As an actively gigging bassist, there are two things to always consider: rhythm and space. Never fall out of that pocket, no matter what you're playing that is what you engage the moment you unpack 'till the moment you leave. The other is when you are playing be conscious of your band, try to give them space to go somewhere. That lock between you and your drummer controls dynamics and phrasing for your soloist, you're the bus driver so give them a bus to sit in. I ask myself constantly while playing to step away from myself and pretend I'm watching the show, what does it sound like? What does it feel like? What do I want to see? What does it need?
It is also important to stand somewhere where you have a good view of the guitar player's left hand. Especially if you aren't very familiar with the set list.
Just shut up prick it's called expression maybe if you and all your buddys who liked your comment understood expression, you would be better bass players.🤣🤣🤣Maybe then you would actually understand it in a musical sense.
Every one thinks differently; however, I agree that bass and drums/percussion should be together. I like to stand in the middle if it is my Jazz trio, and I don't mind not being by the hi-hat. With latin music I like to be between the piano and the congas because congas are the one basic instrument I want to follow. When I am the leader, I have to be in the front with my amp near the drums, you just have to listen carefully to every instrument. I TRY TO LISTEN TO EVERYTHING ACOUSTICALLY AND KEEP ONLY WHAT IS FAR AWAY FROM ME IN THE MONITORS (no bass no drums). One more thing, when you go to see a symphony, try to sit in the front and by the basses, you will understand what the basses are playing; thus, it makes you enjoy the whole experience because the fast lines from the basses can diffuse easily when you are far from them. I have been playing gigs since I was 14 and I am 54, the one thing I've learned is that not always you can have what you want, so be ready to adjust to whatever. Thank you!
It becomes 1000 times trickier when you are also the singer for the band, you need to be listening to your own voice, and can't really use a monitor. My best stage tip is hang out with your drummer (really). Be best bros and following his drums will just come naturally
This really cleared a lot up. My worst gig was on an outside stage and it was freezing. I am/was really inexperienced in the gigging field and I didn't do any warmups and went straight on the stage. Naturally our first song was a really fast punk song. Since I barely felt my fingers it is safe to assume that I had a lot of trouble keeping in time. Felt really bad afterwards, but also got a valuable lesson - WARMUP.
40+ years as a gigging bassist. My stage position varies from band to band. In the situations where the drummer and I have worked together a long time, we could be at opposite ends of the stage and still lock because of our mutual respect for one another's instrument characteristics and careful adherence to time keeping. I seldom watch the drummer which "forces" me to actively listen and anticipate his output. My gear, which is compact ( typically 1 or 2 PhilJones C-4 cabs and one of various compact heads) goes in on a foldable equipment cart and stays on the cart when set up so I can move my rig easily as musicians arrive to make relocating for best results easy. This also keeps my rig off the floor for more sound definition.
I like to stay on the right of the drummer so I can see what I'm playing (fretting on the left hand) and see the rhythm of the drummer out the corner of my eye at he same time.
Great lesson Scott. In fact I 'd go as far as saying this is one of the most valuable bass lessons on the net because very few people mention it. I've been stuck on the Ride side on a gig for the past few months for one reason or another and I hate it. Locking in can become a real pain. Keep up the good work.
As a professional bassist for over 40 yrs, I have had to learn where to position myself and my amp by trial and error, and everything you've said here is totally spot-on, IMHO. Stage managers and sound techs will sometimes fight you on this, especially if they are non-musicians. Stand your ground! If the bass and drums have to be cranked in the monitors because you can't hear each other directly, it means that overall stage volume will be insanely loud. Ears are not replaceable!
When on live stage I usually running around, :-D , switching places with the guitarist.. it's an attractive performance. . And I like it though.. when I loose a little bit tempo, I'll stop and concentrate on hi'hat sound.. Thanks Scott you always and always inspired me.. :-)
Hey I have watched a couple of your videos. GREAT CONTENT. A couple of my friends and i have started a "band'. I put in quotes cause i don't really know what type of music we play we started like two weeks ago. I play bass so i really appreciate your videos
All good points-if there's room. One of our semi-regular gigs has such a small area we are back against a glass"wall" w/ our JBL EON PA in between us line abreast.
Even with in ear monitors and the ability to adjust your monitor right on stage, I found it helpful to be able to see what the drummer is doing. Thank you for these awesome videos.
