Why your THRONE might be SLOWING your kick foot (1/3) 

I am a new drummer, female, starting 2 years ago at age 68 . I have found that sitting higher helped me out a lot, Now I will reposition my distance from the kick drum and see how that helps as well. I so enjoy your videos and always find them helpful. Keep up the good work. Will be anxious for number 2 video.

Stephen, this video changed everything for me. I play heel up and I was sitting 8" too close and 6" too low. I made adjustments and am able to hit bass doubles much much easier. It's like I unlocked a comfort and skill upgrade. You're gettin' into Heaven for this 🙏 Thsnk you so much. Both kits are adjusted and feel perfect!

Game Changer! WOW. Been drumming for over 37 years, and really did not give much thought to economy of motion. The front part of my calves is Hugh and not because I wanted that. Just years of pushing though aches and pains, as I am getting older and if I want to keep playing, I have to look at healthily ways of preforming the art of Drums. I'm also 6'4 with long legs and short arms, this helps me a lot. thanks, my man!!!

all your videos are super helpful, you're doing a really good thing!

I was sitting too close and too low. Adjusted just my seat and it made a world of difference even in my double pedal. Now I have to adjust my kit to match but thank you. Looking forward to PART 2

I have mentioned to you before that I think your approach to your videos is wonderful. Your positive approach along with your patient delivery are 2 of the keys to being a great educator. I am a retired elementary school teacher/ varsity football coach. I taught for 39 years and coached for 45, and believe me, I have seen good educators/coaches along with not so good educators/coaches. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us, and I am looking so forward to your future lessons.

New Old Drummer here... I started to play drums a year ago at 45. When you start to play the first question is.. how do i sit on the throne? and the answer is.. sit well and get confortable hhahahaha , same as how to asjust the drum set... everyone of us is different and have different needs, styles etc... I have been adjusting my drumset and ways to sit on the throne over and over, and since a have been learning drums and technique, i have to adjust to play better... Nice work and great videos👍

I'm new to drumming as well. Never had a lesson, but am killing on the songs I know which is amazing. Only almost 6 months into this and can play over 200 some songs and counting. I am playing on a VDrum / eDrum Set by Roland, the TD-17KV2. I find when the back part of my pedals are at 21 inch from center of my seat, and I'm 6 foot 1 inch, that feels the best. On the measurement to the kick Bass, Like what Stephen showed on my Roland Kick drum, I'm at 34 inches give or take. So your 3 foot mark is pretty close or on par. I have just a single DW 2000 pedal, but can get triples out of my pedal. Key is I found, from a well known drummer, is to back that spring off. More spring will slow you down. I have my spring backed almost all the way out. That Tip came from Rob Brown. Which he put that out like 5 years ago. I enjoy your lessons Stephen, so keep it up. If you want to check me out, go for it. Thanks again for the tip for how far back you should be. I found it just from what felt comfortable. I'm 53 and wish I started when I was way younger. Not to late to start a band.

Definitely too close AND too low. I never thought about it before, but when I was playing drums years (and years and years) ago, I was sitting quite high. Now, fooling around on a cheap set of e-drums, I noticed I just couldn't get the right feel any more. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but as soon as I watched this, I was like, "That's IT. I know it!" So I am going to go right to my kit and make these adjustments. THANKS.

Two extremely valuable lessons here: (1) “Change one small part, and the whole is changed.” (Robert Fripp) (2) One single bit of “wisdom” can be equally constructive or destructive (my realization). Fifty years ago, when I started learning how to play, my instructor was adamant regarding posture: back straight, thighs level, lower legs as straight - like sitting at the dinner table, your body more or less at right angles. I have struggled with this my entire life, concluding that my lack of footwork proficiency mirrored my terminally inadequate technique. Your simple instruction (which I applied to both kick drum and hi-hat) changed everything…both an “Aha!” and a “Doh!” moment. THANK YOU!

I bought a Pearl throne probably 10 years ago, it’s non-threaded model with a memory clamp, and it never worked. It immediately sinks to the lowest point as soon as you supply any weight. I simply adjusted and got used to it. Now it’s my preferred sitting position. It also has a hidden benefit: no one wants to play my drums. 👍🏻

Bassist learning to play drums here, I was WAY to low and close, I'm 6'4" tall so the problem was really compounded. Thank you very much for the tips, I signed up for your news letter.

Thank you very much for this video! I am a brand-new drummer (at 62 years old too) and I really was not sure about seat height, distance, etc. I made use of your formulas (for my much shorter height - 5 feet, 4 inches) and they worked out great. I was sitting too close, and I had the height up and down trying to find the right position. I am a heel down type I guess. I also purchased a couple sets of the Vic Firth Rock Maple sticks based on your recommendations in another video. I am just about to try the new sticks out. Thanks again Stephen!

