I play in 2 bands and I'm always on the left. Never rwally thought about it tbh. Makes sense as many have mentioned, playing with right handed drummers. The hi hat and snare being more audible plus the biggest to me is being able to easily communicate with a quick glance.
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Where do you stand?
- Thread starter Zoffy
- Start date
I don’t know if this has been shared as yet, so I will add another perspective. Being on drummers left could have come from the old “black band” setup, which refers to the way the big jazz bands(18 piece) were set up in days past. The drummer was set to be as close to the center of the band as possible, so the bands were set up with horns on one side and rhythm section on the other. The solo horn books were seated as close to the drummer as possible so that during a solo, all players were as tight to the drummer as possible. When this setup evolved, the bass player was playing a string bass, which had no bearing on where the neck was located.
Sometimes, old habits continue without question as to why, and only change when there is a need for change. After playing in and conducting big bands for near 50 years, it seems logical in my mind. Then again, as performers, we do what feels right to us at the moment.
Sometimes, old habits continue without question as to why, and only change when there is a need for change. After playing in and conducting big bands for near 50 years, it seems logical in my mind. Then again, as performers, we do what feels right to us at the moment.
I like being at drummer’s right. As Entwhistle supremely showed, bassist holds the band down. On drummer right I can see his bass drum action, keep an eye on the rest of the band, and have my neck in view. Even with a rock steady drummer this works well and drummers will zone to their right if they are communicative with their bassist.
I'm surprised at all the answers going for the drummer's left. I always go to the right of the drummer. (We are both righties.)
Reasons:
1) I can see the entire band and still glance at my fretboard. My role is to stitch all the pieces together and make it sound good. I need to see everyone.
2) I can hear the drummer fine on the drummer's right side. Hell, I could hear him fine in the parking lot.
3) On a tight stage, my neck is above the ride cymbal and not in anyone's way.
I've been on the other side but never felt as comfortable.
Reasons:
1) I can see the entire band and still glance at my fretboard. My role is to stitch all the pieces together and make it sound good. I need to see everyone.
2) I can hear the drummer fine on the drummer's right side. Hell, I could hear him fine in the parking lot.
3) On a tight stage, my neck is above the ride cymbal and not in anyone's way.
I've been on the other side but never felt as comfortable.
A picture of a guy with good taste in basses!! Of course, being a Spector player, I might be biased.
It depends. When walking into an established band situation I usually stand where the last bass player stood because they are used to that. Also, when playing a place with a backline, where they put the bass amp usually dictates where I'll stand.
I usually stand to the right of the drummer if I have a choice, but it really depends on the stage. When we have a pedal steel player or keyboardest they usually are on the left side. On one small stage we played frequently the left was the only place I had room for my rig.
I play in a 3-piece band (drums,guitar bass) and our guitarist is left handed. So I stand on the drummer's left as it gives me a bit more room in smaller venues. Visually it gives a nice symmetry I suppose. From a sound point of view I'm not sure it matters too much - I guess you'd have to ask the audience. We usually get asked to do a re-booking so we're doing something right! It's an interesting point you raise though, as conventionally I think more bassists position themselves to the drummer's right hand side. But then again, if you go to watch an orchestra play, all the bassier instruments, cellos, double bass etc are on the audience's right (percussionist's left) whilst the treblier instruments are on the audience's left (percussionist's right). Oh well, what the hey - as long as everyone has a good time.....
Agree 100%. I can’t always hear the kick or hi-hat the way I want, but if I can see them, I have a better chance of locking in.
I always preferred standing to the left of the drummer. I have two reasons:
1) in high school and college jazz bands, I was always set between the drummer and the horns - so habit;
2) I like being close to the high hat and away from the China cymbal.
I play in a couple of bands. One has a less-than-stellar drummer. I have to stand on his left so that I can cue him. The other band has a great drummer, I'm usually on his right. It worked out that way. It is handy for more headstock room, he keeps his cymbals fairly low. We get by just fine with eye contact. One other advantage (it can't be typical) is that I am deaf in my left ear, so the cymbal noise isn't a problem. I'd rather have my hearing back.....No, it didn't happen from loud music, although that probably didn't help!
I never thought of this in the ole days when I played with a drummer but usually my headstock points to the right of the rest of the band.
I normally play to right looking out but sometimes when opening for another band and using their rig if set up on left then that’s where I play. Just been playing on that side for 40 plus years.
I’ve never had a preference, but I guess in my old band, our guitarist did, and he would always take the stage left side, so I would end up on stage right. But, strangely, during rehearsals, we were always the reverse. Of course, we rehearsed in the hair salon owned by the guitarist, so maybe he had some comfort issue in that room.
Personally, I prefer to mix it up, because I think a band’s image should be dynamic, rather than static.
Personally, I prefer to mix it up, because I think a band’s image should be dynamic, rather than static.
