons like this one!
WEBSITE
robbrownondrums...
TWITTER: / robbrowndrums
FACEBOOK FAN PAGE: / robbrownondrums
MERCH STORE: teespring.com/...
ROB BROWN ENDORSES
yamahadrums.com
paiste.com
vicfirth.com
evansdrumheads.com

[@boobo3763]

To all my people: This is an actual drum channel with ACTUAL, PRACTICAL advice to get you playing asap -I almost freaking quit playing drums last night because I just couldn't take all the bs about tuning and this and that and the other... Today, I tuned all three of my kits in under thirty minutes because of this guy. Watch his tuning videos most of all... Thank you Mr. Brown.

[@mydixiewrecked315]

*Tune it Flat, then Tune It Back.* remember that mantra-It'll help you ALWAYS!!!!!

[@ohwow9910]

@@mydixiewrecked315 that applies to kick drums.

[@sanityinaseaofmadness7353]

On an only barely-related note: Your playing has gotten more relaxed and creative in the few years I've watched you, Rob. It's a fact that someone who plays more often is going to evolve, but it's clear to me that you've seriously improved. Kudos... I totally agree with this "set up" vid. No one ever taught it to me, but it's literally just as important as technique is. I've always struggled to get my kit positioned so that playing it is comfortable. It was a revelation to me to play on a crappy kit that was set up perfectly, and compare it to a super expensive kit that was difficult to play; the cheapo-kit was clearly better for my playing.

[@LH-zv2zq]

Right off, Rob's intro solo was super enjoyable. Creative and smooth. thnx Rob.

[@crreplogle]

Just got a kit to start learning. As an engineer my first thought was, "what's the best way to set this up?" These are great pointers and extremely helpful. Thanks :)

[@ukflyer11]

As a fellow who hasn’t played in 35 years I truly appreciated this video. I’ve just gotten a Alesis Strike Pro SE. Since it has a rack and not individual stands it’s a bit different. I’d love to see you do a kit like mine. I’m sure I could lean a lot from that instruction. Thanks!

[@Pilot_the_Dune]

My journey of 30 years playing drums is a constant shift in how my setup is. Playing different genras has allowed me to move my kit around to feel at ease. You hit the nail on the head with this vid. It's very important to feel comfort while playing and not reach for pieces. I found that when you do, you tweek body parts unnaturally and leads to injury. Great vid as always.

[@hairyd61]

Hi Rob, just wanted to say that every time I watch one of your videos, I feel like I'm actually there sat in front of you with a cup of coffee just hanging . . . Thanks brother

[@davidsuprenant893]

I never really gave setting my kit up one way until I watched a Billy Ward video one day.One of the most important things that came out was the positioning of my bass drum.Instead of it being straight mine is set up on an angle so when I set down my leg and foot just fall naturally. This has been life changing behind the kit. Second I make sure wether it's a drum or cymbal that my sticks fall natural to the center of the object I'm striking. There's no reaching,everything is in its place.It totally changed my whole way of drumming.Im very relaxed, and comfortable. I play so much better than b4. THANK GOD FOR MEMORY LOCKS ON EVERYTHING.!!!

[@JohnJones-cg2xm]

This guy pisses me off because he's so damn good. His videos are great too. Got to keep working and I'll get there myself :)

[@doogee2648]

All the videos I see on YT are very good and informative, you can't go wrong, but I just connect with this guy, he's what I would choose for a teacher. I love you Rob.

[@irontoad777]

This is an old video but as a new drummer I'm so glad it popped up in my feed. I've been struggling with the placement of my low Tom, my Ride cymbal, and the placement/height of my HH in relation to my snare, and snare in relation to my posture and Throne height. This video has really helped me a lot so thank you 😊

[@bealotcoolerifyoudid7217]

Absolute carnage in the intro. Love it. So glad I found your channel

[@ericreganiguess1703]

Great help... As a beginner, I really appreciate you addressing these sorts of topics. I thought I had my kit wired in where I wanted it. But, on the strength of your video, I'm reconsidering my symbol height(s) and the angle of my snare. I'm back and forth on where to best setup my ride. That may be something for you to touch on in the future. I truly appreciate your content. Thanks again.

