How to Position Your Drum Throne for Ergonomic Use

If you’re just starting out on the drums, chances are you’re learning how to set up your kit. It takes time to find the perfect arrangement for your drum set—especially when it comes to the way you sit. Your drum throne should be positioned so that you are getting the most ergonomic use possible. This means that you should be able to reach every drum and cymbal easily from the way you sit on your throne. We here at the Drum Center of Portsmouth offer many drum throne options at our store at https://www.drumcenternh.com/. Our drum thrones come in a variety of different shapes and colors, but ultimately, how you sit is up to you. It’s important to learn the healthiest ways to position yourself and your drum throne to keep you in the best physical shape for drumming.  

Why should you sit properly?

Sitting on your drum throne properly is very important for playing and your physical health. People who sit too low on their drum throne most commonly have lower back pain. On the other hand, sitting too high can cause your whole leg to become easily fatigued as well.  When you sit in the correct posture on your drum throne, you allow your body to be more relaxed. This helps you play your set easier. You will be able to play for longer amounts of time, and faster as well. Sitting properly will also improve the quality of your music. You may observe the following:

• Better balance—complicated patterns are easier to play
• More consistent sound—sitting properly limits rocking back and forth. This means you will be able to hit your drums in the same place consistently, for longer periods of time.
• Varying orchestration—having the correct posture can allow you to access varying patterns and beats on your drum set. 

 

So how do you sit properly?

• First, you should always make sure you’re using the correct posture. The best way to have the correct posture is to make sure you’re sitting on your “sit bones.” Sit on your hands—the bones that protrude are your sit bones. Let these bones support you on your drum throne, and you will have a better posture.
• Let your body relax back on your stool. You shouldn’t sit towards the front of your drum throne’s cushion, because this will put tension in your joints and prevent you from playing freely.
• Last, you should align your right leg with your bass drum. You shouldn’t sit in the center of the bass drum, but you should give your right leg easy access to the pedal. This will put you in the right position for reaching the rest of the drums in your set.

 

How do I determine my drum throne height?

Most of us have varying heights and playing preferences, so one set of rules about a drum throne won’t work for every percussionist out there. But many drummers agree that your drum throne’s height should be set so that your hipbone is slightly above the top of your knee. This allows your leg to move to its natural angle, 145 degrees. When your leg is in its natural position, your muscles are much less strained. Some drummers opt to sit higher on their throne so it takes pressure off your back, but this is less ergonomic in terms of playing the drums. Another easy way to determine what height to set your drum throne to is to stand next to your stool. Then, adjust the height so it comes just above your knee caps. Many players use this method to adjust and find that the method works great! You should also check to see that your throne isn’t too close to your set. This can leave your legs feeling cramped and fatigued while you play. Your snare drum should be positioned so that it is at least one or two inches above your knee, so that no contact between the two occurs.  

How can I adjust the height?

Drum thrones come with different ways to adjust their height. The one to avoid is the nut and bolt lock. These have the most limited height options and are most prone to becoming wobbly and unstable. Sliding tube and spindle adjustment thrones are the best bet as your options. Sliding tubes with memory locks use a simple system for easy height adjustment. Spindle adjustment allows you to rotate the seat clockwise or counter-clockwise to make the stool taller or shorter.   

Some extra tips about your drum throne

• When your throne becomes too wobbly, it is time to get a new one. A wobbly seat will throw off your balance and make it harder to play complicated rhythms.
• You don’t need a backrest to play your drum set ergonomically. It only limits your range of movement—and it’s not like you’ll be sitting back on it anyway. A comfortable, backless stool adjusted to the right height is better for any drummer.
• You can choose between seats that rotate and seats that don’t. This is based purely on preference. Some percussionists prefer some rotation while they play, while others like it totally stationary.

 

 In conclusion

Positioning your drum throne for ergonomic use includes many different elements you must take into account. Making sure that you have the correct posture as well as the correct seat height helps when you are figuring out how to play your drum set correctly. You should also take into account the different options of drum thrones that are available. Picking the right seat is important to make sure you are comfortable and healthy while you play your set. An excellent quality drum throne will make you feel more relaxed while you play, and will save you money in the long run so you won’t have to replace it!