The CORRECT Drum Posture, Balance and Throne Height - James Payne

Having a correct posture, balance and drum height on drums is something that affects our playing, timing, speed, sound, relaxation, physically and mentally, but how do we understand if we are sitting in the right position? If the height of our stool is correct? Let's understand together which is the right way of sitting, balancing our weight and to move on the drumset!
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[@thedrumman64]

This has been something that I've always struggled with to some extent throughout the 23 years I've been playing. Some practice seesions and gigs I feel in complete balance while other times I struggle all night. This is the best video I've ever seen on this topic! Thank you so much, from Canada! :-)

[@ajmbcr8965]

I've been struggling for my balance ever since, specially when I have to use my feet in unisson. It really affects my drumming. I don't use two bass drum pedals, just hh and bd, so I have the tendency to press on the left foot of the hh pedal, and that keeps me with a balance problem. Really the exercises on this video helped me to work on how to solve my problem in balance. Thanks for the help!!! (JR-PORTUGAL)

[@JamesPayneDrums]

I'm very glad to hear that José!

[@xenosis-americanprogressiv9934]

Your videos are great. You explain things I've been thinking about for years that no one talks about.

[@JamesPayneDrums]

Thank you! I really appreciate! These are all things I've worked on from around 2010 to 2013, right now I'm working on a new method that I will eventually release next year!

[@7thotube]

This video is one of the most important drum videos I've ever seen. Thanks, James!

[@davidmedawar7187]

I've watched a ton of videos that just give generalized, non-specific tips, and often times, they are the preference of the drummer. I just subscribed because the way you describe it combines both immense detail and looking at it from an artistic and physics perspective. Absolutely well done

[@davidludman1]

Insightful video!! As a beginner, this has been my biggest challenge so far... Turns out i just needed to scoot my butt back a few inches... THANK YOU!!

[@HDrums84]

One of the best instructional videos I've seen - helped massively with my stool height, posture and awareness of balance. Great stuff.

[@alangage3581]

Thank you SO much for this video! After searching and trying to adjust my seat height and position, posture and so in this was the one that allowed me to FINALLY make the connection that I was missing. The way you explained how it felt to lean backwards then forwards helped me the most. Once again thanks this is a lifesaver for me 😄

[@dmgdoug_]

I'm getting back into drumming and your videos are the best I've found on KZbin for proper technique. Very well thought out, thanks for the tips!

[@michaelobrien9689]

The way you go in depth on your explanations is amazing. It really makes you think about what you are doing behind the kit, sometimes thinking about things you’ve never thought of before. I really appreciate your time and efforts James. Watching your videos makes me want to go practice!

[@JamesPayneDrums]

That's so great to hear man! I'm glad you like them!

[@theparrotdiddle2002]

This is so relevant to me right now. I am working on four-way independence exercises and I feel at times out of balance when I lift a limb. A fear of lifting a left foot. Thank you so much for this. It is time to strip down the kit. And think about balance. Awesome video. New subscriber here.

[@pumpdumpster]

Your insight is the most detailed and well thought I have seen so far. A lot of thanks for sharing. 👏👏👏

[@Nefville]

I really am glad for your work on this channel. I'm relatively new to extreme metal drumming and these are the best tutorial/ more videos on YT.

[@JamesPayneDrums]

Thank you man, I'm so glad to hear this!

[@GuilhermeCsorgo]

Really useful class! Thank you so much, James

[@KamalBensra]

Super good tutorial. Always so in-depth. Thank you James!

[@timothytussing2098]

super excellent descriptions and explanations!! THANK YOU

[@jibeji]

This is the best explanation ever! Thank you so much

[@toddvierra1630]

Great info bro .this has helped me on the drums play more relaxed.

[@TheFrancoprincipe]

Thanks James for the tips. I will give this a go tonight at my practice session. I have always felt I have sat too low ... but that's because I like to feel like I am "in" the drums. But watching you effortlessly play you BD pedals, I will review my height.

[@lvvry1855]

some great tips. Thanks a lot.

[@AndreasHalvardsson]

Thanks - very good and useful information!

[@skinslayer808]

James Payne's explanations are the best!

[@JamesPayneDrums]

Thank you so much!

[@skinslayer808]

@@JamesPayneDrums It's very true, James. You explain every aspect of drumming very well. After watching this video I lowered the seat so that my legs were perpendicular to my body and there was an instant increase in bass-drum control. Your video about how much to practise - and that you should only practise while you're able to concentrate - is very true. I've learnt a lot very quickly by paying close attention to your videos. We're all on a journey along an endless road; some are further along than others, but we can speed up our journey now and again by taking a lift from a master like you.

[@JamesPayneDrums]

I'm so glad to hear that man, and I agree, we're on a very long journey that takes many years to understand how things work, and once we do, then the fun begins :)

[@CesarVesvre]

This is the best drum video. Balance is the damn war nerve

[@JamesPayneDrums]

Thanx man, glad you liked it!

