The Golden Rule of Drum Kit Setup!

Drum Kit setup has a huge impact on how we perform as drummers and can either be a big help or a big hinderance! Because of this, it's worth spending the time getting it right for you so you can perform at your best.
While it can be a very convoluted topic, this one golden rule will set you in the right direction no matter what kind of kit you play.
For more in-depth lessons on all things drumming, check out our site where you can explore full-length lesson packs! - drum.dog
Gear Featured:
Yamaha Stage Custom - 22, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16"
Custom Maple Snare - 14x6.5"
Meinl Byzance 15" Dual Hats
Sabian HHX Evolution 17" Crash
Paiste Signature Dry Ride
Stack - Meinl Extra Dry 18" China over Zildjian 16" ZHT EFX
Meinl Byzance Extra Dry 19" Thin Crash
Sabian AA 19" Holy China
For all your music distribution needs, don't forget you can use our VIP DistroKid link for 7% off a years membership!: distrokid.com/v...

[@jamieseiple]

Playing drums professionally for 50 years I will save y'all alot of time...set everything up where you can reach everything easily. That's it.

[@Groov3lab]

100% Same goes for stick technique. Do whatever is most comfortable and effective for you.

[@FaZeCanLickMyCrack]

@@Groov3lab Yes do. But learn different techniques so you can make an informed decision.

[@NintenDub]

I thought your supposed to set em up and than go outside

[@boomerguy9935]

I agree with you. Much ado about nothing. "Symmetrical Posture" - this is not about the appearance of the drummer It's about the music. I've been playing since the 1960's, from rock to jazz in all size kits. I never worried about which direction my body was facing and I never twisted my back. It's about the music and not about how the audience sees my body or my face. I've even had to face the audience at a 90-degree angle because of the small bandstand and I had to fit into the contour of the grand piano. This is not a big deal. When I get hired to play with a trio, quartet or big band, I am never asked about how my drums look. I do get asked about my playing abiity. I always faced the bass drum towards the audience, or wherever the band leader wanted. As long as my body is positioned ergonomically for my comfort AND efficiency, I am happy. As a matter of interest, most drummers who read music (if right-handed), will have their head facing to their left and looking down while reading.

[@krusher74]

@@Groov3lab that's poor advice, because when you are a beginner and muscles in the fingers/wrists are weak you will learn bad habits like using your strong fore arm muscles only. Learning correct technique is never going to be "comfortable" bit its a necessary progression to getting good

[@JessieJTS]

This is why I always set up my kits with the kick off to the right, because I always have my snare to the center. Even in a 1 up 2 down set up I do. I've been told it looks odd, but it helps a lot in both my ability to play as well as keeping my spine and muscles from getting more distorted, overall prolonging how late into my life I can play. I have scoliosis so not only does it keep my back from hurting, it also helps me keep posture during the complex stuff like fills, rolls, and fast kicks.

[@davidhanson5181]

It's all about personal preferences and what's comfortable and natural for you but I agree you're way is better for me as well it does look weird but thats because so many have been caught up setting up the drumset with the bass drum center for decades so people naturally assume that's how it has to go

[@HushAngel]

I'm 62, still playing rock, moved from double bass drum kits to single bass drum with a double pedal, i've tried angling the bass drum over to the right, but it pushed the 1st floor tom a tad more behind which affected some fills i'm used to, i now have the bass drum straight like everyone, still sitting well centered but with offset rack toms to the left which allows the ride to be moved inward over the bass drum, i play heel up on the bass drum, so my foot is slightly angled and not totally straight with the pedal foot plate, no speed or power issues with the right pedal...

[@mathewscottcallejas5538]

I’ve been drumming on and off stage for over 20 years and i dont twist my back have my kick faceing straight forward.. this is 100% personal preference. This video gets a c- rating

[@NintenDub]

With the kick off to the right? Wow thats odd (Every setup ever has the kick off to the right/or mirrored left if left handed) So weird. Is the snare between your knees, cuz that'd be real unique of you to do

[@Koazeee]

@@NintenDub I am going to make the assumption that the commenter is a woman and since they have wider hips it’s probably more off to the right than normal, but you’re right snare in the middle is unheard of lol

[@StacyODell]

I guess I'm missing something. Do people really twist their body to the right to face the audience? This seems like common sense to me.