[@blickumblickumblick]

I could listen to that intro all day. I have to say again that your touch on the drums is as nice as any drummer I've ever seen- so clean and fluid and flammy. I try for more of that in my playing every day and I'm 60. I set my kick in a V-pattern with the hats and not straight-on to the auience. Much less contortion going to the floors. Thanks again.

[@leandroarroyo4712]

WOW!!THIS VIDEO IS GOLD TO ME AS A DRUMMER. BECAUSE ALL THAT YOU EXPLAIN AND DEMOSTRATE ON IT''I DO PRACTICE IT. I BEEN PLAYING FOR 35.YEARS AND IS VERY IMPORTANT TO WATCH VIDEOS lIKE THIS ONE.VERY CLEAR AND INFORMATIVE.I'M 63 YEARS OLD AND I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM PLAYING 1 OR 2 HOURS BECAUSE I PRACTICE AND LISTEN TO INFORMATION ON VIDEOS LIKE THIS ONE.VERY NICE '''KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND GOD BLESS YOU BROTHER. I'M FROM NEW LONDON CONNECTICUT USA. 😎🇵🇷

[@dennism1548]

Yeah that thing is sweeeettt!. I have a pearl decade maple that I picked up around christmas and the snare is ok but im wanting to get either a ludwig supraphonic or a pearl beaded brass sensitone to go with it. Love your videos and lessons man.... thanks

[@stanleyg.kimmettiii2342]

Watched the video a few times, went to the drum set, made some adjustments, and instant difference in my playing! You’re the man!

[@jpmcgarrell9592]

"Bad setups, just promote bad technique". I couldn't agree more. It took me so long before I realized that one. Love the videos man. ✌️👍🏽

[@jackcantrell791]

You got some good techniques and stuff I really enjoy watching your shows I'll continue to do so also

[@marclabelle8964]

Been playing for 40 years and I found it was good to review placements etc. Tx Rob.

[@meshuggah434]

Funny. First way I set up a kit was exactly like what you just taught us. That’s hilarious!!! I felt like I shouldn’t have to reach for anything or stress any body part. Wow! Cymbals are low and tight. I’m amazed that all of this is so true. Excellent!

[@PhilRounds]

Excellent! I ended up raising my throne about 2", my snare about the same, lowering my hi-hat about an inch and moving my left bass pedal and hi-hat forward some. I hadn't thought about this in a long time...thanks!

[@larryprice6321]

Man I love you hear your advice, and to hear ya play

[@robertbelanger6733]

After watching this I’m going to adjust my throne a tad bit higher and adjust every thing to that Thanks Man🤘🏻👍🏻🥁

[@l1nk987]

Loved the playing in the beginning! Was a little mesmerized, should do a video for 10 minutes where you improvise!

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

Haha. I ain’t tryin’ to bore nobody over here, man 🙂

[@justinfarrar4019]

This is an awesome Video and I truly appreciate the content you distribute as well as share it with others

[@theunbanned4553]

For me: I just sit down. Adjust the height so my legs are having an angle. My pedals need to go were my feet are. Then for all my toms and snares I just throw my sticks out and see where they land. That's where the middle of the drum needs to be. Same thing for the cymbals. Don't feel to reach anything, it needs to feel very natural.

[@samuelhorner6200]

TheUnbanned same here

[@theunbanned4553]

Also I lift up my legs so I can feel if I sit neutral and not leaning forward or backward.

[@joannesmeulewaeter4074]

first thing to do: sit down, be humble

[@pompouskatfish5402]

AND THEN MELT SOME FACES!!!!!!!

[@injestpowerviolence8519]

PompousKatfish I think you just missed a whole half of the first step

[@Dettol68]

New drum setup, new mic setup - new cymbals - looking good.....great lesson Rob, thank you

[@Ricochetmex]

I really like your way to set up the drums but I do a little thing different: I set the bass drum and hi-hat pedals before the snare. I just sit comfortable on the thone, put the pedals under my shoes and then the snare in between. Also a good test to see if everything is in its place is to play something blindfolded haha. I've learned a lot from you, thanks and peace!

[@teseronald5749]

This comment was not helpful to me

[@LH-zv2zq]

In Rob's vid he touched closely on healthy "ergonomics" as you have. Playing the drums is very physical and having fundamental knowledge of the human anatomy is crucial. Play and drum kit set up should be synchronous to avoid injury. Proper back, shoulder, arm, wrist and leg positioning will help prevent getting pinched nerves, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, etc.

