Positioning & Posture – Session 1 Beginning Drum Set – On The Drums Lesson Plan - pg 2

This video is to help you learn how to set up a drum set, position it, and use good posture.

First step is to set your drum throne height. Try and sit where your thighs are pointed down at a very slight angle and keep your back straight. Next, position the bass drum and pedal in front of you and slightly to the right (if playing a right-handed set up; opposite if left-handed). Your shin should angle a small degree out towards the drum when your foot is on the pedal. Now do the same thing with hi-hat stand so your foot rests comfortably on the foot board. Try playing the bass drum and hi-hat with your heel up.
Next position the snare in between your legs with the top of it being about equal to belt level. You can tilt the snare drum towards you slightly. Move the rack tom around on the holder until it is in good striking distance and at the right angle. Place the floor tom to the right of the bass drum bringing it in close enough to comfortably reach. Now bring in the crash cymbal and ride cymbal where you can reach them comfortably, including the bell of the ride. Once you have the entire drum set in place, make any  final adjustments you may want to.

Right-handed players will usually play the hi-hat with their right hand while playing the snare drum with the left hand, crossing arms with the left going underneath. This would be opposite for left-handed players. But choose a way that makes sense to you.

When playing the drums, wear a comfortable pair of shoes that lace up and avoid  flip flops or slide sandals.

Ultimately you will find out what works best for you with positioning and posture at the drum set, but here is a general guide to start from.