Learning to set up your drum kit can be challenging, particularly if you’re a beginner learning the drums. Learning to set up your drum kit comes with practice, and with guidance, time, and experience, drummers can easily set up their drums more straightforwardly.
You may have many questions about setting up your drums, such as where everything needs to go, what drums fit in what space, and which direction they should all be facing. Everyone is different, so every drummer will have different needs when it comes to their perfect setup.
When setting up your new drum set, you’ll want to arrange your drums based on the number of pieces you’re working with, and it has a direct effect on how you play and how well you can do it.
Below is a guide on how to set up your drum set with step-by-step instructions so you can easily tailor it to your style, reach every piece with ease, play better with an efficient setup, and learn to drum like a pro.
How to Set Up a Drum Kit Step-by-Step
Many beginner drummers start with a more simple four or five-piece drum kit. Eventually, as you become a more experienced musician, you’ll add additional components to your drum kit that embellish your skill set.
Here are the steps to getting your drum kit set up most efficiently so you can start playing songs.
Step 1: Unpacking and Identifying Drum Kit Components
Most beginner drum sets have just three main parts: drums, hardware, and cymbals. A typical five-piece drum set looks similar to this:

The drums include the bass drum (also called the kick drum), the snare drum, and the tom-toms (floor tom, mid tom, and high tom).
Hardware includes the bass drum pedal, your drum throne, and the hi-hat and cymbal stands, also known as mounting arms with pedals and stands. Cymbals are different types, including the crash cymbal, ride, and hi-hat.
Drumsticks are not usually included when you purchase a drum kit, much like with guitar picks. You’ll have to buy them separately.
When you unbox or assemble your drum set, inspect each component for any damage and ensure you have all the necessary tools. An essential tool to have with your kit is called the drum key, which is critical for tuning and tightening the legs of your stands.
Step 2: Assembling the Bass Drum and Pedals
Once you have all of the kit’s components, you can begin assembling the drums. First, you’ll need to attach the bass drum legs by opening the spurs on either side of the drum to stabilize it and keep it from rolling.
When you sit down, your body shouldn’t face the exact direction as the front of your bass drum. You’ll position the drum at a slight angle for playing.
Next, you should hook the bass drum pedal (or kick pedal) to the hoop of the drum to ensure it’s secure and align it with the center of the drumhead. You’ll want the foot pedal near your dominant foot (typically, your right foot).
The last thing you can do is optional; some bass drums come with pre-installed heads, but if yours doesn’t, you can use the drum key to attach the front head and turn the key until it’s in place.
Step 3: Setting Up the Snare Drum
For step three, you’ll be setting up your snare drum. First, you must place the snare drum on its stand and adjust the height and angle until it’s comfortable from the floor, in front of and slightly left of your bass drum.
Slightly tilt the drum toward you for playing, and place it into the basket where the three arms hold the bottom. You’ll also want to ensure the snare wires are engaged and positioned on the underside.
If the drum doesn’t fit on the top of the stand, you may want to loosen the metal piece beneath the basket to open the arms wider so it can fit more easily. You can adjust the height and tighten it as needed so it’s in a comfortable position for playing.
Step 4: Positioning the Toms
Standard drum kits usually come with two mounted toms and a floor tom. Some toms are built to attach directly to your cymbal stands, but more beginner sets have hardware that connects them to the bass drum.
Attach your toms to the bass drum using the necessary tools, and don’t angle them too much. You can position the floor to the right of where you’ll be seated and either remove or adjust the legs to change their angle and height, ensuring they’re secure and don’t wobble.
Step 5: Attaching the Cymbals
The cymbals are your drum’s crowning glory and one of the last parts you’ll set up. Assemble and position the cymbal stands first; use your drum key to loosen or tighten the wing nuts to attach the crash cymbal and ride cymbal, and position them at an angle where you can strike them.
The hi-hat cymbals are next; you’ll want to attach them to the stands. Open the legs to give them height, then remove the cymbal topper by twisting it off and place it on the stand with the felt and topper. The top hat cymbal connects to the pedal mechanism.
Quick tip: It’s necessary to note here that your stand needs to have a protective piece of plastic that covers the metal top so it doesn’t ruin your cymbal. Be sure not to over-tighten the cymbal topper because you want the cymbal to be able to move freely.
Step 6: Adjusting the Drum Throne
The drum throne is your seat, and you’ll want to set it at a height that allows you to keep your thighs parallel to the ground to sit up straight. Once you have the throne at a good height, you’ll want to sit on it and test the distance to each of your drum parts so you can see if you reach them comfortably.