I like to stand on the right so I can look at the drummer, watch the drummer and make eye contact while still watching the leader for clues about where the songs are going. I can always hear as much drums as I want. Thanks for your thoughts.
Since you ask for comments, a church in which I play (better not say where) has the music group on platforms, about 6 inches high, however, my friend has his bass 4x10 on the same platforms and only about 10 feet from the mikes, so there's a lot of transmission from bass to microphones, some via the air, some via the platforms. If I'm playing through his kit, I drag his speaker to a more solid place and get, to my mind, a better sound and less "mud" in the vocal feed. Great advice, Scott, as in all your videos, thank you.
I find from a comfort point of view, I like being on the right of the drummer. It means that if I need to look at him/her, then to my fretboard, then back again, I don't have to keep swinging my whole body/neck/instrument around. However, next gig I shall try going on the left/side nearest the hi-hat. Also, putting amps on amp stands/chairs is a great piece of advice. Thanks!
Interesting approach to choose the hi-hat side. I usually choose the other side to easily see the drummer while keeping an eye on the fingerboard. Thanks
I almost joined a band, but realized I need to work on stage performance and other stuff. This is helpful. I used to be in a band in middle/high school but we broke up and, even though we wrote some really good songs, it could’ve been better.
I tend to choose my position on stage by what kind of impact I want to have. In my current band, I'm the frontman, so I place the drums middle back and myself at the front slightly to the left. In my old band, I was very much a luxury, not necessary at all, so to piss off the guitarist, I stood front left, where our lead guitarist used to stand, and stole all his solos.
Although we use in ear monitoring, as a left-handed bass player, I always like my drummer to be to my right. That way I can simply look down the neck of my bass and there he is. I can also keep an eye on my fretting hand at the same time. It is so helpful to make eye contact with him at times when he wants to let me know about an unexpected change he may be about to make (yeah, with a good bass/drummer team you can actually talk with just facial expressions) and of course I can watch him during difficult passages to know exactly what he's doing.
Another practical reason for playing on the side of the hi-hat, is it has the best line of site to the drummer. It helps to have unobstructed eye contact with your drummer.
Good tips, Scott. I always make sure that I get in close to the drummer. I much prefer the snare side, but most often end up on the other side, but I still get to hear the drummer nice and loud. Different venues make it harder. Last night I played a gig in a marquee, where I was stood 20ft from our lead guitarist, but couldn't hear him at all! Knowing the songs inside out is REALLY important in these situations! Tomorrows venue is all stone and brick, different prospect, entirely!
I've been playing bass for many years with my brother (who's a drummer) and I've always played miles away from him. Just this week I was hired for a studio session and played really close to drummer and it really made a big difference on how we locked together.
Great advice here! I've often played with Drummers that use a small Bass Drum/Jazz kit, so would also ask for a bit of Bass Drum in the monitor. It's essential that the Bass and Drums lock in with each other!
In a rockband I'm playing I'm usually behind the guitarists and singer due to the lack of space on stage so I automatically am right next to the drummer. In a jazz band I have a lot more to choose from since I'm the bandleader. Then I tend to go to the left side of the stage so that I can see everybody and when turning I wont bump my headstock into anything. And ofcourse I'm close to the drummer. Thanks for the video. Now I know I should stay where I always felt most appropriate. :D
Great advice. I always stand to the left of my drummer and keep my amp close to him so we are locked in. We also do a lot of communicating without talking.
Hey man - I've actually just finished recording an entire course on rhythm and how to apply it to the bass. It consists of 7 modules, one which is with an entire live band, and the entire thing is just over 11 hours of video footage! It's going to be called 'The Groove Academy' so look out for it! At the moment I'm busy transcribing all the music for it... 11 hours worth lol! It's a long process ;) Thanks for watching man. Scott
Make sure you have room to breathe, once I played a gig with these super bright and hot lights called "blinders" right behind me. I had to pull out an extraordinarily long cable I got from the sound engineer to be able to move away and not scorch my back.
I also want to hear the singer. I noticed only lately that my bass playing is in a relation to main vocals. Perhaps because I’m a singer also. On the other hand it’s also a relation to a drum beat. It’s funny how automatic it is.
