Stage-left or stage-right? What is your preference?

[nellie48]

What side of the stage do you like to play when you have a live gig? Also, let us know if you have any reasons and/or benefits for playing the same side. It would be interesting to hear from you and know what most people do?

My preference is the left side of the stage, but I dont have any particular reason for it.

 

[svtb15]

I like stage left.. its closer to the hi hat usually....
but guitards usually thing that my neck area is therir area.. so i bop them in the head a few time while i play with my eys closed to recover "my space"

 

[JustDavid]

Hi-hat. Easier for eye contact with the drummer.

 

[Febs]

Next to the drums, preferably on the high hat side.

 

[akaTRENT]

stage right. Hi hat is for guitarists. Lock in with the KICK drum is what im about.

 

[RobertPaulson]

stage right, always, in every band i've ever played in... not sure why though...

 

[akaTRENT]

stage right, always, in every band i've ever played in... not sure why though...

this is why Paulson and i rock.

 

[Beyer160]

For years, I stood on stage right (the drummer's right). I dunno how it started, but in every band I was in for 10 years, that was my spot. Then, I was in a band with a guitarist who pitched a fit over wanting that side, and insisted I go stage left. I didn't really mind switching sides (except for giving in to a childish tantrum), but once I got there it felt really strange for a couple months. Then I got used to it, and now I don't really care.
Whichever side is closest to the beer is a good place to be.

 

[nightcityburn]

I have played stage right mainly. Just something I got used to in my first 2 bands. I have played both and just prefer to be able to hear the rhythm guitarist, kick and snare, and a little vocals.

My first gig with my new band is Thursday, and I might be center stage, behind the singer/guitarist.

 

[Baryonyx]

Stage left, where I can hear and see the kick drum, the snare and the hi-hat. Thats what I'm looking to lock in with.

 

[JustDavid]

So . . . Stage Center?

 

[excane]

+1 to the hi-hat....

Stage left for me.

 

[excane]

Plus my drummer (when he uses two bass drums) always positions the left one angled more towards me and I often lean my leg or foot right up against it.

 

[atheos]

Stage-whatever-happens-to-be-better

That's because our guitarist operates our playback machine which is always on that side of the stage where the stage breakout box is and I'm on the opposite side. I listen to kick and snare and there are wedges anyway if I need more drums.

 

[jerry]

Usually stage left hanging out by the high-hat.

 

[alembicguy]

Hi-Hat side.I fill in with alot of different drummers and some are skecthy so I need to see their kick drum pedal sometimes to maintain the pocket.

 

[Jazz Ad]

+1.
I need to see the hi-hat.

 

[v-grooves]

I play with two bands pretty regularly and one has me on the right and the other on the left. I never had to think about it as it was just a natural thing.....the main thing is that I hear most of the drum kit....but that is what a good monitor mixer is all about.

V

 

[bassist4dalord]

Stage left at church. Vocalists and keys are all stage right, bass and rhythm guitar are stage left, leader and drummer are center. Works for me. We have an electric drum kit at church, so location really doesn't matter.

 

[nysbob]

I'll go anywhere. Makes no difference.