Where do you stand on stage?

[Bard2dbone]

Silly question. Right in the middle. Guitar to my right, keys to my left, drums behind me (and a little to the right), because that's where the singer belongs.

Our most efficient set up was when the guitarist, keyboardist and I were all using pairs of identical speakers. On either side of the drumset was a 4x10 (mine) with a 2x12 sitting on top of it (guitar) and an EV PA speaker on a stand behind and above it (keys and vocals). It was nicely balanced, both visually and sonically. We had a small rack on a stand on either side of the drums (well, a little in front and to the sides) for the bass and guitar amps, and a whole lot of cables.

But it was a cool system.

 

[puttz buster]

If I can, near the hat side of the drummer I prefer. I have played some gigs where the whole band is In 1 straight line across the stage (with the drummer out the front too) that was different, crowd sortta dug it too.

 

[Nick man]

If I can, near the hat side of the drummer I prefer. I have played some gigs where the whole band is In 1 straight line across the stage (with the drummer out the front too) that was different, crowd sortta dug it too.

In my last band, our drummer would often set up his set sideways and a bit closer to the front of the stage than usual.

It was great a great visual for the crowd as he was very dynamic and had great stage presence. It was also nice for me because I could see what was going on without having to walk around to the back of the stage if I needed to.

Peace
Nick

 

[BassGod]

I don't think it matters that much, so if I'm not singing a particular song, I just jump around on stage... if I'm singing, my microphone is usually on the right (floor tom) side.

 

[Moving Pictures]

I prefer the hi-hat side so I can more easily hear the beat (usually the 2 and the 4 in this band). The previous band I was in they guys liked to be on the opposite side of the hi-hat. Mind you with them it didn't matter because the guitarist played so loud I could barely hear the hat or the kick

 

[Figjam]

I stand to the hi hat side.

 

[smokinbass]

Stand on the ride cymbal side too long and you'll loose the ride cymbal (bell) frequency in your left ear.

 

[quallabone]

hi hat side.

I also wear 20% reduction earplugs

 

[Boozy]

I like to be on the tom side (right side looking out)...

I dunno why, but i just do... maybe it is because:

the main guitarist (being a right hand player) while facing out from the left side of the stage sortof automatically looks inwards (center crowd) (his left hand/fretting hand would be on th outside) which makes sence for him... and I move around alot so I dont automatically get set in a direction (because of mic and whatnot)..

I dunno.. never had a problem hearing the hihat or visually seeing anything, i do get frustrated with the kick tho sometimes.. I just like being to the drummers right i guess..

 

[Pirate]

I have to stand on the drummer's floor tom side, just because I'm used to it. It couldn't be any other way.

 

[Sundogue]

I stand on the drumers hi-hat/snare side. For two reasons...one, I can see and hear his kick, snare and hi-hat better (the rest is just fluff anyway)...and two, if you stand on his hi-hat/snare side you can keep eye contact, when needed, better because he is never facing away from you.

 

[supermonkey]

Stage right, adjacent the floor tom and ride. Just like the Ox, JPJ, Geezer, and Gene Simmons, baby.

Advanced RST* allows me to pay little attention to what the drummer is doing.


*Rhythm Section Telepathy

 

[vasilio]

Hi - Hat side.
Makes for good eye contact with drummer - lock - in real nice.
Oh - pay no attention to my avatar - I'm on tom side just for practice session!!

 

[interp]

I prefer to be close to the hi hat. For me it's the best place to see, hear and communicate with the drummer.

 

[buldog5151bass]

I stand on the floor tom side, so I can see everything, and so I can put my foot on the bass drum peg when necessary to "feel" the beat if monitors go nutty.

 

[RedMoses]

If i had to choose a side it would be the Hi hat side but i generally stand in the middle or the guitar player does, sometimes we have to be more creative on smaller stages so...

 

[mellowinman]

I move all over the place. I am drawn back to my mic, which is stage center, but I have stood on the drum riser, run out into the audience, invaded my wife's space, stage left, and generally avoid guitarland, stage right, as he has pedals and cords everywhere.

I try to get as out in the open as I can, most of the time, but sometimes I have to be behind the keyboard, and sometimes I'm just jamming with Mr. Drummer.

I have never understood having a "spot."

The whole ROOM is game!

 

[mellowinman]

I stand on the floor tom side, so I can see everything, and so I can put my foot on the bass drum peg when necessary to "feel" the beat if monitors go nutty.

There are actually times you cannot hear the kick drum? I can't imagine what your stage volume must be like! We don't feed drums through any monitors, and I can always hear/feel the kick.

Well, all the drums, actually.

 

[mellowinman]

Excuse my ignorance but when you say stage left/stage right are you looking at the stage from the audience or from the stage out?I'm a lefty so I'm on the right hand side of the stage? My guitarist is from the darkside(a righty) and I learned long ago that it's not a good idea to cross guitars

Stage left is the left side of the stage as you face the audience.

The audience sees you as being on the right side of the stage when you are stage left.

 

[buldog5151bass]

I should be able to, but I've had some gigs where the stage sound was so lousy, I played by feel. Ya do what ya gotta, and aim for the soundman after.