Being mostly deaf in my right ear from birth, I developed th "need" to be to the right of the drum kit. This gives me the everything the drummer does plus the vocals to keep me on track.
I really enjoi this, you are a great man. Bought myself a 1964 Fender P Bass a couple of months ago. Will stick to it for a very long time - It is the shit! Ps: Keep the great tips coming!
I like the left side of the stage left to the left of the drummer. I play right handed so I am in a good spot to hear and communicate with the drummer. Many times, guitar players get up and are unfamiliar with the material so I can turn slightly right so they can see the key or key changes. When I play guitar I like stage right so I can see the bass players hand position easily and they don't have to turn all the way around to be visible to me. It's easy for me to turn far left with guitar to show visual to stage musicians, but much easier to turn the longer bass slightly right than radically left.
I totally agree. But the most important thing that you mentioned is that the bass player should better pay attention to the hi-hat rather than kick drum. This is a common mistake. It also helps developing better riffs.
Agree, and try to place myself that way!! However, I sing as well, and while singing you loose the eye contact with your drummer! This ads yet another challenge, and really the only way out is to be so well rehearsed that you know exactly whats coming. During solos, well then we can stare each others eyeballs out!! :) I mainly play in a three piece band and even though our songs are fairly well set, we change them just a little every time, and the key there is the eye contact! JMO :)
I`ve been standing exactly where you describe in this vid at my last gig. The best place to be i think for shure. As a bassist, you have to play tight with the drummer, and keep in mind that you are building a foundation. And for the people that think their shy on stage, including myself. Try to just focus on the music! It helps me a lot.. And i personally like to see a musician that really is into his work on stage, and not acting cool.
We had just formed as a band two months prior to our first show. It was a outdoor venue inside of a revival / circus tent in the dead of winter. Only two monitors for the stage and I didn't get one. Placed stage left by the crew next to one of the mains I couldn't even hear myself let alone the drummer. I opted for line of sight and watched his hands for timing and counted. I looked out mid-set to a packed house! We pulled it off! Frozen hands and ringing ears. You gotta know your songs!
Being on the Hat side makes since but I like to make frequent eye contact with my drummer. For some reason it helps us stay in the groove. Since I'm right handed, being on the Ride side makes it easier to keep an eye on him without turning away from the audience.
i typically play at bars, so small stage but some monitors. my drummer is new to the group and has lots of trouble locking in with me on fast tempos. i always have that amp next to him on his right side. so i guess its the wrong spot ill see if i can switch it. but whenever we have issues or i feel its moving to much i just turn a little to make eye contact. so we can get back groovin. we also have stuff with chord changes it always help to make eye contact. if we can't i try to make the change really obvious. but when we have a monitor system i try to get the drummer to have mostly bass and vocals if we have them. the guitar and horns are important but im generally the loudest in most monitors. i also try to hear the solos, for dynamics
I'm still learning the fretboard and note theory, so I rely heavily on my ear. I struggle to hear myself sometimes (lousy bass amp, drums and guitarists in a loudness battle). My current earplugs seem to worsen the issue. I generally stand by the house amp, left of the drummer (unless I'm doing vocals). I find it easy to lock in with a drummer, as long as they're more competent than I. 😄
Due to band politics in the previous bands I've been in, I was usually the last person the band took into consideration when playing live gigs. It can relate to everything you are saying in this video.
I'm not a Bass player but yes, Every time I go to get my gear people have their cases stacked on my amp, pedals, or they completely bury my stuff in the corner with theirs... Not to mention every time I do a solo someone is standing in front of my pedal so I can never switch into a solo channel. Found your channel because my hands cramp into a closed fist position when I am playing which has pretty much ended my performance career. Heard from a friend you wear that glove for that same reason!
I'd like to say a couple of things, 1) I dig your playing, 2) I dig your attitude, 3) I always set up with my amp next to the drummer, can't stand next to him though since I normally do double duty on vocals, but since I play small stages in small venues it tends to not matter. Though perhaps setting up a small monitor system with a bit of vocals and a mic on the high hat/snare could help
thanks for the tips...I've always tried to be beside the drummer. but which side & what part of to listen to the most (ihhat) is a great tip! I will definitely now apply to my gig setup thanks :)
Three piece band. Guitar amp by the hi-hat side and bass on the other side. It works very well for us, but we have a lot of communication on stage, especially between the bassist and drummer. Also, the bassist is usually our sound guy and no matter the size of the venue we mic the bass drum so he can put it into his monitor and that helps him keep time he says. Most of our venues have been very small pubs and low ceilinged clubs so we're practically sitting on the drumkit anyway, the few times we've played a stage with real distances involved we've had everything micced and monitored.