[@ThePaterThomas]

Thanks man! This helped me a lot. You cant believe how happy i'm now!

[@JamesPayneDrums]

That's awesome to hear!!

[@monkeystix5019]

@@JamesPayneDrums same here mate. Thanks

[@lildrummerboy0117]

Bro this is a big help for me cuz i struggle with my balance in playing drums. So i end up having knee pain and back pain. Thank u so much for this video!

[@davidaustin9638]

Thanks James. Is there a recommendation by you to use a round drum throne versus motorcycle style seat and why?

[@badco1]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@JamesPayneDrums]

Glad you liked it!

[@jamesmcdaniel6779]

Smart man!

[@kiddynamite3931]

Right from the start you got my attention. Balance, and relaxation are happening when I'm into playing ok. When I can't get balanced it's not pretty

[@oliverroque0822]

GOLD! THANKS!

[@JamesPayneDrums]

You're welcome! Glad you like it!

[@jcdrums2798]

very good lesson

[@benedictstefan]

Great information! Thanks!

[@JamesPayneDrums]

Glad the video was helpful!!

[@sreenivasgani7563]

Very useful information to me...,👍👊🙏

[@BrenainnJordan]

Super helpful, thanks!

[@JamesPayneDrums]

Super glad it helped!

[@Tamaradrummer]

George Kollias videos about the right posture from his clinic videos are super inspirational

[@JamesPayneDrums]

George is a killer guy for sure!

[@edwarddanilzadeh]

tnx for the video

[@ALPHAMAGASLAP]

Sombody may have asked this already but can you give me a breakdown of the kit your using in this video. I'm looking for a practice set and I like that rig. Nice! Thanks for the informing video.

[@masonhamlin8239]

I recently started playing again after 15 years, in the first week, I destroyed my sciatica and havnt been able to play for a over a month 😅

[@stinkbud2]

Hi James, Great video,just to ask I’m having problems with my double bass drum technique,I’m struggling to get by the 110bpm mark my legs seem to spasm(for a better of a word) and my left foot wants to lead,seems my right foot runs out of steam.Ive tried alsorts to correct myself. Do you think it’s a balance issue? Many thanks

[@danielnoguera2219]

Thanks a lot again! Could you make a video about the importance of physical exercise to play Heavy Metal in the drums? I have noticed certain improvements in the double bass when making a bicycle routine, for example.. Cheers and congratulations for your channel. it's one of my favorite channel on drums

[@JamesPayneDrums]

Sure! Will do! Glad you like the channel :)

[@danielnoguera2219]

James Payne i cant wait. I dont see anything like this and is very important (just my opinion and experience) srry for my english again. See you later!! lml

[@shahfacekillah]

I strongly agree

[@nickfarley6438]

Just what i needed to see, my drum throne keeps wobbling and everything seems secure. Need to mess with it more and make it secure

[@margovallen]

Its a matter of playing heels-up technique vs heels-down. I play heels-up. The power comes from the ball of my foot. Saves on ankle fatigue. Throne height is to allow my thighs at a slight positive angle.. just almost parallel to the floor.. but, not quite. Great balance, comfort and relaxation. Cymbals in close enough.. not too high. Everything withing comfortable reach without strain. I play a 22inch kick.. a 14" tom (on a snare stand).. (2)16" floor toms. Several cymbals. All straight stands. Everything sits independently from everything else.

[@margovallen]

Playing this bass drum technique is about.. not lifting the leg from the hip.. but, the resting of the foot is always up onto the ball of the foot with the beater onto the head.. and heel up---- then, one lowers the heel swiftly, pushing up the heel (tippy-toe style) in a rapid motion using the ball of the foot and allowing the beater to strike the head. Provides plenty pf power and punch without fatiguing the ankle(s). I started playing drums in 1969. This technique has always served me very well.

[@biodhya1080]

Hope to tind right check for my knee especially right knee

[@tjhannemann]

What should I use to hold up the weight of leg? Is it my hip flexor? Whenever I try to hold my knees up to use ankle-motion, my hip flexors get super tired. When I attempt the hold-your-foot-up exercise as described at 7:54, my hip-flexors get super tired. are my hip-flexors just out of shape, or is my technique wrong?

[@blazer.5976]

same here bud I would love to have an answer to your question

[@blazer.5976]

I just tried something and it worked: 1. Try sitting a little bit behiind your throne. Like a tad bit. 2. Dont be afraid to sit high. you must NEVER lift your legs above 90degrees. 3. try using ur abs instead of hip flexers to lift the legs. It worked for me (not totally, i still feel a little tension it the hip flexers, but with some work itll definitivly get better) Hope i helped

[@Darkstorm-og4sy]

hi James, hope your doing great. I was just wondering the impact of sitting further back from the drumset. I tried this and found it easier to play with the ankle motion 160-170 bpm so far. I see people like KRIMH sitting far back and was wondering, does sitting further help you play blazing fast but gives you les control on the mid tempos? Cheers.