[@toomdog]

I remember making this realization a few years ago. Once I set up facing forwards, my playing just opened up and flowed naturally as opposed to before when I was all jammed up. The sound of your instrument (and you, by extension) should always take precedent over what it looks like on stage, but I usually work this into the stage set up. I’ll set up upstage left and the bass player will set up upstage right and angle left, so it’s like we’re making a little semicircle. It’s always struck me as a more intimate, less pretentious sort of feel.

[@catipanga]

I’ve been playing drums for almost 15 years and I’ve never thought about it, I always thought the bass drum was the middle of the drumkit, but after watching this, I think my back and my posture will thank you 100,000 times thank you so much ❤

[@user-wf8ol5hv6k]

Snare drum is.

[@lionheartroar3104]

Your advice about the "center" instantly improved my simple 4/4 time roll around my 4 piece kit. I have such a long way to go but you helped me solve one mystery,,,thank you. Back to practice!

[@getsmarter5412]

That’s why bass players are usually to the drummers left, as the drummer is usually biased to the left.

[@theopinson3851]

You don’t actually need to move the kick. All you’re doing is rotating everything. While it’s nice for live settings to face the audience, the way you actually play is the same. Just face the snare. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@gabrielpline7490]

I get it. I really do. But the result of moving the kick to the right is floor Tom moving more to the rear. Look at the video here and see how he’s now hitting the floor Tom off center. If you’re ok with that, then good on ya. But if you’re a drummer who likes to hit the floor Tom in the center, you’ll likely have to pull your right arm back more to hit the center. Me? I keep my kick facing forward and centered and just pivot my body to the left.

[@pepe6666]

the snare is the center. there i just saved you 7 minutes

[@scottbrower9052]

Beginner here, learning on my own w/o lessons. This was *extremely* useful.

[@nolansyers]

All the best to you! 🤘rock on. How's it going?

[@the_rummer]

The design idea of bass drum and toms over it is contradictory to human anatomy. And when you move the bd to the right then the toms get farther from you. All drum sets should be sold with a double tom stand to avoid this awkward problem.

[@rastaralph7154]

I've just give my friends 11 year old kids my drum kit and was trying to explain how to do it and I've shared this because it explains very well what I was trying to do. Cheers 👍 @4:43 is the set up 💚💛❤️

[@user-wf8ol5hv6k]

Nice man. I gave my old pearl exports to a friend's kid.

[@KutayYavuzMusic]

As a beginner drummer, this video helped me a lot! Thanks for straight to the straight-to-the-point content and great drumming!

[@MadWinter889]

I've been playing with two bass drums for years, it kinda fixes the twisted back issue lol

[@drumdog]

Instant symmetry 🙌

[@djjazzyjeff1232]

We do the same thing except the left (from the drummer's perspective) kick is totally for show. Double kick pedal on the right kick, just keeps that consistency in sound, plus rather than wasting another mic pre and processing and another microphone just to have 2 kick sounds that don't match, nah.

[@MadWinter889]

@@djjazzyjeff1232 I personally find that acoustically two ever so slightly different sounding bass drums gives a pleasant result to my ears. In the rare instances I'd have my two bass drums live I use triggers.

[@michaelprozonic]

I think the bass drum became the center of the kit because in the early days of rock ’n’ roll, bands often put their name across the bass drum head. It was natural then that they wanted the majority of the audience to see it.

[@krusher74]

most drummer still have the bass drum facing toward the front of the stage for the same reason, it just means you as a person aren't facing the front of the stage, but it;s not like you are far off.

[@KennyattaPetit]

Why didn't I realize this 30 plus years ago. SMH😫 well I can start now.

[@jendel42750]

LOVE THIS POST! THANK YOU! I would like to add a second item: NEVER handle cymbals with bare hands. It's just about IMPOSSIBLE to get fingerprints OUT of them once they're IN the grooves of them.

