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On stage: Right or Left of the drummer?
- Thread starter M.R. Ogle
- Start date
I think this thread has already been done before. Isn't it amazing the things you find when you use the search function.
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-622963.html
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-622963.html
I prefer the High Hat side. However, I'm pretty flexible. I can go to either side if needed.
The caveat here is, I can't be too far from the drummer. I played a gig where I was forced to be on the opposite side of the stage from the drummer. It was a really stupid arrangement. I was lost in the sauce for the whole first set. Between sets, I set up a separate monitor for myself with just drums in the mix. The next set was better, but I still felt really disconnected. I would never agree to that again. The drummer I worked with that night was not happy about the arrangement either. He taped a chemlight (or light stick, or break light, or whatever they are called) to his leg so I could see it for the second set.
That was the first and last time I ever missed a sound check.
The caveat here is, I can't be too far from the drummer. I played a gig where I was forced to be on the opposite side of the stage from the drummer. It was a really stupid arrangement. I was lost in the sauce for the whole first set. Between sets, I set up a separate monitor for myself with just drums in the mix. The next set was better, but I still felt really disconnected. I would never agree to that again. The drummer I worked with that night was not happy about the arrangement either. He taped a chemlight (or light stick, or break light, or whatever they are called) to his leg so I could see it for the second set.
That was the first and last time I ever missed a sound check.
Snare/high-hat side if I have a choice. Simplifies communication, and the snare/hat are much more important to the GROOVE than the kick. The kick defines the rhythm but the snare and hat tell you the groove.
John
John
I don't have much a preference, but I guess it depends on what I'm playing.
The worst is when you're in a band and the guitarists tell you what side of the stage to play on. If I'm playing heavier, aggressive music, I will not be chained to one side of the stage. I want the whole damn thing.
The worst is when you're in a band and the guitarists tell you what side of the stage to play on. If I'm playing heavier, aggressive music, I will not be chained to one side of the stage. I want the whole damn thing.
Doesn't matter one way or another for me as long as we are keeping a groove.
However, if I am sitting in with a band and need to look at the guitarist chord changes, I prefer (facing the stage) the left side. That way I can see every chord the guitarist is playing.
However, if I am sitting in with a band and need to look at the guitarist chord changes, I prefer (facing the stage) the left side. That way I can see every chord the guitarist is playing.
on the same side as there snare since thats where they mostly look. You get the rock out moments where you and the drummer are in sync, looking at each other.
Which is why I started playing on the right so many years ago. But, sadly, it didn't help that much. His China Boy cymbal was on that side
dcr
I have been to left, to the right, way out front, and even standing right next to the drummer.. I have always preferred being on the floor tom side as I can see and hear things better. Center stage has the worst sound 
Always always hat-side. Although thinking about it, our drummer has an electric kit now so it shouldn't make much difference to what I hear, but that's the side it's gotta be. I do wander around the stage a bit though, sometimes go and stand with the guitarist on the other side, just to interact with him a bit.
Anyone ever got really used to being on one side and then played with a left handed drummer (do they have hat on other side? I've never seen one). How would that work, would you still want to stay on the same side, or would you follow the hat??
Anyone ever got really used to being on one side and then played with a left handed drummer (do they have hat on other side? I've never seen one). How would that work, would you still want to stay on the same side, or would you follow the hat??
Well, i never really thought the drummer side i should be on, mostly because our guitarist/singer tends to get really playing, and most stages i have been on were small so that if i was on his Left i would get hit with his headstock. Also i tend to play with me bass on my hip, so it favours my right side. If i am on the wrong side it can look like my backs to the crowd....
So i keep the drummer to my right, so i can watch the guitarists and 'face' the crowd better..
So i keep the drummer to my right, so i can watch the guitarists and 'face' the crowd better..
First, it's mostly how the drummer sits rather than what I can hear there- most face more towards the snare/hat side so it's easier to communicate with them on the snare/hat side.
I've played with a couple of lefty drummers and switching to the opposite side of stage wasn't a big deal to me. It's still the snare/hat side so that's what I was after.
John
Mm, this used to bug me. Then I gave up, then I didn't care as long as I was not further then the length of a ball hair from the drummer. Let us think out of the box for a second. I've played a few gigs with the drummer either left or right but facing inwards then bass in the center. My favourite way to play!
In the blues trio I play with, I am always to the drummers left, or the high hat side. When the guitar player is soloing, he likes having the ride closer to him, since the drummer usually plays that during his solos. I get the high hat side which works great for me too.