Step 7: Final Adjustments and Ergonomics Check
Your last step before you play is to check that your setup is allowing you to play without having to overreach or get off of your throne. You must be able to reach everything, staying seated and comfortable.
Test all of your hardware for stability, and be sure to tighten or loosen any components as needed. Play around with your kit so you can quickly adjust or identify anything that feels awkward with positioning, making sure you have enough space to move around.
Making all those adjustments before playing takes a little bit of time, but it’s worth it. This way, when you go to play for real, you’re already sure your setup is ideal!
What is the Most Common Drum Kit Configuration?
The most common drum kit configuration you would find in music classrooms and for music lessons is the five-piece drum set. The setup is versatile and can work with a wide range of different musical genres.
Another standard kit is the four-piece drum kit setup. It usually has the kick drum, snare, and two toms.
The pieces include your bass drum or kick drum, snare drum, high tom, mid tom, and floor tom. Cymbals with this configuration include your hi-hat, crash, and ride cymbals.
Seven-piece drum sets are less common. These have a second snare and additional bass drums, tom drums, and cymbals. These drum configurations are used in progressive rock music and jazz fusion but require a lot of complexity and versatility.
Are Drums On 1 and 3 or 2 and 4?
Depending on the drum you’re drumming, you’re using all of the beats! The following is the most common for popular music genres, including rock, blues, and pop.
The bass drum (kick drum) emphasizes beats 1 and 3 of your music, but the snare drum accents beats 2 and 4. Drummers are aware that their right hand is not drumming on the same beat as their right foot, but with time and effective practice, it becomes second nature.
Personalizing Your Drum Kit Setup
It may feel time-consuming, but it’s crucial to take time to adjust your drum kit to match your comfort level. Personalizing your drum kit will help make things easier, so you’re not wasting time in your drum lesson making adjustments. You can concentrate on learning and working with your already-ideal setup.
Fine-Tuning Hardware for Personal Preference
Check your snare drum’s height to ensure you’re aligned at waist level. The cymbals should also be angled in such a way that you’re not straining your wrists.
Each of your pieces of equipment should and can be slightly adjusted for your preference. Adjust the spring tension in your bass pedal for your foot so you do not have to put a lot of pressure on it, and it’ll work with its natural movement.
Considering Your Genre and Playing Style
Different musical genres can require slightly different or unique setups for your drums. For example, smaller kits with fewer toms and lighter-weight cymbals are ideal for jazz drummers, whereas larger kits with bigger bass drums and extra crash cymbals are helpful when playing heavier rock-style music.
If you’re not sure what type of music you want to drum, start with the common drum kit and configuration for a beginner. You can always add and adjust your drums depending on the genre you most want to play as you learn songs and advance in your skills.
Adjusting Your Drum Kit Setup for a Small Space
If you’re learning at home by taking online drum lessons or have a small space where you’re drumming, you may want to adjust your drum kit setup. There are compact drum kits you can buy, as well as electronic drums, which take up far less space and are more portable to suit your needs.
To save space, you can also reduce the number of toms or cymbals you include in your drum kit. You can also keep the basic configuration and simply arrange for your kit to sit closer together for more efficiency within your smaller space.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Setting up your drum kit will help you create a comfortable playing position, which will be essential for learning and developing your drum skills. There are some common mistakes to avoid when creating your setup, which include:
- Overtightening your hardware can damage your stands and legs, leading you to replace equipment and becoming very costly.
- When you ignore ergonomics, you position yourself poorly to your drums, and it can lead to discomfort and muscle strains when you’re playing and even result in injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome or tennis elbow, requiring surgery.
- Poor tuning of your drums. Even though you don’t hear notes when you play the drums, proper tuning of your drums is an essential part of ensuring great sound.
- Drumming too hard with your drumsticks. There are many moving parts to the pieces of your equipment when you drum, and you can cause harm to them when you drum too hard; remember that you only need a little bit of pressure on your drums and cymbals to create great sound.
The best way to avoid these common mistakes would be to work with an expert or professional in the drumming field, such as your drum instructor, by taking private in-person or online lessons. Drum lessons can also ensure that you find the best way to learn drums more quickly than you would if you are self-taught so you can advance in your progress.
Your Drumming Journey Awaits
Setting up your standard five-piece kit is the first step to enjoying the art of drumming and learning to play with ease. By following this guide, you’ll create a more functional and comfortable setup for your playing so you can focus on improving your skills.
Playing a musical instrument benefits your health and the drums are the backbone of any great band, so it can be a beautiful thing to take on learning the drums.
Are you ready to play? Grab your drumsticks and sign up for drum lessons today so you don’t have to wait anymore to start your drumming journey!