[@DRUmBEaTTS]

And yet we still twist ourselves up by crossing our hands/arms over to play the hihat and snare which makes even less sense than facing our bass drum forward. The best thing I ever did for my playing was to start playing the hihat and snare open handed, not only does it take all of the remaining stress off of your spine, it will work wonders on you left/weak hand! I started doing this about ten years ago and the change in my weak hand is tremendous!

[@marty9464]

You seem to be assuming that facing just slightly to the left is a bad thing because you'd have to look back to your right!!! That entirely depends on the stage setup. In a big band the drummer often sets up to the right of the drop and thus looking a bit to the left is useful. Also, often we have musicians on both sides of us that we need to make eye contact with, thus it may not really matter that much exactly where you're pointed as long as you can access your kit comfortably and effectively.

[@butchcassidy3373]

When I set up I put the snare between my legs and my pedals under the corresponding feet and then build around that. As an old guy, you gotta be comfortable

[@AxeMan808]

I immediately said "NAW! Not the kick it's the snare!" But that's where you were headed. It's also the center of the beat! If you can JUST keep the snare (or get it back) on time you can do whatever you want elsewhere.

[@TimTM-gm6od]

The important thing is to align yourself with your set up. In most of the pubs and venues ive played in over the years sometimes i am squeezed into the back of the small area weve been given to play in and often the placing of the bass drum is the key to space management and sound projection. Whilst i agree with what you are saying ,to align yourself central to the rest of the band, sometimes its just important to set up the kit in the best way possible then sit behind it correctly. If that means facing slightly left, or right if you sre a left hooker, then so be it. The audience wont give a stuff anyway as they will be focused on the singer mainly!! Good video though.

[@hazardeur]

your drum still takes up the same space. if you do this kind of set up in a small venue, the only difference is that you wont be looking at the audience straight, which is a small price to pay for a non twisted back

[@dougfinlay7531]

Thanks! I'm going to try this after 41 years of playing.

[@Joe-kc1eg]

Just think of your kit as a double bass drum kit setup but with only one bass drum and a double pedal....just saying...

[@hazardeur]

i set my drums exactly like that without any lessons. it is just the most natural way if you think about it. the only difference I have is that I see the player/drum throne as the absolute center instead of the snare drum but it is still the same principle at work

[@WilliamDavidPrichard]

I've always preached this... start with the snare. Centre. That alone is a drum set.

[@U2WB]

BRAVO. I have been saying this for years. I start my kit setup as a tripod, with my seat being one leg, and my feet the other two. Thus, with my feet planted on the ground in the most comfortable position, I place the kick pedal and hi hat pedal under my feet. Bass drum is setup where the kick pedal was placed. My snare drum and first rack tom are directly forward. Hi hat and bass drum at angles right and left. Very comfortable and efficient !

[@Music_Head]

Now can someone explain how to keep the bass drum facing straight out towards the audience but also apply this method? Does that mean tweaking the drum stool and snare placement?

[@ronbelanger4113]

You do not face the crowd.

[@thezogs95]

Drum ergonomics are very important but it depends on genre a Lil. If your playing light rock then a standard setup is OK. Twist and all. But if your playing metal or punk or something, ergonomics is a must

[@drumdog]

Not sure I'd agree with you there, I'd say a twist is a bad thing no matter the genre. Even the lightest of playing benefits from a solid and stable core.

[@GustavMonkey]

I'm a retired fireman and former policeman and Naval Petty Officer and have just chosen to become a drummer at 57. I have the kit and will practicing alot. I liken this to my cycling tech hobbie. I hope to be on the GCN cycling Rock Concert event with my fellow road cyclists someday. #peace

[@sullysullster8217]

Cycling drummer myself. Stamina and cardio not an issue. Looks like you retired just in time. Keep on rockin.

[@Hereforfun441]

The 1 golden rule to setting up a kit is set it up for YOU. Everyone is different. There is no wrong or right to an art.