I've been playing a theatre gig since March this year, same show different venues. The previous venue, in Durban, I was placed on the opposite side on the stage of the drummer. This completely destroyed our chemistry and it was the worst 6 weeks ever! Moving to Cape Town though I was next to him again and it felt like I was back with a list love! The show exploded!!
When I gig with my band usually we have the lead guitar on one side and the drums in the back and the "rhythm section" (bass and rhythm guitar) on one side. I play bass and I'm usually on the very end. Usually no trouble hearing the drums. Greetings from Washington, D.C.!
my "home" spot is next to the hi-hat. most comfortable there on stage. but i prefer rehearsal settings where everybody is in a circle and can see everybody. in that case i like my amp next to drummer, but me facing him
Great tips as always! Another good thing about standing at the side of the hi-hat is you'll be much more likely to have eye contact with the drummer. This is very important in my opinion, especially when bass and drums should be this tightly interlocking groove-train that feed off of eachother's energy to make 1+1=3 :)
In a two guitar rock band. Joined 3 years after creation, so the stage set up had already been established. I am on the Tom side of the drum kit. We have actually had several sound guys freak out because I set up on the "wrong" side. Thing is #1 I don't have any issues hearing the high hat from 5-6 feet further away. #2 I kinda like the fact that by looking at my neck, I have the drummer in my line of sight as well. #3 My lead guitarist has some wonky timing, he put himself next to the high hat for a reason. Probably a solid choice all things considered.
at my first gigs.. i didn't know any thing about where i should stand.. i just have to stay.. but i just in first playing moments just getted to hi-hat side .. and it feels natural for me to stand there.. :D
I don't perform anymore but when I did (for 25 years) I always chose stage right, amp slightly angled towards drummer and sometimes, I ran a feed out to a small cab placed as a foldback so I could hear what was going on more clearly. Stage right works well for right handed people cos I could lean into the drums and speak to the drummer. You know ... drummers get lonely ;)
Also, can you do a video on comparisons of basses? I think that would help give bass players an idea of what to buy according to what sound they are looking for.
What I've noticed is if you are running thru a system and there is monotoring, reduce you cabinet load. Room holds 200-350 2x10 as your own monitor. 500-1000 4x10 and bigger use discretion. If youre giggin big time they probably have a suitable back line.
You can be two miles away from our drummer and still lock in. There's no need for anything in the monitor. The guitarist and I are lucky to hear anything at all other than drums - We have to play at battle volume!
My favorite way to play is using avioms (headphones with a click track and what you are playing with customizable sound so you can hear whatever you want) I usually stand as close to the drums as i can although a lot of the time there are tvs and other equipment in between us.
I always set up as Scott suggests....I find the drummers prefer that too. I place my amp there too for the same reason. I've played on some weird stages where the sound can be awful due to the construction of the actual stage. Scott's advice about moving your cab is really important too....some cabs are rear ported and need a wall behind but I often put my cab on its flight case if its rumbling through the floor. Sadly, the bottom end is affected but the audience wont notice if your playing through the PA. :)
played bass in different bands and was also the set up guy - drummer and I would arrive first - drums first central/corner location - bass and cab on left/ hihat side- guitar and rig on right - everyone angled kinda facing - horn player front and center at main mike
Hi Scott. sound advice however I prefer to stand on the right of the drummer mainly due to the fact that if he loses a stick its more often that it flies off to the left and the guitarist deserves to be hit with sticks. On a serious note though I will be subscribing. and the real reason for standing on the right is because I can look down the neck of the bass and watch for counts or foot on kick pedal.
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I used to stand in the back next to the drummer to lock in with his grooves. Than i realized the guys kept me back there because I'm so godamn ugly.
🤣😂🤣😂
As an actively gigging bassist, there are two things to always consider: rhythm and space. Never fall out of that pocket, no matter what you're playing that is what you engage the moment you unpack 'till the moment you leave. The other is when you are playing be conscious of your band, try to give them space to go somewhere. That lock between you and your drummer controls dynamics and phrasing for your soloist, you're the bus driver so give them a bus to sit in. I ask myself constantly while playing to step away from myself and pretend I'm watching the show, what does it sound like? What does it feel like? What do I want to see? What does it need?
