I voted carrots cause OP has this reversed.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Where do YOU like to stand on stage and why?
- Thread starter GrapeBass
- Start date
-
- Tags
- performance position stage
EdwardofHuncote
I Still Dream of Jeannie
- Aug 21, 2013
- 6,648
- 2
- 16,412
- Disclosures
- I privately own and operate a local musical instument repair shop.
Ine the back... where I can control things.
...because we fired the drummer.
...because we fired the drummer.
Stock answer: "It depends". Not all bands are comprised of the same instrumentation and emphasis. By emphasis, I mean the front line. This includes the lead vocalist (called, ironically, the front man), lead horn or sax not stuck in the back by the rhythm section, or any other focal point of the performance. Musical shows are notorious for their rigorous adherence to the formula of ego being showcased and talent being hidden in the background. Ashlee Simpson is front and center while Rocco Prestia was camouflaged in the back row. The best we as bassists can hope for is to be placed in a safe environment. Not too confined to constrict motion, yet in close enough proximity to your amp and in view of the other members of the rhythm section (like the drummer, who, according to the formula, should be so far out in front that he's in the building across the street). That said (or ranted), I prefer hi hat side of the drummer (usually left, though in the case of a southpaw it is reversed to the right). I don't usually like using the headstock as a weapon (although that, too, depends on the behavior of the other bandmembers). Hope this helps. Now practice and stay back! Waaaaay back. 
'Prefer' ? Hi-Hat side of the drummer; I've played with some lefty drummers so the specific location varies with whoever's working...
In practice, I usually wind up stage left.
In practice, I usually wind up stage left.
Great. I like it when there are no correct answers. My days of standing on a stage are over so, I sit on a stool in my home studio and enjoy playing. It doesn't matter who is playing or where they are because they are with me and I am enjoying it!
It depends. I’m usually on to the left of the drummer… but might be the one in the center on a trio gig. Between the drum and piano.
Some gigs I’m in the middle with no drummer at all. Just me piano and sax.
Most big bands I play with… I’m still left of the drums (and we’re both stage right), and all the horns are on my left. I’m generally next to the jazz chair. Makes it easier for them to solo over changes.
Some gigs I’m in the middle with no drummer at all. Just me piano and sax.
Most big bands I play with… I’m still left of the drums (and we’re both stage right), and all the horns are on my left. I’m generally next to the jazz chair. Makes it easier for them to solo over changes.
You meant to embed a quiz on the meaning of “stage left” and “stage right” but you’re forgetting that “the left” and “the right” of the drummer is relative to audience or band perspective. It would be much clearer if you just said stage right or stage left. Also, I’d reverse my pick if it were a lefty drummer. I said stage left, but that’s because I prefer high hat side.
Right hand drummer
With IEM
I prefer the hihat side far enough to see both his bass drum beater AND the pianists left hand. Perfect.
Initially I was on the hat side because I didn't like the crash cymbal and the ride it's too loud, and then we went to a different stage setup and the piano was repositioned which it was ideal for me.
With IEM
I prefer the hihat side far enough to see both his bass drum beater AND the pianists left hand. Perfect.
Initially I was on the hat side because I didn't like the crash cymbal and the ride it's too loud, and then we went to a different stage setup and the piano was repositioned which it was ideal for me.
I tried to explain stage-centric position to my wife who has never done theatre or played music. Not sure it landed.
Most stages are set with the bass close to the high hat, which changes whether the drummer is left or right handed. I don't really have a preference ad long as there is enough room.
I guess the other question is where are front to back?
I am almost always (stage permitting) on the front line with the guitars and lead singer. The drummer is behind us. I cannot, for example, see his feet even if I turn around.
I am almost always (stage permitting) on the front line with the guitars and lead singer. The drummer is behind us. I cannot, for example, see his feet even if I turn around.
Stage right so if I’m playing upright (which admittedly is rare these days) I don’t have to look across my body to the drummer. On electric I don’t really care
Logic tells me stage left near drummer, but I sing so I’m up front either way, and being right side means I don’t have to turn as much to see everyone else on stage. In the end our guitar player usually chooses his spot and I go opposite. I’m wireless half the time so I wander around when I can. I’ve never been one to stand in back by the drummer.
At the hi-hat side of the drummer so we can see each other. Stage L or R depends on if the drummer is lefty or righty. Also away from the horns if there are any. In my last band I was up front stage L as I did some singing as well.