[@mlaugh3]

you are the best Rob. I learn more from you than any other on line drummer. AND I learn it quicker. I have played for almost 15 yrs. Still I pick up things that really make sense.

[@steadyintime7775]

Great insight, Rob. Neil Peart and Billy Ward both influenced my setup strategies at different points in my growth as a drummer. Each of them had different approaches to setting up, and my current approach reflects aspects of what I learned from both ideas. I’m glad to add your thoughts into the mix.

[@bauhausoffice]

Great fundamental stuff. This dude is helping me so much. Had to subscribe.

[@joetoe9207]

Hey Rob, I wonder if you want to add a step (I just followed your excellent suggestions; thank you again!). But when I was trying to position my second floor Tom I realized that my only option was to move everything back from my bass drum. I wonder if that should be t2nd step after getting a good sitting position on the throne. After I moved everything back I was better able to position my 16 inch without twisting. Just worked for me and much happier with the setup! Best.

[@bobbythreet-btdrummer418]

Man...all of the simple things that I've wondered about for years, answered in a few short minutes. Love your channel, Rob!!!

[@vistalite-ph4zw]

You were spot on! Very useful tips. The snare even with the naval is a good one. Mine is a little lower and tilted up just a little bit. I'm going to try raising it to my naval.

[@wastinghands5681]

Damn dude! I gotta go get me one of those shirts and support the fam! I super appreciate these vids man. Ur channel is super helpful for us self taught groovers and fillers 😋

[@jameslabs1]

I'm new to drumming. This helped me thanks.

[@BxCortez2050]

My dude ..watched several of your vids ..you are by far one of the best at what you are doing ..I like the laid back its not rocket science approach

[@pdstix78]

It’s amazing how every video you’ve made is relevant, especially to my playing. YOU DA MAN 🔥🔥🔥

[@carlosmerino2400]

I will have to say that this drum fill solos you do on your videos hypes me up to continue to be better at the drums I own! I appreciate you and your real ness always man and thank you oh for helping reset my kit now that I have added another cymbal to my collection.

[@MatthewParsonsDrumsAndAudio]

Such a useful lesson. Something a lot of teachers don't talk about, but yet is probably one of the more important things.

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

+Matthew Parsons Definitely in the top 3, yea. Thanks for watchin 🙂🇨🇦

[@alonzoj1193]

I love your videos mr brown. The way you explain things about drums,techniques, and skill levels is so real and precise. Watching your video on backing tracks saved me a lot of time and stress at my cd release show. I bought the same track machine. Your setup was easy to use and maintain. Thank you Mr. Brown.

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

That's cool stuff, man. Glad it helped 🙂 🇨🇦

[@double-h-farms]

Yes, at first I tried to adjust to the drum set cause that's how the set came from factory ( two toms on top of the bass) I. Found my "weak" arm was worse trying to reach the 2nd Tom cause it's further away. I set the toms up to me, with the 1st Tom to the left more and the 2nd Tom was almost in front of me, maybe off to the right just a tad and my playing was so easy, my weak hand improved cause I'm not stretching it effecting the grip or speed, it was very smooth playing and sounding better..

[@ronniesherpalee4150]

Where it all starts...Sit down relax and groooove...Thanks Rob

[@noblesavage6858]

I know this video is old but mannnnn... That performance was beautiful

[@dannnnydannnn5201]

Great, great video and even better channel. Rob, you’ve helped me not only improve at a quicker rate than I would have trying to wing it by myself, but you’ve given me the ability to enjoy playing the drums more because you’ve really limited a lot of the time I would have otherwise spent on getting the technical issues sorted out. I really appreciate it and I love your videos man. Best drum tutorials and drum channel on KZbin period. That being said, at 9:16, what is going on with those sticks bro!!!!! Those are strait dangerous as far as splinters are concerned. 😂😂😂

[@joetoe9207]

Bravo more. I learn as much from you as all these "masters" I pay a lot of attention to (and I think your playing is outstanding!). Thanks yet again!

[@joetoe9207]

Whoops; Bravo "Man"...

[@SalMichael]

Excellent! and thank you for mentioning seat height first,all very helpful .

[@wbcolburnjr]

Thanks for the video! The double floor Tom tip is a lifesaver.