Self Awareness!
I play in a hardcore band so half the time I'm down in the crowd haha
It is also important to stand somewhere where you have a good view of the guitar player's left hand. Especially if you aren't very familiar with the set list.
Shouldn't you know what you're gonna be playing before going to the gig? lol
Agree Anthony...especially when I am a hired gun for a gig and I ask for a set list and he says "Don't worry man, you'll do fine!"
Lol too true too many times 😅
You've seen gigs where the drummer and the bass player are "literally miles away from eachother" woah, where were they performing?
lmfao! made my morning
Just shut up prick it's called expression maybe if you and all your buddys who liked your comment understood expression, you would be better bass players.🤣🤣🤣Maybe then you would actually understand it in a musical sense.
As a drummer AND bassist, I totally agree with you, Scott,!
Every one thinks differently; however, I agree that bass and drums/percussion should be together. I like to stand in the middle if it is my Jazz trio, and I don't mind not being by the hi-hat. With latin music I like to be between the piano and the congas because congas are the one basic instrument I want to follow. When I am the leader, I have to be in the front with my amp near the drums, you just have to listen carefully to every instrument. I TRY TO LISTEN TO EVERYTHING ACOUSTICALLY AND KEEP ONLY WHAT IS FAR AWAY FROM ME IN THE MONITORS (no bass no drums). One more thing, when you go to see a symphony, try to sit in the front and by the basses, you will understand what the basses are playing; thus, it makes you enjoy the whole experience because the fast lines from the basses can diffuse easily when you are far from them. I have been playing gigs since I was 14 and I am 54, the one thing I've learned is that not always you can have what you want, so be ready to adjust to whatever. Thank you!
It becomes 1000 times trickier when you are also the singer for the band, you need to be listening to your own voice, and can't really use a monitor. My best stage tip is hang out with your drummer (really). Be best bros and following his drums will just come naturally
Sounds like you need a better monitor mix
This guy is classy as fuck.
Best teacher ever.... !!! cheers from Argentina
This really cleared a lot up. My worst gig was on an outside stage and it was freezing. I am/was really inexperienced in the gigging field and I didn't do any warmups and went straight on the stage. Naturally our first song was a really fast punk song. Since I barely felt my fingers it is safe to assume that I had a lot of trouble keeping in time. Felt really bad afterwards, but also got a valuable lesson - WARMUP.
40+ years as a gigging bassist. My stage position varies from band to band. In the situations where the drummer and I have worked together a long time, we could be at opposite ends of the stage and still lock because of our mutual respect for one another's instrument characteristics and careful adherence to time keeping. I seldom watch the drummer which "forces" me to actively listen and anticipate his output.
My gear, which is compact ( typically 1 or 2 PhilJones C-4 cabs and one of various compact heads) goes in on a foldable equipment cart and stays on the cart when set up so I can move my rig easily as musicians arrive to make relocating for best results easy. This also keeps my rig off the floor for more sound definition.
I like to stay on the right of the drummer so I can see what I'm playing (fretting on the left hand) and see the rhythm of the drummer out the corner of my eye at he same time.
Great lesson Scott. In fact I 'd go as far as saying this is one of the most valuable bass lessons on the net because very few people mention it. I've been stuck on the Ride side on a gig for the past few months for one reason or another and I hate it. Locking in can become a real pain. Keep up the good work.
As a professional bassist for over 40 yrs, I have had to learn where to position myself and my amp by trial and error, and everything you've said here is totally spot-on, IMHO. Stage managers and sound techs will sometimes fight you on this, especially if they are non-musicians. Stand your ground! If the bass and drums have to be cranked in the monitors because you can't hear each other directly, it means that overall stage volume will be insanely loud. Ears are not replaceable!
When on live stage I usually running around, :-D , switching places with the guitarist.. it's an attractive performance. . And I like it though.. when I loose a little bit tempo, I'll stop and concentrate on hi'hat sound..
Thanks Scott you always and always inspired me.. :-)
Thank you for making high quality free bass lessons, I appreciate them very much.