I'm not really a drummer (I am one of those guitarists who has keyboards, bass, etc). but I have had a kit for probably 25 years and I have been playing casually around the house for that period of time; however, I never learned the basics that you teach. I had no idea you're supposed to sit so high and so far back, but when trying it, it IS easier to play the kick loudly - and it also means the rest of the kit is further away as well which may make working around the kit (rolls, etc) easier. Also, I was never able tr play heel up without severe fatigue from the psoas muscle. Sitting too close. I am following your videos carefully and enjoying every bit of what I am learning. Thanks!!!

Great information Stephen. I'm 6"4 and have adjusted my throne height recently. Helps immensely.

I probably was sitting too close and too low. I bought a jr. kit to see if I even wanted to get into learning the drums. My first purchase was an adult throne and my second was a double bass pedal set. Now my snare seems almost out of reach, but you're right about that hi-hat stand. It'll go way up if I set it that way. Right now I've got it closer to the snare, but there's a lot I'm simultaneously adjusting with my setup.

This is exactly what I needed... My distance is great. I need to figure out my throne height to save my back! I'm using a shared kit at my Tuesday workshop. The gal in the session before me is shorter than me, I'm taller (6'1", not quite as tall as you!), so I need to fix the height every time. I think I haven't been putting undue strain on my back. I'm going to try setting it higher. Thanks for the tips!

My throne was too close to bass drum by 6 inches. The height was petty close to what you suggested for 3:1 ratio. Moved the bass drum out so I had more room to adjust the distance for throne using your formula(I am 5'3") and it really feels so much better. I don't feel cramped and I can play the kicks easier. I am a heel down player. Glad I watched your video. I have subscribed to your channel and am taking advantage of your guides as well. I am an older female drummer(62), have been playing for many, many years and finally I am comfortable behind my set. Thanks for the info and doing the videos.

I moved mine back a few weeks ago per your instructions in a past video and it helped tremendously! Thanks

exactly what ive been struggling with

Thanks, Stephen! Great job on an issue rarely talked about but extremely important!

Thank you for sharing the knowledge!!! Sharing is caring!!! 😊

Thanks for the great video. I checked my set-up and found that I was the right distance away from the Kick, but my throne was 3 inches too low. I adjusted the height and it actually feels great. I play a combination of heel-up and heel-down. There are some songs that I play heel down to get the finesse and softer volume on the kick. Having started with heel down and played that way for over 49 yrs it is most comfortable to me. Last year I revisited my kick and learned how to play heel-up as well. My heel only rests just off the footplate so it is only an inch or so difference. We'll see how the new position works for my style of playing.

Another awesome lesson dude 🙏

I haven't even seen the video yet and I KNOW my throne is off... can't wait to see why! I have zero balance... I'm gonna be the first drummer to fall off the kit if not.

Starting drums late in life.....This info is Priceless! Thank you!

One more very important and fundamental lesson. Thank you Stephen for this. I actually use both heel up and heel down. I think I've been guilty way too often of being to close to the drums. I'm gonna try to adjust and give my right foot the space it needs.

Helped me big time… I was “uncomfortable” but didn’t know why. I moved up and especially BACK. I now have to sit more upright ti be able to reach the toms/cymbals but that’s been a plus too in terms of eliminating lower back. Liking this a lot 😜👍🏼

Currently, I have been drumming for approximately 8 years and am a heal up guy. Although I have never taken measurements, I have made several adjustments through the years. I will definitely take measurements asap to see where I stand (technically sit) in accordance with your recommendations.

Great video. I’ve been watching your channel on and off for years now and have always found your videos really easy to understand. Awesome work dude

Hi Stephen, many thanks for this great video (as your other videos btw), the first one giving quantitative and sound hints for a right position of the throne. I am a beginner and my right knee always hurts me after playing drums for a while.

Thanks Stephen for a shorter than usual video. I didn't doze off once! Love those Costco socks (their the best!).

This video topic has been on my mind for the last few since since I’m a drummer of 4 months so far. I thought about trying heel up, but realized with this video that I’m way to low for that. My current positioning does seem perfect for heel down though (which is what I usually use). Looking forward to seeing the other upcoming parts! Thank you for going into things that others commonly bypass.

Thanks Stephen. Your ratio doesn't suit my short pins, but i moved closer to it. I've also noticed my spine and hips are much happier on a quality chair that tapers. Round, flat seats restrict that descending leg angle mentioned in the vid. They sort of encourage a right angle

My measurements were pretty close to the 2 to 1 and the 3 to1 rule. I play heel up, heel down and at times heel toe. All depends on the music I am playing at the time. Thanks Stephen!