[@SparkyGT77]

Love the tip about floor Tom placement, definitely gonna look at that next time. Thanks Mr B 😉👍

[@charliebeaumet5251]

Appreciate your service by sharing your years of experience,mistakes (or less efficiency,more like it) and sharing it with us.God bless you,Beat Down!

[@officialWWM]

What a beautiful kit!

[@Pgarcia468]

I Really appreciate you !!! Support on the way !!

[@DennisYamaha1985]

Great work, Rob. Love your comment, “Bad setup promotes bad technique.” Sometimes if I’m having trouble with a multiple drum/cymbal lick, I’ll check my setup and make sure I don’t have a particular drum or cymbal set up a little off. Love the in-close concept, where things are reachable at minimum effort. In December I had right wrist surgery, and it’s playing hell with my setup! I think I’m going to have to go with my floor tom more “in front” of me than it is. Painful to go to the right...thanks again for your help!

[@MichaelSoucy]

Hi Rob, Just wanted to compliment you and the good advice you give in this video. I'm a chiropractor (and drummer) and so have given some thought to the ergonomics of drumming. I thought the info you shared was well thought out and sound. I picked up a couple of tips that I'll certainly use going forward. Incidentally, I watched this video because I just purchased a Yamaha Stage Custom Birch based in part on your recommendations and have been tweaking my setup. I'm really enjoying them so far. Keep up the great work and thanks! Mike

[@NovaScrotia]

Love these videos. Confirms lots of things I've adapted independently, which makes me really relate to the style of teaching here, but also teaches a ton of stuff i had no idea about. Killing it. Absolutely killing it.

[@PickensMrSlim]

Thanks bro. Been trying to perfect the right setup for myself especially in terms of long sets. This really helps. Thx

[@jphifer2848]

Great video, Rob!!

[@DrumForTheSongPodcast]

Cheers Rob! A really useful video for any drummer. I will share this with my subscribers now.

[@monroeranderson]

Thanks this was a great help

[@ronnieshellhammer3779]

Rob you make look so easy!! You keep challenging me! Love your lessons. Thanks man!!

[@rossrinkenbaugh4005]

Antother great video Rob. Really good food for thought. I've always said Playing drums is like driving a car. No matter how long the gig or the trip is, you want to stay comfortable.

[@josteinv.jordet257]

Best drummer on youtube!

[@MrFatdaz]

I’ve been guilty in the past of setting a kit up so it looks cool or the toms are the same height and angle are the same! Instead of setting the kit to my reach and comfort! Great tips, thanks Rob

[@5bisley]

Great video, I enjoyed it, I used to sit higher than I needed until I saw myself playing on video. Every time I used double kick, I'd lean forward.

[@ronniek7748]

As a 65-year-old drummer I have a bad back, no surprise there! But I have learned one trick that helps. That is, sitting at the front of your drum throne near the edge that will make your posture and your back straighter and reducing the amount of spine curvature. Believe me this works.

[@cleipotzful]

Rob you are awesome dude.So straight,calm and very informative.I do really enjoy your teaching.Thank you so much for this video.

[@marshallhammond9933]

Thanks man! You helped me to reconsider my 2nd floor tom position

[@macfinster3]

Excellent advice. I saw Anton Fig play with Chris Spedding & his snare is severely angled towards him.

[@JoeNocella]

You are so right about sitting a little higher up with thighs on a slight downward angle. It saves the back from injury. I play in a club with a house kit and sometimes the throne and snare are so low, I don't know how people play sitting two feet from the floor.

[@covering-some-things]

Thank you for this one Rob. Great tips.

[@alsmusiccorner8761]

Great tips thanks!

[@ffabiang]

Thank you so much for this video man! Much needed 😢

[@legacyShredder1]

I've naturally been doing this, although you've given me some fine tuning so to speak. I've been moving things multiple times a day trying to increase the fluidity without having to over extend on anything. It definitely compacts the kit and takes away some visual appeal, but that was never my concern in the first place. (I say that about visual appeal due to my wife saying it doesn't look as pretty.) Once again, thanks for what you do. I love going through your material as though I'm sifting through a music library.