[@tjhannemann]

If you put your weight further back on the throne, it holds your leg up a little bit more which allows you to do ankle-technique better. Thomas Lang describes it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2fZeo2FbZqZeKs

[@tjhannemann]

That being said, I'm not sure how to incorporate that into my playing. I'm having troubles myself holding my knees up while I play ankle-strokes because my hip flexors get tired, and I don't want to sit on the throne in a way that really helps with ankle strokes, but also limits me to only ankle strokes

[@lucabechade3534]

Hi, James I'm a starter at double pedal and I watched your video but I never found my balance. I tried sitting higher or lower, in the front or in the back of the seat, but my weight is always going to my legs, so I can't go fast because I fall into te pedals or I force up my legs causing pain. Even curving my back backwards it doesn't work. Pls help me (Sorry if a made English faults)

[@stixxnstonerz3450]

I sit just like this guy. Your leg should SLIGHTLY point down (almost 90 degree). Always play relax. Your natural instinct wants to stiff up as you go faster. It may help you at first, but will be a handicap later. Stay relaxed. And maybe, get a stool with back support to lean on so you dont have to balance as much.

[@vincentfu9]

James, Where ve u been?

[@mercyfaten01]

Not sure why but started getting right hip flexor pains and its so severe I can barely walk after playing double bass for like an hour. This never happened in my past of 30 years of playing and not sure why its starting now. Age? who knows but doing stretches after made it feel better. But moved my seat around but have to see when I practice again if it happens.

[@JamesPayneDrums]

It surely has to do with balance and posture

[@FabioPanc8]

#freeAnkles

[@drummonkeystuffuk1875]

openand choke sounds the same on that pad...but its easier to hear on an actual drum.

[@JamesPayneDrums]

On the drums it's surely easier to hear the difference! But also on these pads if you use headphones

[@deanateacup1]

What is the spring he has under his footpedal? Ive seen a few drummers with them and cant figure it out

[@aarushs9201]

thats the tension spring...under his foot pedal? its probably the ones on the sides(spring tensions)...or the chain drive for the beater

[@escapinginmates2264]

Thats the Tama Cobra Coil. It is screwed under the pedal and this reloads the pedal faster

[@jcdrums2798]

hello james what do you think about sitting a the edge of the throne?

[@aarushs9201]

it causes you to hunch and hurts your back

[@Lu-ql]

@@aarushs9201 No it doesn't. If anything, sitting far back does exactly that.

[@thodoris3790]

what practise pads for bass drum are these?

[@JamesPayneDrums]

I found them in Germany while on tour, it's a small brand called Fame, best pads I've ever had!

[@jetmanjason]

Some lights would be good, it's hard to see you. You need some contrast from that black background.

[@alistaircornacchio5727]

Isn't this bad for your back? It seems like this approach goes against the natural curve of the back

[@joealex2463]

my snare drum gets in the way of my right leg and can't find a comfortable position for it to go. Any ideas?

[@JamesPayneDrums]

I think the best way to fix this is to re-thing your drum setup, the snare shouldn't be in your legs way. I did this video on drum set-up, hopefully it will help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/onvMhKpuf9RooLc

[@joealex2463]

James Payne thanks 🙏🏼👍🏼

[@kevinsloan5570]

So called " correct " height DEPENDS on the individual .

[@JamesPayneDrums]

That's what I say in the video ;)

[@sepita10]

Hi, I dont even have a drum set. Goodbye.

[@bluesvideo3727]

Every drummer is different, there is NO formula of proper position.

[@JamesPayneDrums]

This is very wrong, I hope you won’t hurt yourself

[@bluesvideo3727]

@@JamesPayneDrums i give you an example of two tall drummers, check for example billy cobhan he is 6 feet and he sits very high(like 40 inches) and on the other side Scott Travis who is like 6;7, sits very very low, now you tell me... are this guys BAD drummers??? are they wrong??? i think you are wrong in a way ,in make this general way of sitting" appreciatte your video but its not a "fact".

[@JamesPayneDrums]

@@bluesvideo3727 it has nothing to do with being good or bad. I think you don’t know exactly what you are talking about, I understand your point, but it’s more complicated than that. I will try to make a video to clarify your point, my goal is not to be right, but to try and share information that can help people and avoid getting injured!

[@bluesvideo3727]

@@JamesPayneDrums You just said, its more complicated than that, peace. Great video even Im not agree 100% but I agree for most of it.

[@JamesPayneDrums]

@@bluesvideo3727 exactly, I try to do my best to be clear but sometimes it’s hard through just a video, but it’s good information when I see that I should explain even further a topic! Thanks for the feedback!