[@boomerguy9935]

I feel that you are right and wrong at the same time. No matter who you are or what your preferences are, we are all different sizes with physical limitations and the rules of ergonomics always apply to motion and you can't play without moving around the kit. You want efficiency for comfort, speed and ease of playing. For example: Even though I admire Ringo's playing for his style of music, I would never set up a throne that high because it would cripple my foot pedal playing. Buddy Rich's cymbals are not set up the way I like them, but who am I to argue with the "world's greatest drummer". Ginger Baker's toms are perfectly vertical and I would have a terrible time avoiding the hoops. So, in my opinion, these drummers have set up their drums wrong for my style of playing, but it works for them. I've seen left-hand players set up their kit for right-hand playing (Ringo) and vice versa, and I've even seen right-handed drummers set up the bass drum and hi-hat cymbals left-handed and vice versa, and they were good drummers. So, they are wrong and they are right. But I wonder if they would have set them up this way if they had "known better" when they began playing. This is just food for thought. In all cases, I would never tell anyone to change what they are good at. If it works for them, that's all that counts.

[@erictorres4889]

I have my rack toms angled and play a 7 piece set

[@paulhislop4591]

I've been doing this for years. An added benefit is the kick is usually aimed at the guitarist which helps him feel it more.

[@KirkHMiller]

I love this! I have been playing snare-centric for about 3 years and I have seen a shift in my posture and my playing!

[@mlowder06]

Arguably the most important fundamental when starting to play the drums!!! Well done!

[@DDandrums]

I have always set my bass drum completely square on and recently realised that I my bass drum foot is at an angle to the pedal! This works fine for me but for the fact this can annoyingly push the pedal sideways making it necessary for me to move it back to the correct position. In the 80s I had the bass drum at an angle for a more natural feel but was criticised for spoiling the aesthetic.

[@brucelogan]

Thanks Drum Dog. That was excellent. Like Ms. Jessica, I've been setting up like you suggest for years. It was purely selfish on my part because I wanted to face forward. I still get asked a lot why the kick isn't facing forward. The easy answer is, then I would by facing stage left. Drums are pretty omni-directional anyway.

[@sarojaband4664]

5:39. Ergonomics are critical. So is stretching, warming up, hydration and nutrition if you want to play full throttle for long shows. Great topic. Love your Samba and Bossa Nova lessons!

[@drumdog]

Thanks for joining us again Saroja! 😊

[@richardervins]

Great nonsense here from someone that obviously doesn‘t know how human bodies work. Even though it might make some sense that in the long run „straight“ is better than „off centre“, most humans adapt easily and without problems to any non-extreme situations while drumming. Besides that a swiveling drum throne will work wonders, too. 😊

[@ivanhiliev]

Good video. And yes, actually the center of the kit also soundwise should be the snare. I have been playing many small stages with space being less than what wee need to add 3 cabinets for guitars and bass, we've always started with me positioning my carpet and the drum chair. I've always tried to be as much on the center of the stage and with my body facing straight towards the audience. Than i put the kick, pedals high hat, snare and so on. Naturally we end up with two amps on my left, first the bass than a guitar, and on my right, the other guitar. We've played on a skate ramp many times, with not more than 3-4 meters flat part and that was the only possible set up.

[@8020drummer]

5:24

[@ChristianContemporaryMusic02]

I've we been playing drums for 5 years but there's one thing I'm going to say and that is I'm struggling to find the perfect setup. I'm a power tom guy love the huge toms.

[@wesleyreese7647]

As a beginner, I kept playing around (for 3-4wks) with trying to get comfortable and I managed to figure it out... 3-4 Minutes Before I Got To See This Video 😂😂

[@johnmcisaac7905]

Sure brings to mind the age old question. ‘What did the drummer get on his IQ test?’ Answer: slobber. Are drummers so stupid they need the advice issued on this video? I think not. Does it matter if your set-up looks odd?! Concentrate on your playing instead. Comfort and accessibility are the key to set-up.

[@richspicer7818]

I have been playing since I was 5. I am now 75. I have never had any issues with keeping my bass drum centered while my body faces slightly left (as a right handed drummer) with the snare between my legs. I use 2 floor toms so if I need to twist slightly to my right lets not forget that's why the drum throne swivels!

[@TYRONE_SHOELACES]

I guess I made a mistake buying bigger drums for that fuller sound. I'm 63, new drummer. I wanted that low sound, so I have an 18" floor tom beside my 16" floor tom. By the time I twist enough to hit that 18" floor tom, I can feel the strain on my back.