[@karlmyers8111]

once again bro ,excellent video.i always find your videos inspirational and i look forward to each and every upload. thanks mate

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

+Karl Myers Awesome. Thanks, dude 🙂👊🏽🇨🇦

[@chv307]

Excellent video. The video help me out a lot. Luv that kit by the way.👏👏

[@werelok1]

Thanks. I'm old, and kinda starting out, ( I play guitar???), But I got a set of Yamaha rtc, double 24', and it has been wearing me out, trying to reach. This will help, but still have problems with 2 deep toms, and 2 bass drums. Have to tilt the toms quite a bit.

[@64revolt]

Another tip I got was to sit down and play without looking (as you do in the beginning here), where the end of the stick naturally falls on each tom, for example, is where it should be located.

[@PNW_Sportbike_Life]

I just went back to a 3-up from a 1-up. I can never get my ride and crashes on the right side just right. I did pick up the Tama Hi-hat aux that clamps to the tube on my Gretsh tom mounts, which are rack mounted. That is really working good from me.

[@RA2Music]

Like you, I try to keep my toms lower on my kick. I find being “above” them makes transitioning from the snare much easier. A lot of my students also have a substantial gaps between their toms (rack/rack and floor/rack). I suggest avoiding this as is makes movement between the toms less efficient. Most import thing I try to pass along is that your kit set up should enhance or compliment you technique. How “cool” you look is really a secondary and ultimately unimportant consideration. Great tips Rob, thanks keep up the good work.

[@hillie47]

I try to get mine as low as possible, but I'm behind a 26" kick with a 13x10 (10 hight) rack tom, so I'm struggling a bit. Maybe I'll move it further left a bit, to get some room.

[@PIRKSTINS]

Haha, I'm literally gonna go downstairs now to check out the kit! :D Thanks for the tips, man!

[@paulaeden5934]

Snare angle is all preference...check out Phil animal tayler's snare from early motorhead...he had no problem and sounds awesome!

[@guillermodelnoche]

The second floor Tom advice was money! Thanks!

[@TributesvilleLive]

Thank you.

[@ProfessionalImbicile]

Thanks for another great video Rob

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

+Rob Martin No sweat, man. Thanks for watchin 🙂

[@DrGray_Drummer]

Another great vid. I'm guilty of this especially at auditions, and if there's not enough room on stage (it happens when you're in a corner, and elbows hitting the wall or something)

[@infinityx678]

ooh! that intro groove was killer

[@d.d.b.5228]

great tips thanx

[@eliznaomistuart]

Thanks Rob, for your awesome videos. I’ve noticed that for the snare height placement, relationship with where my elbows hang naturally is most important. I am female, short waisted (I think), and having the snare at naval height is too high for me. But this video provides a fantastic starting point, thank you so much!

[@d.d.b.5228]

Thanx again by the way your a good teacher. Appreciate your knowledge

[@bobbysands6923]

Thanks for the post, Rob. I have needed to think about this for quite a while--my back has told me so :)

[@rawrximxaxdinosawr]

Nice video Rob, very surprised to find that what I set-up my kit as pretty much just nilly-willy guessing it, with drummers I like's set-ups as my only prior knowledge on the subject, I set-up my kit almost spot on with what you're saying. It's all about what feels most comfortable, and, more importantly; natural.

[@davidmcaninch4714]

I have my kit set up with the toms in front of the snare drum, and my ride cymbal over the bass drum. It’s more ergonomic for me.

[@davidwallace2950]

Stewart Copeland had a good tip on setup...Keep it as conventional as possible so that if you ever sit in on someone else's kit, you will minimize the adjustment.

[@jonathangriffin4594]

Man I didn't realize I've had my seat too low for YEARS. raised it up, and instantly felt a thousand times more comfortable

[@julioklemba9093]

Precious information as always!!! Thanks!

[@Manas999_9]

thank you.

[@marcotofenmarini4566]

Everytime I struggle with my setup, I just come here. I would like to see how do you actually set up your kit in a gig situation. Please do something like a timelapse video or something! :)

[@NothusDeusVagus]

Marco Tofen Marini - If you have your kit set to the way you like it and what's right for you (hopefully they're the same thing) then I don't see why your kit set up should be any different during a gig than when you're playing it elsewhere... unless you want make life more difficult or uncomfortable for yourself than it needs to be.

[@ryanspeed4671]

Very good Rob, informative!!

[@PramoditPradhan-Official]

Dude is gold