Contemporary drum set can include different amount of diverse drums, and not only drums but also the other drum instruments (cymbals, musical triangle, cowbell and so on). That's why drummers used to call all instruments of the drum set as "dots". For example, the drum set on the picture below consists of 10 dots - 5 drums, 3 cymbals, and 2 dots are for the hi-het. The fact that the hi-het includes two cymbals allows the drummer to produce the sound by a foot pedal during his playing hi-het cymbals.
The minimal set which can provide the rhythmic function in the ensemble consists of three items - a bass drum, a snare drum and a hi-het. The common people used to call it "troika" ("three"), although as we see, it includes four dots. This minimal set is enough to play the majority of modern rhythms.
Therefore, a bass drum, a snare one and a hi-het are the foundation of drum set; the other "dots" are frequently used for decorating the main rhythmic line, as well as for performing so-called "transitions", "breaks", etc. Ideally, the complete drum set includes also the chair for sitting. This is a very important piece of the instrument, because the technique of playing the drum set involves all four extremities and of course our sitting part of the body gets the entire load. Therefore, one needs to take care of the chair to be stable and comfortable.
Choosing the drumsticks the following factors should be considered: density, slickness, sort of the wood, weight, length, diameter of the wooden part or the nylon tip. And also should be considered the filling of the "balance" and the grip. Choosing sticks, one should look for good quality wood, the texture of wood should not be too much appeared, and otherwise such sticks will be broken fast. Some drummers prefer the natural sound of wood tips. Others prefer nylon tips for bright, booming sound. Moreover, such tips are in use longer. The size of the stick, its diameter and length should fit your hand.
Holding sticks should be comfortable, it will allow you to produce the exact sound you want. You should try and compare several different sizes of sticks before you decide to buy something particular. When you are experienced enough in playing drums, you will probably choose the certain brand and the specific model, which will fit you well. Your teacher or consultant from the local musical store can help you in choosing drum sticks. Your choice of sticks also depends on music you play. Rock, jazz or classical - each type needs particular sticks. Also it should be considered where you are going to play: in a symphony orchestra, in a jazz band or in the rock group. Feel the sticks. Hold them in your hands.
Tap on the entire surface of the stick, and listen to the sound coming from wood. Avoid those sticks that sound or seemed to be hollow to touch. Also for sticks it's preferable to have equal weight throughout. If the stick has the same sound at the entire length, then it has the same weight as well. And again, sticks must be perfectly smooth. This can be verified by rolling them on a flat surface of the table or floor. Curved sticks will bring the filling of uncertainty to the grip. As time goes by, you will choose the best variant for yourself, although from time to time, you may try new models and brands.