Which side of the drummer do you preffer to be on?

[Pkaaso]

Sorry if this a beaten down subject but, I didn't get a hit with a search.

I really would like to hear from any/all players.

I have a long time argument with our key board player who covers bass guitar when I front/vocals. The discussion is about which is the best side [of the drummer] for the bass player to set up on. He is convinced it just doesn't matter and just chooses based on convenience.

From clubs with stages so small you have to ask permission before turning around to; stages big enough to set up anywhere you want.

What do you think is best, correct, incorrect, etc... And why.

Thanks in advance,
Paul
P.S. I have my own definite opinion that I'll share shortly.

[Jazzdogg]

I like to set up in between the piano/rhythm guitarist and the drummer, where I can clearly hear exactly which chords are being played, and maintain good sightlines between eveyone in the rhythm section.

Aside from staying far enough from the drummer to avoid hearing damage, it really doesn't matter much to me; most drummers play loudly enough that I have no difficulty hearing them, no matter where I am on stage. I'm usually more concerned about being positioned so that the sound of cymbals doesn't impede my ability to hear everyone else on stage. It's usually far more important that I hear what the lead vocalist and pianist are doing than to hear exactly what the drummer is playing.

Edit to add: most of the time, drummers complain if they can't hear my rig clearly, so I'll often position my cabs to accommodate the drummer, although that seldom dictates where I stand on stage; most of the time, I use an X-2 wireless.

[darkfinger]

I like to be on the Hi Hat side of the Drummer. (generally stage left), when I'm not singing lead as well.
I'm pretty sure this is the "right" side of the drummer to be on because in most cases the hi hat is where drummer boy/girl is gonna keep the time and help you keep locked in.

edit* beat me to it! Also less noise is an excellent reason.

[Sparkdog]

Whichever side is opposite the guitarist. The reason is that we always seem to be whacking each other with the necks of our instruments and competing volume-wise.

When we're on opoosite sides of the drummer the stage volume and balance is always better IME.

[ahc]

Hi Hat side.

[christianharger]

Originally Posted by darkfinger

I like to be on the Hi Hat side of the Drummer. (generally stage left), when I'm not singing lead as well.
I'm pretty sure this is the "right" side of the drummer to be on because in most cases the hi hat is where drummer boy/girl is gonna keep the time and help you keep locked in.

edit* beat me to it! Also less noise is an excellent reason.

+1.

[ReBass]

Hi Hat side - the only piece on the kit that's usually consistent with the beat.

[ataunton]

Hi Hat side for me as well.

[Schlyder]

up wind.

[ProgRapture]

I was always to the right of the drummer. Now that I have tinnitus in my left ear, I'd prefer to be on the right, this time with proper ear protection.

Off topic, but always wear ear protection!!!

[ProgRapture]

Oops, I meant I'd prefer to be on the left.

[RNV]

Our lead guitarist likes the HH side, but my drummer uses his ride a lot and has X hats near the ride which he uses just as much as the other hats. I stick to the ride side and that also lets me hear his kick even though he doesn't travel w/o his full set of triggers.

[Captain Bob]

Ditto, the hi-hat side.....stage left.

[marklaforest]

I say hi hat as well, for the reasons mentioned above but also because most drummers tend to look that way and it's easier to get eye contact for changes.

[aus_bass]

Hi-Hat side, where I can see his kick-pedal. This also keeps my head-stock away from any cymbals or guitards.

[Rocky]

I prefer stage left.

[Jim C]

Left - hi hat side for the above mentioned reasons; also easier to see his hoof stomping the kick pedal without the floor tom in the way

(meant to say foot)

Aus beat me to the kick pedal thought

[irishpride28]

I like to be to the right- it's easier to cast a glance to my left (when playing righty), this way I can make eye contact with the band if necessary

[Big John66]

I usually go on the right side of the drummer. That way I can still fret notes with my left hand and mix sound with my right.

I actually hate having to mix and play at the same time, but most bars around here don't pay enough to pay a real sound guy.

[Curtybob]

I usually hang out stage-right. Drummer plays loud enough that I can hear everything, plus, we have played together for a long time. I think we run on the same clock.

So, stage-right... but that doesnt really matter to me. As long as my monitor has a good mix, I can stand in Timbuktu.