Being Comfortable

[fife31]

Just got a brand 6-piece TAMA Starclassic "Performer" kit. I've been having trouble with getting comfortable with it. What are the best ways to position yourself with your kit (Sit high or low on your throne etc...) and what are some takes on drumming posture?

[fourstringdrums]

Here is an article I wrote on the topic:

www.handidrummed.com/articles/comfort.php

[zambizzi]

This was where Matt Ritter's foot technique DVD really paid off for me.

His advice is;

The kick drum isn't the "center" of your kit...the kick actually points to the right and the "front" of your kit is in between the kick and the hats. Your snare is your center.

When I setup now, I set the throne down and position my kick drum and hi-hat stand to be where my feet are most comfortable, so I'm a well-balanced tripod when I sit down. I'm careful to make sure that I'm not sitting *too* close to the kick drum, my lower-leg should be at a slight angle so my foot is further out toward the bass drum than my knee is. I then stick the snare right in the middle...and position the rest of my kit around me.

As for seat height, it's common for drummers to sit with their butt slightly higher than the knee, so there's a slight downward slope. Sitting too low (usually) means bad balance. You should be able to bring your forearms up at the elbow while leaving your shoulders relaxed, and be able to play the snare comfortably. Sit up straight!

Everyone is different and not everyone has trained their body to the same layout...but this is a good way to start.

[funkytomtom]

Try to let your body tell you where things need to be. If you are struggling to reach something, you need to find a way to get it closer. I like to have most of my upper leg sitting on my throne so it is easier to play the bass and hi-hat with my heels suspended off the pedal (playing with just the ankle). Being comfortable is key to keeping a good feel on your kit. If you become strained you will have a hard time keeping any sort of finesse, and eventually, any kind of time.