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Stage layout

C

ClydeMcAllister

Jan 18, 2008
216
5
Lafitte, LA
#1
Okay so my band was planning on setting up like this when we play shows:

Guitar 1----Guitar 2 ----Drums----Keys----Bass

I know the way I see pretty much every band ever set up never has two guitars on the same side. I was wondering if setting up this way would make any difference in how the band sounds? We'll be playing through a PA system at all the venues we play at so I think it would make a difference for the people close to the stage, but the question is how much of a difference?

I want to set up this way because it'll give me more room on stage. I have a sizeable pedal board and a MIDI/Synth rig of my own. I'd like to be next to the keys as well so that he and I could both use his amp as a monitor for his keyboard and my MIDI setup.
 
#2
Most folks would put the bassist and drummer together, as these are the guys who need to "lock together" the most.

Keys should be stage right, as that's where a grand piano would be. But, having the guitars all the way out can help the guys in the middle hear them better (as they can hear them separately, instead of as one big noise).
 
#3
do yourself and the venues a favor and make a simple stage plot that you can print out or post on your website, include monitor mixes and provide input list if you can.

that said, you can setup anyway you'd like, but some plots are more practical then others.
My band has a unconventional plot.

guitars and bass backline are upstage center, drums are downstage left facing center, keys are downstage right facing center, horns are right behind keys, upstage right.



Invalid Link Removed
 
#4
TimmyP said:
Most folks would put the bassist and drummer together, as these are the guys who need to "lock together" the most.

Keys should be stage right, as that's where a grand piano would be. But, having the guitars all the way out can help the guys in the middle hear them better (as they can hear them separately, instead of as one big noise).
Click to expand...

I would be next to the drummer, but I always end up towards the front of the stage anyways, since I sing/front the band as well.

AlembicPlayer said:
do yourself and the venues a favor and make a simple stage plot that you can print out or post on your website, include monitor mixes and provide input list if you can.

that said, you can setup anyway you'd like, but some plots are more practical then others.
My band has a unconventional plot.

guitars and bass backline are upstage center, drums are downstage left facing center, keys are downstage right facing center, horns are right behind keys, upstage right.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the tip, I wouldn't have thought of that.

And man, your stage setup makes some of my ideas look normal. Ha.
 
#5
ClydeMcAllister said:
I know the way I see pretty much every band ever set up never has two guitars on the same side. I was wondering if setting up this way would make any difference in how the band sounds? We'll be playing through a PA system at all the venues we play at so I think it would make a difference for the people close to the stage, but the question is how much of a difference?
Click to expand...
In short, if you've got PA support, the answer still is, "it depends". You've got the right idea, that closer to the stage might hear a little differently than people in the back, but that's not clear without knowing how much PA support you're relying on.

The thing is, any instrument that goes into the PA can be panned (if running stereo) as far left or right as you want, perhaps to both sides. That'll create a stereo image that won't be appreciated by those not in the sweet-spot. OTOH, if running full mono, it won't matter as much. In fact, for most bars and small clubs, I doubt anyone would notice the difference.

I do agree you should set up so you have easy access to listen to, feel, and communicate with the drummer...Most bass players play on the inside, close to the drummer. My own preference is to have the drummer to my immediate left, so as I'm looking at him I can always glance quickly at my fretboard.
 
#9
Stage plots/setups vary wildly. What works best for you, is what you should do, but, having said that, if you are opening, or part of a multi-band show, it would be polite if you are flexible to where your things are. Drums center is a common standard. Keys, bass and guitars are usually not much of an issue. If there are 3 bands (for example) and all the bass amps are stage left, you might be annoying to the sound people if you insist on being stage right, or some where odd. A great suggestion, to make a nice stage plot, and have a dream input list (everything you could possibly need mic'ed up) and a scaled down input list (the bare essentials). Consult your sound engineer for options. You should be able to google a wide varity of stage plots, to see what others have been doing. If you would like, PM me, and I will email you one for an example.
 

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