I'm the same way, but I always make sure to keep it inbetween the two rack toms. It used to be a bigger problem when I was playing  more double bass, but now that I've discovered the Axis... who needs a double pedal.

I only have this problem with bigger bass drums. When I'm playing on the 24 inch kick, there's no way I can put it right in front, or else I'll barely be able to reach the bass pedal.  

yes, exactly!

well not completely to the left of my left leg, in front and to the left a bit, it works.

the hi-hat is on the right-hand side of the snare

what do u mean remote? i'm right-handed

left foot on hi-hat, right foot on bass, left hand on snare and right hand hitting closed hi-hat. my floor tom is to my right. also my hi-hat is to the right of my snare, not on the right side of my set.

You want the snare in the middle, not skewed to one side, for optimum ergonomics.  Otherwise you will be twisting somewhat to play the snare.

Let's study this config a bit.  Orient your arms in their natural position with elbows bent slightly and arms close to your sides.  Your hands will be right in front of you.  That's where you want the snare.

go visit your local Guitar Center and try setting down at a few of the sets.  ask the helpful salesman    to assist you.  he should be able to answer your questions.

 

Those are good points, Keith, and I do agree with the sentiment of your last two sentences...but "collective intelligence" also has the vast majority of us (at least, the right-handers) setting the hi-hat to the left of the snare drum, and then crossing our right hand over our left to play it (or reaching around, etc.), which on the face of it is a completely illogical approach, IMHO.  "I'm going to play the hi-hat with one hand and the snare drum with the other hand...hey, I'll hit the thing on the left with my right hand, and the thing on the right with my left hand!"

Besides, focusing on this specific issue (placement of the snare drum) - how much time does it take to pick up a snare drum on its stand, move it to the left of the hi-hat, and (if needed) move the hi-hat stand to the right?  We're not talking about a drastic rearrangement of the parts of the drum set.  

I don't mean to be argumentative, but would you also recommend against a student adopting an "open-handed" setup, with the ride cymbal set on the left next to the hi-hat, rather than on the player's right, simply because most drummers have their ride cymbal on the right?  The very same sorts of logistical problems would present themselves at a jam session or on an audition.

I do agree that our young friend here should at least try playing with the snare drum centered...but I also don't think he "has to" set up the snare drum between his legs just because that's the "norm."

Because of basic ergonomics!    He's complaining of discomfort, not trying to seek some *different* setup.  If someone hands you a plate of food, you would naturally hold it right in front of your chest, not skewed to one side of your body (unless you are strange).  Hey, that analogy reminds me of Joe Morello's video  

Proper kit config is extreamly important, especially for new drummers.

thanks everybody, this helped a lot. i'm going to try the convential setup for a while and see how it works out.

one thing, i'm going to get a ride cymbal (and stand) soon and i want to put it on the left side of my kit but where should i put it? left of hi-hat? right of hi-hat? please help, thanks.

Try it. If it suits you, fine... but be willing to change back, like Mr. Acro said, we have to be comfortable with a "conventional" setup. And I'm sure it very rarely happens that someone has trouble playing on a normal setup, it is that way because it's very easy to get around, and adaptable. Sure... you can put your snare to your left, but if that's your primary snare I'd immediately assume that it's going to be a stretch from the ride.   Also, playing tom patterns with your left hand would be almost impossible. As you have the risk of slamming your hand on the hi hats, and not being able to reach over to the toms.

hey man do waht feels the best. dont let themn tell you to play a certain way. i know that sounds rebellious but do what is most comfortable for you. it would help you in the long run to try it in between your legs for awhile and then if for a long time that is still uncomfortable then do whatever you want.

to each their own

turns out i was wrong, conventional is 10 times better, it makes it easier to reach all of the other drums and just looks cooler  

don't you use the ride cymbal to hit instead of a closed hi-hat?