[@Rockin_Ross]

Ergonomics have to come first or the gig will be uncomfortable to play over time. I use the Travis Barker method of having my kick off-set to the right over facing straight ahead. For me…the “golden rule” of MY playing is fit the drum set to your body, not your body to the drum set. Anything else turns the kit into a torture rack.

[@chefmike8888]

Hmm, go figure I always set my Hats, Snare and Bass like you show. The one wrench in the gears…. That damn double bass pedal. That took probably the most finagling to find it’s home.

[@golflre7179]

Ty! Just started drums, got my first drum set, setting it up. This will help tons.

[@drumdog]

Great to hear!

[@grahamroden8897]

A great video, it’s something I tried after some guitar lessons where the teacher explained about the ergonomics of the guitar. Moving the bass drum to the right made an immediate difference, comfort and control over the kick improved right away.

[@Rhythmic1]

Absolutely correct. I figured it out in my early twenties when I put together my first double bass drum kit. All of a sudden everything was balanced and ergonomic. It all made sense. I was no longer fighting against my body. When I went back to a single bass drum kit after many years of playing double bass drums nothing changed with my seating position except that I took away one of the bass drums. I've had musicians and sound people ask me why my bass drum isn't facing forward which always amazes me because a lot of times these are shows at fairly decent sized festivals and they should know better. I tell them the bass drum facing forward is not a natural position for playing drums. That I want to do as little twisting as possible and want to have everyone on stage to be at a minimum easily within my peripheral vision. I've also sat in on drum kits where the drummer has insisted the bass drum face forward. I look at them and wonder why they never ask themselves why their foot is hanging off the edge of the bass drum pedal at a weird angle. Or why their hi hat pedal is way over to their far side at a weird angle to compensate for their primary problem of having set the kit up in a way that doesn't conform to the human body.

[@windycityjohn400]

The golden rule of kit setup....Always run a double kickdrum.😉

[@robertthompson5568]

I wish someone would adress how to fit your slave pedal for your double bass between your bass and your high-hat. I feel like it's impossible to get that pedal in a comfortable spot without getting your high-hat too far away from your snare..🥁🤔

[@garysmith3173]

Absolutely correct. I discovered this concept a few years ago by accident playing a very small stage. So much more comfortable and really helped my mobility around the kit. Brilliant video sir.

[@emmanuelmensah8998]

Man man.. you're too good❤🎉..with explanations and with your drumming as well

[@youtuup]

Okay Mr. Drum professor : and now you start learning me these great rolls you do in between. 😊🙏

[@TYRONE_SHOELACES]

I am kind of confused because I'm a beginner and I have my drums set up like that, natuarlly ... there is nowhere's else for the snare to go except perfectly between my legs and where my shins are vertical, the kick pedal and hi hat pedal are right there . I wouldn't know ho else to do it really.

[@squishybuspr]

This is not a golden rule whatsoever. Your kick should always be facing the listener / audience for the sake of their listening experience and your bandmates. And you as the drummer do not need to be facing the crowd head on at all. You are the drummer, not the front person for the band. Feeling the need to face the crowd head on at the expense of where your shells are aimed is incredibly conceited. Get over yourself.

[@damdaley8092]

swear to god i thought i accidentally clicked on a mr.rofl waffles video, “Hi guys-“

[@ericbrunner4140]

I should add for me playing especially in a concert band with a conductor and you are reading music, line up your kit to directly face the conductor and your music on its stand directly in front of you so can shift your eyesight up to the conductor and then down to the music. I can never understand the drummers who place their music off to one side. Hard to keep your playing synced with the conductor as the two of us must keep the tempos correct as they do change within the piece being played.

[@pour-g8677]

When i play on my full energy hours ill notice my bass pedal kinda facing right.. time to move some drums.. thank you

[@albanyaudio7212]

Equally annoying is the ‘off to the left’ camera angle ala Carson Daly. WHO started this habit?

[@lashellemarlow]

Such a useful tutorial for a newbie. Getting it right from the jump! Thx

[@stefanrobert5233]

Moving the bass drum is unnecessary. You can just angle your foot position on the bass pedal.

[@steveclarke4766]

Surely if you position he kick as you suggest then you are moving the two floor toms further back so you twist even more.

