Which side of the stage do you prefer, Stage Left or Right?

[Stewie26]

I have been playing in various bands over the past twenty years. During this time we have had to play on some pretty cramped stages. I have always preferred to play stage left, (audience right) so I can easily turn my body towards the drummer without hitting my bass headstock against the cymbals. I am in a new band were the rhythm guitar player insist on the same stage position that I am use to playing. So now I am having to play stage right. Maybe I am just getting old and cranky and set in my ways but when I play stage right I do not feel as connected with the drummer. I would like to hear which side of a stage you prefer, if any, and why you are more comfortable there. Thanks.

[dtripoli]

I always naturally gravitate to the left of drummer...never thought about why.

[Fallen Zephyr]

I don't like having the high-hat, crash, and snare right in my ear so I usually prefer stage right.

[Mitchinboxer]

I just saw Radiohead, and the "right next to the drummer watching him intently" style seems like it works, might have to try that.

[M0ses]

I take stage right because I'm left handed, same reason as you basically. My headstock never gets in the way when I'm flailing.

[match]

I agree with you on stage left unless I'm doing any vocals in which case I have to be stage right in order to keep the boom extended off to the right.

[onosson]

I vastly prefer stage right, and I almost never get to play there.

[pnchad]

of the hi-hat is the concept

when all else fails, hopefully that will be steady

[Roadkill]

A right handed drummer plays turned slightly to his left as he has one foot on the kick pedal directly in front on him and the other on the high hat pedal to his left. You can see each other better on that side of him .

[bassfran]

I prefer hi-hat side to lock in better with the drummer.

AND because ride cymbals cause deafness.

[Stewie26]

Originally Posted by Roadkill

A right handed drummer plays turned slightly to his left as he has one foot on the kick pedal directly in front on him and the other on the high hat pedal to his left. You can see each other better on that side of him .

Another good reason for stage left. Thats a good point that I never even thought about before. I was just thinking that I prefered stage left to keep my headstock from bumping into the drummer's kit.

[Jazzdogg]

I don't choose my position on stage based on the drummer. I don't need to be standing right next to the drummer to hear him clearly, and most drummers are so noisy that I suffer ear fatigue if I'm too close.

My favorite position on stage is between the keyboard/rhythm guitar and the drummer; bass as nexus of the rhythm section.

I think it's critical for everyone in the rhythm section to have good eye contact with one another, and be close enough to talk between songs without strain or being audible offstage.

I spent the past decade in an eight-piece band. I was situated center stage with the drummer behind me, upstage, and the congero to his left; the keyboard player was center right, the guitarist center left, and the rest of the band downstage. That gave the rhythm section a strong connection that we all liked, but it didn't work on small stages.

[bassybill]

Originally Posted by pnchad

side of the hi-hat is the concept

when all else fails, hopefully that will be steady

Bingo.

[skwee]

I am to the left of the drummer, with keys on my left. My mic is fourth from stage left (out of nine singers), so when I'm singing, I'm just one left of center.

[PSYCHOTIC]

stage left so if i feel like leaving i can exit stage left.
but in all seriousness I dont mind and would rather it change often. and usually Im on the side the bass amp is on

[vin*tone]

Hi Hat side. UNLESS I'm playing in a band where I need to watch the guitarists fretting hand - then I go stage right.

[lowfreq33]

I've had lots of people run into my headstock over the years, so for safety's sake I tend to go stage left. Bass necks stick out a bit.

[vonsparks]

I agree with stage left as thats where I feel more comfortable.

[Néal Zheimer]

Same as almost everybody here. Stage left:
- I prefer being on the hit-hat side
- There is nothing (or no one) my bass neck can bang on
- My drummer tends to look to the left so eye contact is easier on this side

[wyattharris]

In my original trio, i prefer stage left. In the latin band i play in, though, my whole section (drums, guitar, bass) is on the right to make room for the horns, so that's where i am.