Hey I have watched a couple of your videos. GREAT CONTENT. A couple of my friends and i have started a "band'. I put in quotes cause i don't really know what type of music we play we started like two weeks ago. I play bass so i really appreciate your videos
Scott you're a sage bassman! Your advices are always useful and this one is perfect! Thank you
HI Scott, Thanks so much, I really appreciate yr inputs. BTW great playing too.
As it turns out, I always stand next to drummer.
All good points-if there's room. One of our semi-regular gigs has such a small area we are back against a glass"wall" w/ our JBL EON PA in between us line abreast.
Great stuff and the tip about cutting back on the "boom" is spot on.
Are you playing live? Check out my BIG performance tip for bass players!...ruclips.net/video/Edm4XnCKdfM/видео.html
Clap!!Clap!! Bravo Scott!
Even with in ear monitors and the ability to adjust your monitor right on stage, I found it helpful to be able to see what the drummer is doing. Thank you for these awesome videos.
I like to stand on the right so I can look at the drummer, watch the drummer and make eye contact while still watching the leader for clues about where the songs are going. I can always hear as much drums as I want. Thanks for your thoughts.
Scott, you need to do a "bass face" lesson. We are dying to get that awesome face you have when you're in the groove!
Since you ask for comments, a church in which I play (better not say where) has the music group on platforms, about 6 inches high, however, my friend has his bass 4x10 on the same platforms and only about 10 feet from the mikes, so there's a lot of transmission from bass to microphones, some via the air, some via the platforms. If I'm playing through his kit, I drag his speaker to a more solid place and get, to my mind, a better sound and less "mud" in the vocal feed.
Great advice, Scott, as in all your videos, thank you.
It's tough to find really good sound engineers in churches that know how to design a good setup.
This is critical that people realize the drums and bass form the dynamic center of the band.
I find from a comfort point of view, I like being on the right of the drummer. It means that if I need to look at him/her, then to my fretboard, then back again, I don't have to keep swinging my whole body/neck/instrument around. However, next gig I shall try going on the left/side nearest the hi-hat. Also, putting amps on amp stands/chairs is a great piece of advice. Thanks!
Interesting approach to choose the hi-hat side. I usually choose the other side to easily see the drummer while keeping an eye on the fingerboard. Thanks
I almost joined a band, but realized I need to work on stage performance and other stuff. This is helpful.
I used to be in a band in middle/high school but we broke up and, even though we wrote some really good songs, it could’ve been better.
You're absolutely right on with this tip. I also like to sit on the high side so I can see the kick drum if I need to.
Hahahaha this dudes so entertaining to watch I love the faces he makes along with super informative content very glad I subbed
Great advice Scott, keep on keepin on my low notes master.
Cheers
Hey scott thanks for your times ItZ'S really appreciate. I love your new concept of video lok classy and jazzy
Thank you, Scott :)
I tend to choose my position on stage by what kind of impact I want to have. In my current band, I'm the frontman, so I place the drums middle back and myself at the front slightly to the left. In my old band, I was very much a luxury, not necessary at all, so to piss off the guitarist, I stood front left, where our lead guitarist used to stand, and stole all his solos.
ScoptOriginal You sound like an awful person to be in a band with.
Meh, only if you disrespect the bass
Also usually the drummer can't really hear the other instruments as well as the bass so it's great to have that closeness and eye contact
As a bass player singer its difficult to be alongside the drummer but I love being in front and feeling that bass drum
Although we use in ear monitoring, as a left-handed bass player, I always like my drummer to be to my right. That way I can simply look down the neck of my bass and there he is. I can also keep an eye on my fretting hand at the same time. It is so helpful to make eye contact with him at times when he wants to let me know about an unexpected change he may be about to make (yeah, with a good bass/drummer team you can actually talk with just facial expressions) and of course I can watch him during difficult passages to know exactly what he's doing.
Another practical reason for playing on the side of the hi-hat, is it has the best line of site to the drummer. It helps to have unobstructed eye contact with your drummer.
Good tips, Scott. I always make sure that I get in close to the drummer. I much prefer the snare side, but most often end up on the other side, but I still get to hear the drummer nice and loud.
Different venues make it harder. Last night I played a gig in a marquee, where I was stood 20ft from our lead guitarist, but couldn't hear him at all! Knowing the songs inside out is REALLY important in these situations!
