How to Set Up Drum Symbols

Setting up drum cymbals for the first time can be a bit confusing. The cymbals must be properly attached to the cymbal stands and placed in their correct positions around the drum kit. Most basic drum kits have three cymbals: the hi-hat cymbal, ride cymbal, and crash cymbal. A fourth cymbal, the medium crash, is also very common in standard drum sets. Once you have set up drum cymbals a few times, the process will become second nature.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Drum cymbals Drum stands Felt pads Metal washers

1. Attach each drum cymbal to a cymbal stand. To protect the cymbal, a felt pad should be inserted both above and below each cymbal. On the outside of each felt pad, place a metal washer to hold the cymbal in place on the stand. Once all your cymbals are properly attached to the stands, it is time to place each cymbal at the appropriate position around the drum kit.

2. Place the hi-hat cymbal directly to the left of the snare drum. Position it closely enough to give easy access, but make sure that the hi-hat is not placed so closely that it impedes your ability to comfortably hit the snare drum.

3. Place the ride cymbal on the right side of the drum kit, in between the second tom and the floor tom. Bring it close enough so that it is in easy reach when playing the entire kit.

4. Position the crash cymbal on the left side of the drum kit, in between the first tom and the snare drum. Make adjustments until the cymbal is in easy reach and does not hinder or obstruct your capability of hitting the other drums and cymbals next to it.

5. Finally, if you use a medium crash cymbal, place it directly between tom one and tom two on the drum kit.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are left-handed, the placement of steps 1-5 will be reversed.
• Be careful not to overtighten the cymbals when placing them on the stands or the cymbals may crack.

Resources

• Zildjian Advanced Drum Set Up Tips