Hi-hat side of the drummer

[scottfeldstein]

I try not to be a jerk about it, but I strongly prefer to be stage-left, on the hi-hat side of the drummer. In fact, put me right next to the hat and I'll be happy as a clam. Yesterday a guitarist asked me what the big deal was with it, so I explained.

When you're playing drums, you naturally face slightly leftward. It's also the direction in which you don't have an enormous ride cymbal obscuring your vision of the other performers. As the bass player, being able to establish eyeball-to-eyeball contact with the drummer keeps the rhythm section tighter.

Can I get an amen?

 

[jmattbassplaya]

I prefer stage-right. I don't wanna see my drummer's ugly smug if I don't have to! Plus it's easier to see what the guitarist is doing.

 

[Selta]

It really doesn't matter to me. I'm tight enough with my drummer that I don't need to make eye contact hardly at all. Otherwise when performance time comes and the curtain opens, it's just natural and I play my part, locked in with the drums.

 

[aztomr]

Stage right guy here as well. Mt thoughts are on really small stages its easier to be on the right than left.

 

[ShoeManiac]

Eye contact is part of it. But I've found that a lot of the feel from a good number of grooves can come from the hi-hats. Having the hi-hat closer and easier to hear certainly helps me get locked in better with my drummer.

 

[Waterpilot]

So far, I've always liked it on the right, but we changed the practice room so that now I'm on the left. As it turns out... I'm fine with either.

 

[DiabolicLow B]

Either or for me but sometimes it depends on the venue and stage setup.

 

[jaywa]

I used to be really hardcore about being on the hi-hat side... and I still take that spot whenever it's possible. But at some venues, for any number of reasons, I have to flip over and by now it's not that big of a deal. Sometimes there's more room on his ride side and that can come in handy given that I like to move around a bit sometimes.

What I am adamant about though is being next to the drummer, regardless of side. The keyboards and guitars can move to the front or the sides of the stage but one of those spots next to the drummer is MINE.

 

[BullHorn]

I prefer being on the right because a) I look better that way and b) our drummer is left handed

 

[pbass2]

I try not to be a jerk about it, but I strongly prefer to be stage-left, on the hi-hat side of the drummer. In fact, put me right next to the hat and I'll be happy as a clam. Yesterday a guitarist asked me what the big deal was with it, so I explained.

When you're playing drums, you naturally face slightly leftward. It's also the direction in which you don't have an enormous ride cymbal obscuring your vision of the other performers. As the bass player, being able to establish eyeball-to-eyeball contact with the drummer keeps the rhythm section tighter.

Can I get an amen?

I'm with ya on this. The only band I'm currently playing with any regularity right now has a guitarist who insists on being on that side--but, he IS the bandleader . . . I don't mind, but I waaaaayyyyy prefer to be over by the hat any day.

 

[ExaltBass]

I prefer left because not only because of the Hi-Hat, but I can stay tighter with the kick when I need to (even out of the corners of my eyes) if I have a line-of-sight that you don't get on the right side. It's also usually quieter on the Hi-Hat side.

That said, I'm comfortable on either side, just a preference.

 

[Phalex]

My right ear aint what it used to be. I stay on the hi-hat side because I don't need to pound the crap out of my left one.

Ear plugs children: Live it, love it.

 

[zachoff]

My guitarist prefers stage right. I couldn't care less.

 

[plankspanker13]

I prefer the right, mostly because of tighter stages. Those whom I play with have long understood the "he who hath the longer neck" principle.

 

[mambo4]

I hang out on the snare/hi-hat side too.
but the reason is different: to be closer to parts that typically play the steadiest beats.
I never thought about the eye contact part, tho, its important too.

 

[BassBob1]

I prefer stage left but for no particular reason other than thats where I like to stand. But i'm not against standing on the other side.

 

[shtik]

My right ear aint what it used to be. I stay on the hi-hat side because I don't need to pound the crap out of my left one.

Ear plugs children: Live it, love it.

My right ear can't take high SPL's anymore, I get horrible cracking noises above a certain level. Must use ear plugs all the time (When not with IEM's).

About right or left - I realized that my neck is used to be turned right (Being on the hihat side) and it's more comfortable for me. On gigs that I don't move (ones I have to dress like an office clerk.. You know what I mean) and need to be in eye contact more than usual, something in the combination of my neck turned left most of the gig (being on the ride side) and the weight of the guitar on my left shoulder makes greater strain on my neck and it hurts for a couple of days after the gig.

So I am mostly all over the stage but if I have to stand in one place, definitely I prefer being on the hihat side.

 

[Bassmanmike1]

Hi-hat side, which also happens to be the side my drummer wants me on too! This is a Grateful Dead tribute band I'm talking about, and the drummer is the only one who is not a hard core Deadhead (but he's learning). Since Phil Leshes bass parts are so unorthodox compared to other bass players, my drummer say it's easier for him if he can watch my hands!

 

[Mystic Michael]

Can I get an amen?

A big Amen! right here...

MM

 

[vin*tone]

That's where you'll find me.

I like to set the drums up on the side of the stage where possible. Having a massive kit in the middle of your band makes no sense IMO