Stage Left or Stage Right?

[Max Blasto]

As a singer, I'm never near the drummer, always up front. In front, I could be in the center or to one of the sides, but never on the wings.

I used to prefer stage right, but since buying a 35" scale bass, the other fellas feel safer with me on the left as one careless move from the right could sweep the entire stage clear!

 

[Stealth Fighter]

I voted stage right. I'd rather be on the left near the hi-hat, but after 25 years of playing on the right, my left ear is shot. No need to change now and further damage my right ear. So why did I play for 25 years on the right. Most of the clubs we played had the stage entrance on or near stage left, so the B-3 always claimed that spot (if you ever played with a B-3, you understand). The guitar player and I took the RHS . Guitar was up front with the singer, I stayed back with the drummer.

 

[T_E]

Jazz = Next to the Ride Cymbal.
Orchestra = In the the Bass Section.
Rock/pop = Next to the Hi-Hat.
Solo = Center Stage.

 

[JimmyM]

I like being on the side closest to my paycheck.

 

[T_E]

I like being on the side closest to my paycheck.

I was considering that one!

 

[Lee Moses]

I don't understand people mentioning the hi-hat. I can hear every piece of the drumset from anywhere because it is so loud. Also, I pay attention to kick and snare much more than cymbals.

I can't answer for everyone, but I like to be on the hi-hat side because in many genres that's typically the way the drummer is facing.

 

[mellowinman]

I don't care. I will be moving about throughout the show anyway.

 

[MYLOWFREQ]

to me wherever the bass amp is. I think it is easier for the drummer to have an eye contact with you if you're at stage left though.

 

[hintz]

Stage left, or hi-hat side, its easier to see the kick if I can't hear it well and easier to communicate....

That's my preference, but I've also played in some bands where the BL wanted to be on that side so I had to suck it up and be on "stage right" or by the ride cymbal....

I guess it doesn't matter *too* much to me...

 

[Dogbertday]

Center if I'm playing upright. But hats side on anything else

 

[KickingBass]

I don't mind much where but for some reason my BL likes me in the center while he's off to the side

 

[Nephilymbass]

I play stage left. I always have. One of the benefits in my opinion is that I can see our drummers feet better because his floor tom isn't blocking the view.

 

[fakeneckplate'65]

Stage far right.....

I saw this on my Facebook feed last night.

 

[Stealth Fighter]

Stage far right.....
View attachment 693932

I saw this on my Facebook feed last night.

There's so much wrong here that further comment is futile.

 

[Mike N]

Stage right, on the ride cymbal side.

 

[Mike N]

Stage far right.....
View attachment 693932

I saw this on my Facebook feed last night.

Looks more like back stage.

 

[the harp unstrung]

Stage Left. It has nothing to do with the hi hat, and everything to do with the sight line to the drummer's bass pedal. I know I've even been a bit of an azz hat about it once or twice.

We joke that it's similar to having a side of the bed.

I'd never thought about it like that, but now I have!

 

[T_E]

Stage far right.....
View attachment 693932

I saw this on my Facebook feed last night.

That the same method used during Monkees' Live Shows.

 

[buldog5151bass]

I like being on the ride cymbal side. This way it is easy to watch the drummer, and easily put my foot on the bass drum peg if necessary in case the stage sound sucks.

 

[BassinCT]

I have set up center, left, right, hidden, in the audience, etc. In my experience, proximity to a part of the drum kit has not been as important as being able to make visual contact with all members. Some stage setups (like today's) had the drum set on a riser and farther back. Fortunately, the guys running sound had everything under control and we could all hear each other. I could have set up anywhere and the hi-hat would have been audible.

For guys who are lead vocalists + bassists, having a pro running sound is very important if you rely on hearing the hi-hat. It's not often you see a bassist/front-man hanging out by the hi-hat. For those of us without that luxury every weekend, you gotta do what makes you feel most comfortable. Visually, I have an easier time on stage right. If the sound is funky and I am more reliant on the drums, then left.