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Does it matter where you are ?
- Thread starter SKA-KID
- Start date
I stand to the hihat side, but I chose that side mainly so I don't smash the head of my bass into my singer.... I didn't think it really mattered. Funny thing is, in our rehearsal studio, I stand on the opposite side. Now that I think about it, it is easier to visually communicate with the drummer via the hihat side... Maybe that's the reason and it has nothing to do with hearing?
And if the drummer is tucked in the corner???
I like to play on the highhat side, but the reality is that I play where I can fit on the stage. And at open jams I want to be stage right so I can see the guitar players hands better. Every little bit helps at an open jam.
I like to play on the highhat side, but the reality is that I play where I can fit on the stage. And at open jams I want to be stage right so I can see the guitar players hands better. Every little bit helps at an open jam.
I used to stand on the right (non hihat) side, and now stand on the left (hihat) side. Just happened to be the way we set up and how everybody fit. I don't see a difference. I think I'd prefer being on the very left though so I don't know anybody in the head/face with my headstock though, cause I do tend to move or bop or something.
I've always felt more comfortable playing stage-right, because I can see the guitarist hands much better.
If I joined a band with a south-paw (lefty) rhythm guitarist, I'd have no doubt that I'd set up stage-left.
If I joined a band with a south-paw (lefty) rhythm guitarist, I'd have no doubt that I'd set up stage-left.
It's strictly a matter of personal preference - there is no "right" or "wrong" answer. I prefer being on the drummer's left, next to the hi-hat - because 1) we can more easily establish eye contact that way, 2) I usually seem to have more elbow room on that side, and 3) from the audience perspective, I think it usually looks better and more balanced to see the bassist playing on that side of the stage...
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Hi.
I've always positioned myself in the right side of the stage, if just playing bass and middle/right if singing lead also.
Nowadays as my right ear is stone-deaf, give or take something random below 80Hz, I couldn't dream of doing it otherwise.
BTW, What book tells the supposed positions of various musicians?
Sam
I've always positioned myself in the right side of the stage, if just playing bass and middle/right if singing lead also.
Nowadays as my right ear is stone-deaf, give or take something random below 80Hz, I couldn't dream of doing it otherwise.
BTW, What book tells the supposed positions of various musicians?
Sam
I play on the left/hihat side, as we've got two guitarists - one each side. When I joined they asked me to slot in between the guitarist, singer and drums, and that works fine. However most of the time I move forwards so I'm in front of the drums next to the singer, rather than at the side.
When I play with one guitarist I usually move over to the right, which I guess I prefer. Aside from the increased space, I can look over to my left, and see my frets, AND the rest of the band.
Basically though it really doesn't bother me - its a bit strange at first, but I try and move around anyway.
Ian
When I play with one guitarist I usually move over to the right, which I guess I prefer. Aside from the increased space, I can look over to my left, and see my frets, AND the rest of the band.
Basically though it really doesn't bother me - its a bit strange at first, but I try and move around anyway.
Ian
When we rehearse in the studio we face the drummer.
We have 2 guitars and a vocalist for me to avoid. As long as I am between the guitarists and behind the female lead vocal and not hitting anyone, I don't have a set position.
In fact, I wish the other guys didn't have one too
We have 2 guitars and a vocalist for me to avoid. As long as I am between the guitarists and behind the female lead vocal and not hitting anyone, I don't have a set position.
In fact, I wish the other guys didn't have one too
In most jazz bands they teach you to stand on the HAT side so you can hear 2 & 4. I stand there mostly for that reason. When everything is going haywire-loud and I really need to know where things are...
Lot's of players don't care. I would suppose it is up to you.
Try it and see if your timing doesn't get better. If it does, move. If it doesn't, stay put.
Lot's of players don't care. I would suppose it is up to you.
Try it and see if your timing doesn't get better. If it does, move. If it doesn't, stay put.
I've been wherever they've needed me. to the left, to the right. In the center.
at least for once, I'm on a side alone -- no guitarist wailing his amp in my ear.
I try to stand to the right of the drummer. I stay away from the snare side at all costs! I've experienced too many hearing issues stemming from the heavy hitting of the snare. By the end of the night all high frequency hearing would be nil! Nothing but mud!
WEAR EAR PLUGS!The book is called 101 bass tips by Gary Willis Invalid Link Removed
Well thanks for all the replies! I guess it just whatever you like/feels right..I just stand wherever i set my amp up..but my guitarist likes the left side, so he usually takes it..
thanks everybody!
Hi.
Thanks for the link.
I watched some of his clips in YouTube and it does kinda make sense, especially in jazz.
However, if the on-stage sound is balanced it shouldn't matter where you position yourself. Unfortunately that's seldom the case.
Sam
Thanks for the link.
I watched some of his clips in YouTube and it does kinda make sense, especially in jazz.
However, if the on-stage sound is balanced it shouldn't matter where you position yourself. Unfortunately that's seldom the case.
Sam
I stand on the right side (the drums being on my left, that is). Simple reason: I'm a lefty, and the drummer is afraid of me occasionally hitting him with the headstock if I am not pleased with his playing...
I agree, Entwistle notwithstanding. But in my last band we needed room for keys and two guitars on stage, and the lead vocalist/guitarist refused to stand in the center where most would expect the lead vocals to be. So guess who ended up out there? I got used to it, but it never felt right being dead center without rocking the mic! (My sometimes spotty backing harmonies did not exactly "rock" anything, much less the mic.) Some audience members commented on this, and wanted our leader out front. Yet there I remained, for every show save two. The only advantage was being able to interact with anyone on stage without navigating the patch cord jungle.
Actually it is a good idea if you wish to lock in tighter with the drummer.
The drummer is mostly involved with the highhat and snare, so he/she is just there.
We are the rhythm section, so buddy up as close as possible
for the tightest grooves..........
The drummer is mostly involved with the highhat and snare, so he/she is just there.
We are the rhythm section, so buddy up as close as possible
for the tightest grooves..........
I move around. I am prety much the frontman, even though I don't sing, so standing shyly in a corner isn't much of an option.