[@davidw.mcclain257]

Fuckin' A! Great tutorial and explnation. Thank you.

[@MichaelDionneDrummer]

I think your approach is great considering you're playing a show with the kit miced up. But in a small venue where you don't need or can't mic the kit, I prefer to place the kick straight towards the audience for an optimal projection.

[@hazardeur]

dude you can still have the bassdrum in the middle and project effectively with this setup. only difference then is that you wont face them straight

[@pacz8114]

A+ on the content. A+ on the drumming skills. F on wearing earrings.

[@jd0879]

I’ve always had my bass drum positioned like that because that’s how double bass players set it up

[@ClaudioPulito]

I always set up my drums like this and really I can't understand how everyone is able to play with the upper body twisted

[@drumdog]

It really makes a difference doesn't it!

[@ClaudioPulito]

@@drumdog for real! I think everyone should give a try to the tilted kick setup

[@TexasEdition]

Why are so many content reaters into the side shot? Like who are you talking to? Hello! I'm over here!

[@abettencourtmusic]

While I adhere to the mechanics you layer out, as it makes more sense ergonomically, I do keep my bass drum in the center, perpendicular to the stage, as is traditional. It not only looks more symmetrical, it also looks more pleasing and the the two are actually linked here. Because when things are not symmetrical in some way, it tends do be distracting. (Which is why a double kick setup doesn’t phase anyone: two kicks mean symmetry). The other disadvantage (and I know from experience) is that bandmates which see a kit with an angled bass drum as taking up more space in tighter spaces, and they tend to not like it as much. So it’s something to avoid, it possible. As to me, I just pivot to the left so I’m comfortable and it’s ergonomical. And that’s it.

[@markrichardson239]

Go ahead with that, leave the Bass perpendicular... but don't follow it. Yeah, you will be out of perpendicular, not the Base.

[@mbj6555]

I've been setting up my kit this way for 30+ years. My first kit had two kick drums. When I went to double pedal, I just left my main kick where it had always been.

[@jamessbca]

Yeah. I just started thinking about this recently - always thinking previously, "well, as a drummer, I just sort of set up with my body oriented toward the left. It's crazy when you think about it! Double Bass players (with two bass drums) have basically always had this figured out!!!

[@NOAHCASAS]

PUTTING TAPE ON THAT RIDE IS AN EMBARRASSMENT TO OVER 1OO YEARS OF MAKING PAISTE CYMBALS

[@ericstearns170]

Did this for years. When I started singing more leads, I set-up on the side of the stage and faced left. It was weird for the band at first but we grew to love it. The big point is don't kill your posture for the sake of 'tradition'.

[@fredflinstime6676]

Drum dog! Great vid. Please let me know, If you would consider doing a review of a new and different way to set up a kit, please let me know. I think I may have something you would really find fascinating. It’s in some ways similar to Daru Jones, but with some key unique things going on.

[@drumdog]

Always keen to hear new ideas! 💡 Shoot us a message at [e-mail]

[@markrichardson239]

I just bought a set of Tama Swingstars. I like them a lot. I am new to drumming, but I discovered I love it! It is very important to me that I start out right, and do not develop poor habits. And the set-up, that is elemental. Essential. The bed-rock. Thank you so much!! Mark

[@drumdog]

That's fantastic, Mark! Welcome to the drumming community. Starting with the right foundation is crucial, and I'm glad you're emphasizing set-up. If you have questions along the way, don't hesitate to ask!

[@markrichardson239]

@@drumdog Thank you so much. I have cymbol, high hat, base, snare 3 toms, cowbell... So big tom to the left? I want to arrange the furniture correctly. There has to be a floor-plan, I ain't got one because I know nothing, other than I want my setup correct before I really get into it and develop all the bad habits and reflexes... Really, thanks! Mark

[@queenpurple8433]

Awesome video. I play with a 28 inch kick and 14 inch rack and 18 inch floor so my kick faces straight ahead of me and my snare is nearly in the center of it, rack tom is as far to the left as the floor is to the right just cause of the size of the drums.

[@drumdog]

Those are some serious drum sizes!! 💪

[@malfeitorgai9112]

play 2 kicks or setup like you have 2. Done.

