The First Step – Setting Up Your Drum Set Layout

drum set layout

If you’re a drummer, you know that the layout of your kit is important. From a simple 4-piece starter kit to the giant 30-plus piece kits of rock gods, it’s all about finding a setup that feels comfortable and allows you to execute key drumming techniques efficiently. But it’s not just about the number of pieces – it’s also about the way they are arranged and how they fit your natural body position when sitting behind the drum stool.

While it’s common to see drummers with all sorts of different configurations, there are a few basic principles that can help you find the perfect setup for your drum set. Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for a while, these tips can give your setup a fresh new feel that will change the way you play.

The First Step – Setting Up Your Drum Set Layout

If this is your first time getting behind the kit, start by finding a comfortable seat on the drum stool. Adjust the height until you’re in a relaxed position and the top of your head is just above the stool, as this is a good way to maintain proper drum set posture and reduce any back strain.

Now that you’ve found a comfortable spot, the next step is to build your kit around you. Start with your bass drum and place it where your foot naturally sits on the bass pedal, making sure that it’s close enough to reach comfortably. Then, move on to your other mounted toms and the floor tom (if you have one).

The floor tom is a tricky beast since it’s not as easy to manipulate with your legs as a mounted tom. Typically, drummers will place the floor tom so that it’s a little higher than the medium tom but lower than the snare drum. This usually means angling the tom slightly toward you, but this is something that can be adjusted over time.

You’ll also want to make sure that your mounted toms aren’t set at an angle that makes it uncomfortable or difficult to hit them. Having them at too steep an angle can cause you to wear out your drumheads faster, and it will also make it harder to get a full sound from the heads when you’re hitting them.

For the remaining cymbals, it’s usually best to keep your ride cymbal high enough so that you can easily reach it, and then set your crash cymbals either above or below the ride depending on your preference.

When you’re finished, try out your drum set in a room that isn’t too loud and listen for any problems. If you hear any sounds coming from other parts of the room, such as your amplifier, it’s a good idea to adjust your setup until these sounds disappear. If you can eliminate any unwanted noises, your drum set is now ready for rehearsals and performances! Just remember to practice regularly and have fun!