Once you have a set of drums, the most important thing is to learn to arrange them according to your favorite position. If you want it easy, you can adjust it to the standard position of the drum set. Read the article below to find out how to position your drums.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Preparing the Drum Set
Step 1. Prepare all the parts of your drum set
In addition to the drums and cymbals, you should also have a drum key for positioning assistance. This tool is used to tighten and loosen some of the small bolts in the drum and is essential if you feel the need to disassemble one of the drums (such as replacing a drum head part). Here are the standard parts included in a standard drum set:
- Snare drum
- Bass drum (kick with pedal)
- Hihat cymbals (with pedals)
- Cymbal crash
- Cymbal ride
- 2 toms and floor toms
- Throne (chair for playing drums)
Step 2. Find a suitable place to place your drum set
You must have a large enough space to be able to install your drum set which does not restrict your movement when playing it. Don't put each part too close together because it will make it difficult for you to play it.
Even if your drum set is not very complete, you must still provide a spacious room to be free to play it
Step 3. Learn how to perform maintenance on your drum set
Before you start assembling your drum set, you may have to inspect each piece one more time in case there is any damage. If you find a part that is damaged, you can immediately repair it immediately before it is installed, because once it is installed it will be very difficult to disassemble it again. Here are some common problems with your drum set:
- Changing the head and setting the tone on the snare drum
- Kick drum
- Rubber from kick drum
- Dust and dirt buildup
Method 2 of 3: Drum Set Assembly and Arrangement
Step 1. Position the bass drum part in the middle
The bass drum is the first part to install when you want to set up your drum set. Place the part that usually has the brand logo on your drum set pointing toward the front.
Step 2. Installing the bass drum legs
Attach the legs for the bass drum to the clamp located on the left and right of the bass drum on the front (usually there are two bass drum legs). Make sure you mount it slightly bent toward the pedal section and ensure that the bass drum feet support the bass drum well.
In a bass drum leg there is a rubber section to protect the bass drum leg from scratches and to prevent the bass drum from sliding when played
Step 3. Install the kick (pedal) drum
Usually on this pedal there is a clamp to clamp it to the bass drum, attach it and tighten it as hard as possible so that the pedal does not slide easily when you play it. And also usually there is a nail screw section to peg it to the floor to make it even more sturdy.
There are other models of pedals (like double pedals) which are a bit tricky to install if you're doing it for the first time. Please read the instruction manual carefully to help you set it up
Step 4. Adjust the position of the throne (chair)
Use the lever located at the bottom of the chair to adjust the height. Try to adjust it while you sit on it so that you can find a position that is really comfortable and just right for you to step on the bass drum pedal.
Adjust it until you feel really comfortable when you step on the bass drum pedal so you can play it well and maximize your abilities
Step 5. Install the snare drum
The position of the snare is usually slightly higher than your knees when you are sitting in a chair, so that you can hit it precisely without any obstacles.
The snare must be upright and not easily shaken. Whatever position of the snare you like, whether the snare is slightly leaning backwards or forwards, the snare must still stand straight and not easily shake because if that happens it will disturb you when you play it
Step 6. Adjust the height of the snare
Basically, there are no definite rules regarding the height of the snare, it all depends on your own comfort when playing it. You can adjust the height by turning the lever at the bottom to suit your preference.
Most drummers place the snare slightly to the right closer to the right foot. This is done so that the punches made can produce a good sound and also make it easier to perform the 'rim-shot' technique
Step 7. Put the toms on the bass drum
Normally on a bass drum there is a hole at the top for attaching the toms. But there are also drum brands that don't provide this part, so make sure you read the user manual carefully to find out how to install the tom properly and correctly.
Setting the position of the tom is the same as setting the position of the snare, there are no definite rules. It all depends on your taste. Just as a suggestion, position the toms with settings that if you can hit it well. However, again it's a matter of taste and your playing technique
Step 8. Install the floor tom
On the tom floor there are usually legs to make it stand and you can adjust the height according to your wishes. You can adjust the height by using the lever located on the part where you attach the legs. And just like snare and tom settings, there are no fixed rules, it all depends on your comfort when playing it.
The floor tom is usually placed on the right side of your right foot which is used to step on the pedal
Step 9. Set the floor tom height equal to the height of the snare
This is done for your convenience when hitting it so that your punch is right in the middle and produces a good sound.
Just like the positioning of other parts, it all depends on your own convenience
Method 3 of 3: Installing Cymbals
Step 1. Install the hihat stand and then attach the bottom of the hihat cymbal first
The hihat position must be standing upright, the way is by installing the legs correctly so that they are not easily wobbly. After standing up straight, then all you have to do is attach the bottom hihat cymbal to the stand with the cup setting facing down.
If you are confused about which part of the hihat cymbal should be placed at the bottom, usually the manufacturer himself puts up a sign to make it easier for you to know which is the bottom and which is the top. But if there is no sign from the manufacturer, you don't need to worry because generally the top and bottom look the same
Step 2. Install the top hihat cymbal
Place the hihat cymbal on top with the cymbal cup pointing up. Then tighten it using the lever provided and adjust the distance between the bottom and the top. In setting this distance, it all depends on your taste.
Usually the hihat is placed to the left of your left foot, so you can hit it with your right hand (this is the opposite if you are left-handed). And the hihat pedal is usually stepped on by your left foot
Step 3. Install the ride cymbal
To install a ride cymbal, usually a stand is available to make it fit properly. Then once installed, use nuts to make it so that it does not come off the stand. However, do not tighten the nut too tightly as this will make it difficult to produce a good echo. Set it slightly slack so the cymbal can make a good reverberation after you hit it. As for the height issue, again it all depends on your own convenience.
In general, ride cymbals are placed behind the floor tom and next to the bass drum. And the position of the cymbal itself must be slightly higher than the floor so as not to interfere with its movement
Step 4. Install the crash cymbal
The stand for attaching the crash counter is usually the same as the stand for the ride cymbal. You just mount it just like you would a ride cymbal and adjust the height to your liking.
The crash cymbal is usually placed on the left side of the bass drum and behind the hihat cymbal. And if you have another crash cymbal, you can mount it to the right of the floor tom or anywhere you like
Step 5. Test the drum set
Safe! You've got your drum set positioned to the standard. Now just try it. Make sure all parts of the drum set you can hit well without a hitch. And make sure everything is to your taste.
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Some drummers often add other accessories to their drum sets to get a special sound. Here are some examples of additional accessories you can add:
- Double sword
- Cowbells
- Additional toms (usually to produce a specific note)
- Chimes, bells and other additional percussion instruments
Step 6. Assemble the drums creatively
To become a good drummer, you have to create your own style. All great drummers play in their own style and set up drum kits differently. Try whatever you have, as long as it's not so weird that you can't play the drums. If the drum kit is still playing, then you can do it!
Tips
- Try angled your tom facing the snare. This will make it easier for you to hit it.
- Do not install the cymbal without using a foam support underneath, as this will damage the cymbal.
- These tips are standard tips in adjusting the position of the drum set. Make sure you set it at your own convenience.
- There is no right or wrong way to install a drum set. Make sure all positions are according to your comfort.
- Position the toms so they are close to each other. This is to make it easier for you when you do a quick roll and make it easier for you to make a good roll shift.
- Be sure to loosen all parts before you install them to avoid damage.
Warning
- This is a loud instrument, make sure you wear ear protection so you don't experience hearing loss.
- This instrument will produce a very noisy sound. So make sure the room where you install your drum set is well muffled.
- Most drum parts are made of wood. So, do not store it in a humid place because it will cause damage to the parts of your drum set.