[@freedomgardens5296]

Groovy thanks brother

[@Erix77]

Totally agree with this👍🏻

[@markrichardson239]

Ok, here's the deal. It is apparent that people think that it it is important I face the audience. I don't care. In fact, if I can't see them, it eliminates a distraction from my playing. I care about being the best drummer I can be. If I couldn't even see the audience, I wouldn't care. If it is important for them to see "The Beatles" and all they can see of me is my back-side, I could care less. I wann'a drum. I want it right. Take all considerations of audience, or presentation out. Forget it. If I have to sit some way so the base is forward, I don't care. I want the kit working for me. What I need is a map. In this video, the little toms were in absolute reverse order of my current floor setup. I ain't even gonna play until I have my floor plan. It's too hard to un-learn bad habits. I don't care about aesthetics at all. I need a layout I can keep and never have to change, if I can get one. I have cymbol, high hat, base, snare 3 toms, cowbell... Where do I plant them. No audience. I need a map I can stick with. I'll only start playing when I get that. Thanks! Mark

[@drumdog]

It’s all about what works for you, @markrichardson239. If playing without seeing the audience helps you focus, that's your groove and it's all good. Keep rocking in your own style!

[@dylanbaldwin7934]

Im used to playing a 1 up 2 down setup. I love having my hi hats right to my left and its also why i used to not play double bass. I found a 2 leg hh stand and now ive been pearning double bass. With my current band and music im playing im upgrading my kit im refirbishing an old 8 pc i have its got 4 racks and 2 floors. I think im going to set up the 2 lower racks off of my 2 main right and left crash stands and get a double tom stand to add the other 2 to my left. Im willing to adjust cymbal height im going to try to set up the highest tom a bit over my hi hat. I refuse to move my hi hats over to accommodate for any tom toms thats just stupid to me. I look at neal pearts set up for a guage. Also seems nick menzas setup is pretty nice but i think his hi hats are put a little much to the left for me.

[@dylanbaldwin7934]

I see the way he has it set up in this video im going to do basically the same with one more tom more slanted over my hi hat. If it doesnt work out ill give up on that last tom

[@opinionshurt2905]

The one golden rule of kit set up: Get someone to do it for you.

[@stuartmenziesfarrant]

Or just sit facing your snare drum!

[@shotojukukai]

That is how Peter Criss sets his bass drum in recent years

[@RockerBug17]

Or...you could just move the throne

[@xaverk]

Very important point. That doesn‘t mean that the whole setup-axis cannot be turned according to the rest of the band. String- or wind-ensembles use to sit in a bowed order to be able to better listen to the others or to communicate during playing. Fusion drummers not seldom sit in an about 90 degrees angle on the right side of the bandstand, facing to the middle, where the straight-forward position of the bass drum doesn‘t matter at all.

[@perecanyelles6469]

The center of the drums is the drummer

[@haydenconley]

Enter: offset pedals for double kick applications. Game changer!

[@drumdog]

Offset pedals are a game-changer for double kick functionality! Glad you're enjoying them. Thanks for sharing!

[@jerkerjohansson3642]

Briljant! Thanks!

[@Mr-Foad]

This is the first thing I do in the studio.

[@Sera69FI]

Good video, good sounds.

[@jakeloranger1419]

I have been setting up this way for years. When I sit in on someone else's kit which has been set up in the "traditional" way -- kick drum facing straight ahead-- I find it rather uncomfortable. Also, I'm in my sixties and I have long standing neck issues. So I find the traditional set limits my view of the right side of the stage. I usually wind up with a very sore neck if I play for any length of time in this position. I didn't come up with the idea of centering the snare drum so that my body naturally faces straight forward. I read an article dealing with this concept in Modern Drummer Magazine some twenty years ago. I regret I cannot recall the name of the author. But I do remember him calling it the twisted torso problem. Anyway, I tried it and have played that way ever since. Six years I got an OffSet double pedal. It basically has two slave pedals with the drive shafts meeting in the middle where the beaters are located. This allows the base drum to set up facing the front while still maintaining the snare drum in the middle. It's not as quick to set up as there are three pieces instead of the usual two in a double pedal system. But it's fun to be able to sit in my favourite position and still have the base drum also centered and facing forward so that people can see the artwork on the resonant head.

