The most common drum set up is a five-piece kit, which includes at least two toms and a kick. Other popular configurations include one or two crashes and splash cymbals. A four-piece kit, or “four-tom set up,” typically contains three toms. A fifth tom is usually used as a snare, which adds a little extra punch and can be purchased for a very reasonable price.
When setting up a drum kit, you’ll need to adjust the height of the toms. For instance, if you have a bass drum, you’ll want to adjust the snare to the same height as the bass drum. A floor tom should be set up at the same height as the snare. Lastly, you’ll want to set up the pedal so that the beat hits the head as near to the center as possible. Most drummers will opt to position their snares flat, but traditional players typically setup the snare to angle it down.
A five-piece set would give you plenty of dynamic tone variation, but the cost of such a drum set would be out of reach for most drummers. Having more than one setup will give you a higher degree of versatility, so it’s important to try a few different setups before making a decision. And remember, the more versatile your set up is, the more creative you’ll be. If you’re unsure about the best configuration for your needs, try a few different options to find the one that works best for your budget and your personal style.
If you’re playing a five-piece set, a crash / ride cymbal is the most common configuration. The crash cymbal will usually be placed in between the high tom and the hi-hat, and you’ll also need a ride cymbal. If you’re in the middle of a jazz gig, it’s best to place the crash cymbal at the left edge of your kit.
Most drummers will add other cymbals to their sets to enhance the sound. The most common of these is a six-piece setup, which features two floor toms and two rack toms. This setup will help you get a wide range of sounds and is great for many genres of music. While you may not be the best drummer in the world, it will do you wonders. If you have a good sense of rhythm, you’ll be able to play in any genre.
Besides using a bare-bones drum kit, you can also experiment with different drum set up ideas. A three-piece set up includes a floor tom and a kick snare hat. This setup is often popular among jazz drummers, and it allows for more low-end character, and the added depth of a floor tom provides depth. If you’re working in a band with a bare-bones drum kit in front of the drummer, you can use this setup to get creative.