Where do YOU like to stand on stage and why?

[MultiScaleMale]

Most stages I’ve played are tight and I prefer whatever side you’re calling the side where my headstock points away from the drummer, but I’m still close. But I’ve made many different configurations work.

 

[Paul Corrosion]

I don't really mind that much where I stand but I do find interacting with the drummer more comfortable when I'm on their right.

 

[FunkHead]

I like Stage Right, My headstocks prefer stage left

 

[GregT]

Stage right. I am also a guitar player and since I am often a fill in bass player locally, I need to be able to see the guitarist hands since I often have never heard the songs before. Just like my profile picture.

 

[Brich]

Subtly, the option to the right of drummer, it's my good side plus it's comfy

 

[EatS1stBassist]

I prefer to stand on stage right (to the right of the drummer) on stage because, I feel, I get a better perspective view of the whole band for visual cues. It's also more natural for me to have my head positioned towards the neck of my bass (RH player).

I've noticed that a many British or European players also stand on stage right (to the right of the drummer) but American (North American) seem to favor stage left (to the left of the drummer) citing that they are on the side of the high hat or so that they can see the bass drum.

Interested in others opinions and reasons, there are no correct answers.

Hi hat side! I hear everything better when standing in that position. The pop of the snare the click of the HH And the all important visual (for me) on the resonant head of the bass drum.

 

[BassinCT]

I have been asked to set up on either side of the drum set with many types of ensembles, and I have no strong preference, but a few things that guide me.

Visual contact with others is important to me, and I know that my tendency is to visually focus to the left- I even tend to do that when attending classes or lectures. If I am positioned stage left, to the left of the drums, I usually face more toward the center of the stage at times when I need to make eye contact.

As far as hearing any component of the drum kit, I have never encountered difficulties hearing any of it on either the left or right side, nor has it had an effect on my ability to “lock in”.

There are no rules here, but if I can hear everything, see everyone and others are at ease, then it’s all good.

 

[pbass2]

Hi hat side for me. The drummer's head is usually turned that way and we have better eye contact, plus I can usually see his kick foot better.

 

[ELG60]

Behind the guitarists amps and on the left side of a right-handed drummer.

 

[CoffeeLove]

I prefer to stand on stage right (to the right of the drummer) on stage because, I feel, I get a better perspective view of the whole band for visual cues. It's also more natural for me to have my head positioned towards the neck of my bass (RH player).

I've noticed that a many British or European players also stand on stage right (to the right of the drummer) but American (North American) seem to favor stage left (to the left of the drummer) citing that they are on the side of the high hat or so that they can see the bass drum.

Interested in others opinions and reasons, there are no correct answers.

Just like this, here we are. The options were a bit confusing, but I prefer to stand stage left, which is to the left of the drummer when facing the audience. Since I am right handed it allows me to easily look right to see everyone, in turn putting my bass and body in a more open stance. If I am to the right of the drummer it requires my headstock to swing all the way around to communicate/lock with the drummer, which essentially turns my back to the audience. Hope that makes sense

 

[dcbluesbass]

 

[Marko 1]

My right eye was damaged (no lens in it, total blur) so I prefer stage right, to the right of the drummer (house left) so I can easily keep my bass neck and band in view.

 

[rufus.K]

I stand where the backline bass rig is.

 

[bassdrummer]

When I play bass and sing lead vocals, I set up in front of the drums and to the left. I can turn and look back over my right shoulder to communicate with the drummer.

When I play drums and sing lead vocals, I have my mic positioned so I am facing straight ahead toward the audience. So I am used to drumming without looking toward my hi hat (left side) or at my ride cymbal (right side). So it doesn’t really matter to me as a drummer where the bass player wants to set up.

 

[zubrycky]

I don't have any special preferences.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

On the drummer's high hat side.

 

[D.M.N.]

My guitarist is a lefty, so I prefer stage left so our headstocks don't clash. Having a Thunderbird, there's a lot of neck and headstock to look out for. But it's not a deal breaker.

 

[Deleted member 389437]

I really dont have a preference but I do enjoy being on the hihat side or in the middle with the guitist and vocalist. Im a much more lead style of bassist. Even in some groves we do the bass is actually louder than the guitar, and the guitar just plays as a rythem

 

[5StringBlues]

Prefer high hat side but really don't care for the most part.



On a big stage I like to lumber around a bit.

 

[seanm]

I prefer stage right so I can see what the guitar is playing for songs I don't know.

I am generally stage left though.