Great lesson helped me a lot. Thanks man

Hi Stephen and thanks for the video. I checked my distances, when I´m behind my kit, and found that was too low and too close. Changing them also meant I had to change some other measures. I had to raise my snare and my floor toms. I´ll try this and see if it works. Cheers.

I am learning on an ekit. I play a hybrid heel up. I was sitting both too close and too low. Thanks for the useful info!

Both 1-3" too low, and way too close. I play both heel up and down. Thanks for the tip this will save my body some pain! ;)

Hey Stephen,,,, love all your videos. Very helpful. I am having trouble using my left hand crashing different cymbals. I find myself using my right hand to do all cymbal work. Do you have a video on how to break this bad habit? thanks so much for your time.

I was sitting too low because I readjust my throne for my kid and I didn't want to readjust everytime so I keep it that way. But after a few jam with my band I lose power in my leg after the first set. I hope this is the answer to my problem because it's a real pain, now I can't even play easy song that I play for 10 years, never thought it could be throne height problem.

I sit fairly high, but on the other hand, think of how many awesome drummers sit low.

I was surprised at how low Taylor Hawkins sat. I tried it ... and never felt comfortable. Different strokes, I guess. Thanx for the video ... well done! ... ^v^

It is good guide to start with, but it cannot be a rule of thumb since each drummer has different size, different limbs to torso ratio, different weight and body type. Heavy legged or obese drummers tend to sit higher due to heavy legs and to let the belly fat uncompressed from the leg activity. Sitting lower is better for kick power, better stability and it helps with the stage fright. I find myself more comfortable by sitting low but my upper legs hurt unless I open up the angle under my knee by sitting a little bit far. The best way is to sit , extend the arms to the front and let the legs hang until you find yourself balanced enough without slouching, bending or reaching.

These are great! Only 8 hours behind a cheap donner kit with an alesis expansion kit. How do you break your mind and get better limb independence? Slow tempo is good but once you go near 120bpm, the right hand wants to do what the right foot does etc.

Hard to get too high bc then knees in the way of rim shots / gets slapped. Share going high makes pretty much everything higher

Wow the seat was way too low, it makes a huge difference. Thanks.

Can you share your drum set make cymbal specs. Thank you sir FHB

What does he have on his snare? Where can I get it?

I found this out because I simply couldn't get a double on the kick in a particular song. I was too close to perform it.

I have been playing for 6-7 years now and my throne was apparently a good 6" too low. It feels akward at 3:1. My throne was greater than a 2:1 ratio and if I move it closer, I feel like I am straddling the throne (which perhaps is what I should be doing). Feels akward, but will give it a try for a few days to see if can automatically adjust. Thank you for the advice! David

Great info., but I noticed your Tom is in a stand which allows you to bring it closer than if you were attaching Tom to your kick. Do you recommend using Tom stands?

knee pain....i think im sitting too close..ill have a look at this tomorrow . thanks

I've seen several different bass drum technique videos, along with bass drum pedal videos. I'm around your height,and so I can identify with some of the issues you speak of. I'm also a bit older and suffer with back problems. As for the distance, I've found one that works for me. The problem I'm now having is reaching my mount tom. I'm considering changing the way I mount the tom? Any thoughts?

I went through the " I must be setting too high" scenario. I still suspect it's more setting TOO CLOSE because I've noticed calf and ankle issues.

The distance my Throne (Hip point) is 2.5 (I'm Five - Seven ) so 25 Inches is right for me? more than that seems like I'm reclining and awkward? and my Throne just happened to be 22 & half inches, So exactly what you said ! (one third)

My floor toms wont adjust heigh enough ! Either i change the legs, or I build some riser for them, or do i actually sit to near the drums ?

I need a video for HiHat placement as well, please (distance, angle, where to cross arms)....always feel like the foot is too close and the HiHat cymbal too far....

Me: tosses out old throne

Adjust your throne where it feels good and position it where it feels right. The end.

Nice stool (Throne) But expensive, here in the UK approx £365. Without the back rest.

What about shoe size? Doesn't that also matter?

Im 6ft tall and can't find a throne that is high enough. Most just aren't adjustable for someone taller than 5'8 or 5'9. Any suggestions on thrones?

KKNGS FIT THROWN

I had a sneaky suspicion

Had no idea you were that tall.

Mine keeps fucking dropping

If you want the details skip to at least 6 minutes, save time listening to stories.

He's good Tommy Igoe is better and Jared Falk