Have you ever ended up drumming, only to think that you just finished a marathon, only this time, not because of all the right reasons? Back ache, walking ache, neck ache? It may not be the technique that is the problem. It may be your drum throne. But thy seat is not a seat. It is the foundation of your entire setup. The poor throne posture has the potential to ruin your posture, your playing, as well as your mood. But an adjusted throne lets you play better and feel better. Okay, now, let us simplify what we should do to install it properly.
Why Posture Matters
When you play drums, you are exercising your entire body. You swing your arms, you tap pedals with your feet, and your back is your support. Slumping or twisting makes you get tired quickly. Even worse, you may damage yourself in the long run.
A decent posture is a straight spine, relaxed shoulders, and feet on the ground. You remain even. You consume reduced energy. And you can last longer beating.
Step 1: Find the Right Height
The height of the throne is the first one to be checked. Too low, and your knees go up high, straining your hips. Too large, and you will not be able to reach the pedals with your feet properly.
And here comes a simple rule: when you sit, the thighs have to be directed to decline a bit. Hips are supposed to be slightly up than knees. You are supposed to have your feet flat and the heels free on the floor or pedals.
Throne experiment: get thyself seated on thine own throne. Put your feet on the pedals. Do your thighs tilt a bit down? Perfect. Otherwise, change the seat. Nice thrones, such as 5Core drum throne, Gibraltar or Roc-N-Soc are easily adjustable. Fasten it to the inside part so it should not loosen in between performances.
Step 2: Position Your Seat
The next point is to observe your sitting posture on the cushion. Other drummers prefer to be more on the edge. Others prefer sitting squarely at the centre. The point must be not to feel like you are slipping or leaning back too far.
When your seat turns, make sure that it remains stationary when you turn. A wobbly throne is your worst enemy on stage.
Step 3: Check Your Distance
Slide your throne now in or out of your kit. Sit too close and you will cramp. Go too far and you will overstep.
You can have a good spot when your shins are in an upright position at the time that you have your feet on the pedals. You should not be asked to extend your legs too far forward. Besides, you are also not supposed to squeeze into the snare and toms.
Step 4: Mind Your Back
When you experience pain in your lower back, consider a throne with a backrest. These are available in some of the brands, such as 5Core and Roc-N-Soc. When you have long sets, a backrest will assist you in maintaining a straight back.
Secondly, sit straight. Do not have tight shoulders. Do not bend forward. A straightened-up back spares you major pains in the future.
Step 5: Test, Play, Adjust
Play, sit, adjust. That is the key. Make a couple of minutes on different levels and measures. At a simple beat, play. Check the way your body feels.
When the legs get strained, adjust the throne up or down a notch. When your arms are tired, play with your kit too; you may have your snare too low, and your cymbals placed too high. The placement of your throne and drum goes along together.
Bonus Tip: Use Quality Gear
Thrones are not the same. A narrow cushion that is cheap will cause you pain quickly. You can buy a throne that is well-padded; it is a popular trend to buy padding with memory foam or gel. Some of the well-made thrones are by such brands as 5Core Hestia, Gibraltar, and DW.
If you’re buying for a band or studio and need more than one, check out 5Core’s bulk deals for good prices.
Keep It Locked In
After settling into the most comfortable throne spot, maintain it. It you share your kit, mark your height setting. We should also inspect the nuts and clamps that lock the instrument before each gig. Nothing is as bad as a slipping throne when singing in the middle of a song.
Desire to view good thrones that can be adjusted easily? Have a look at collection of drum stools. Good gear makes good posture easier.