[@johnyoung3430]

It's rudimental!

[@paulrous1670]

Having the bass on the wonk would put my bass player into meltdown 🤣

[@drumdog]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@jadedenthusiasms]

This is an great, very informative video and I especially love the visuals you showed, my brain works visually... well... when it works, it works visually 😊😂 I'm 50, hubby 53, and had been keeping our sons huge nice mapex set he's been building up since he saved and bought it on his own at 15. But was also just sorta teaching himself as we didn't have the money for lessons😢🤦🏻‍♀️🥺 so, I'd just play around in them here n there... I'm a lefty, ambidextrous in everything including my art.... so I just played on his, he's right handed, but while I could get 2 things going together, adding the 3rd🥵🤯🤬🤬🤬🤬🤯😬 but, in a visit home a song came on i love and as always I don't have a choice but to drop the dishes (slowly of course... somewhat anyway 😬) and pound out the beat with my hands on the counter.... so my son and I were side by side when he realized which hand I tended to keep time... not sure that's the correct terminology, probably not, sorry😊, but but I did so with my left. I had mentioned before that my doing things with both hands makes things easier in most ways, I think it made it a bit difficult on the drums because, for example, I just wanted to be able to do the opening to the Disturbed song Down with the Sickness... I know I know, y'all are like "oy!! SO simple!" 😊 but, I'm old with very significant health issues so my brain is pretty foggy, and now oxygen deprived due to a surgeon that seemed to forget how to surgeon in the middle of my dangerous one... so, now oxygen tanks forever, but, at least I worked my 🤬 off and got most of the use of the arm back after he killed it😬 Anyway... so, I'd find my rhythm with it, but then my other hands would try to go first one time and of course mess me up. But once he saw me drumming fast on the counter, plus I've been using it as both exercise, physical & mental & getting out aggression with very loud noises no matter how bad i suck at it :) But, he finally found a place to store his drums to play up with him.... and I realized how much I'd miss being able to do downstairs on a good day when I could walk,, and pound on them😊 So, even though drowning in debt due to my new medical needs, my hubby is an awesome guy and he likes drums too, so we just yesterday got a used 5 piece Tama, but an upgraded snare and good heads. But we need a stool and better cymbals (one day) and cymbal stands, now... for $200... we tried to do as much research as possible but also what we could afford, well, forcefully afford, and what was close-ish.... so hopefully it's a good one😬 But, our son learning on his own 15 yrs ago, yea, he set it up kick straight out and once he added a ton to his kit, its real hard .. I think, but he won't admit🙄😏... to twist so far around to hit that 2nd (3rd?🤷🏻‍♀️) floor tom. My lower back i all titanium, with many other injuries, so, too hard for me. But, everyone just said that was the way :/ So, I'm glad to know it doesn't have to be the way. So... first off...sorry fornthe long comment, but I'm an over-explainer, clearly, and I'm excited/nervous so, babble ensues 😊 Next... does having the kick off to the side affect the sound a lot? I'm guessing no since it works. We're trying to figure out how to set our up... as I said, I'm a lefty, though I'd gotten used to the toms on my right so that will be an adjustment, but not bad. But also trying to set it up to somewhat easily flip it for occasionally when my hubby wants to play... so... we'll see :) I'm not looking to be a pro or anything near, and with my health practice will be as often as possible, so, just learning. So I appreciate these videos SO much!! Any advice is awesome!!! Thank you!!😊

[@blujay9191]

After almost 40 years of playing 4 piece I pulled that other rack tom out of moth balls and decided to go 2 up one down for fun like I did in the 1970s. Using the double tom mount on the bass drum like I did back in the day didn't cut it so I ended up mounting both rack toms on a stand just to the side of the bass drum. I didn't really consider it at the time but it does put me centered over the snare drum instead of the bass drum as Mr. Drum Dog describes and it's definitely easier to get around the kit now.

[@MrCaveman8]

Having played for 35 years myself and reluctant to change anything, as I felt it would be like trying to figure out something but after watching this video I feel set free and going to make the change because I felt some low back stiffness and my left arm starting to bother me some so thank you very much !!!