Tomorrows venue is all stone and brick, different prospect, entirely!
I personally like to stand next to the ride-cymbal when it comes to jazz gigs :)
Ty Scott,another great video as always
Thanks for answering and thanks for making the best online bass lessons. Your friend is also doing a great job!
I prefer the right hand side of the drums because I can look at the drummer for cues and such more naturally!
I've been playing bass for many years with my brother (who's a drummer) and I've always played miles away from him. Just this week I was hired for a studio session and played really close to drummer and it really made a big difference on how we locked together.
Great advice here! I've often played with Drummers that use a small Bass Drum/Jazz kit, so would also ask for a bit of Bass Drum in the monitor. It's essential that the Bass and Drums lock in with each other!
In a rockband I'm playing I'm usually behind the guitarists and singer due to the lack of space on stage so I automatically am right next to the drummer. In a jazz band I have a lot more to choose from since I'm the bandleader. Then I tend to go to the left side of the stage so that I can see everybody and when turning I wont bump my headstock into anything. And ofcourse I'm close to the drummer. Thanks for the video. Now I know I should stay where I always felt most appropriate. :D
You are the man, Scott!
Great advice. I always stand to the left of my drummer and keep my amp close to him so we are locked in. We also do a lot of communicating without talking.
Hey man - I've actually just finished recording an entire course on rhythm and how to apply it to the bass. It consists of 7 modules, one which is with an entire live band, and the entire thing is just over 11 hours of video footage! It's going to be called 'The Groove Academy' so look out for it! At the moment I'm busy transcribing all the music for it... 11 hours worth lol! It's a long process ;) Thanks for watching man. Scott
thank you , your lessons are the best and you can truly inspire people to play :)
Make sure you have room to breathe, once I played a gig with these super bright and hot lights called "blinders" right behind me. I had to pull out an extraordinarily long cable I got from the sound engineer to be able to move away and not scorch my back.
I also want to hear the singer. I noticed only lately that my bass playing is in a relation to main vocals. Perhaps because I’m a singer also. On the other hand it’s also a relation to a drum beat. It’s funny how automatic it is.
Being mostly deaf in my right ear from birth, I developed th "need" to be to the right of the drum kit. This gives me the everything the drummer does plus the vocals to keep me on track.
I really enjoi this, you are a great man.
Bought myself a 1964 Fender P Bass a couple of months ago.
Will stick to it for a very long time - It is the shit!
Ps: Keep the great tips coming!
I like the left side of the stage left to the left of the drummer. I play right handed so I am in a good spot to hear and communicate with the drummer.
Many times, guitar players get up and are unfamiliar with the material so I can turn slightly right so they can see the key or key changes.
When I play guitar I like stage right so I can see the bass players hand position easily and they don't have to turn all the way around to be visible to me. It's easy for me to turn far left with guitar to show visual to stage musicians, but much easier to turn the longer bass slightly right than radically left.
+Kaoiliulaokalani Mimura That's great advice. Thanks.
I totally agree. But the most important thing that you mentioned is that the bass player should better pay attention to the hi-hat rather than kick drum. This is a common mistake. It also helps developing better riffs.
Agree, and try to place myself that way!! However, I sing as well, and while singing you loose the eye contact with your drummer! This ads yet another challenge, and really the only way out is to be so well rehearsed that you know exactly whats coming. During solos, well then we can stare each others eyeballs out!! :) I mainly play in a three piece band and even though our songs are fairly well set, we change them just a little every time, and the key there is the eye contact! JMO :)
I`ve been standing exactly where you describe in this vid at my last gig. The best place to be i think for shure. As a bassist, you have to play tight with the drummer, and keep in mind that you are building a foundation.
And for the people that think their shy on stage, including myself. Try to just focus on the music! It helps me a lot.. And i personally like to see a musician that really is into his work on stage, and not acting cool.
This is right out of Gary Willis' book on bass tips. Good stuff imo
We had just formed as a band two months prior to our first show. It was a outdoor venue inside of a revival / circus tent in the dead of winter. Only two monitors for the stage and I didn't get one. Placed stage left by the crew next to one of the mains I couldn't even hear myself let alone the drummer. I opted for line of sight and watched his hands for timing and counted.
I looked out mid-set to a packed house!
We pulled it off!
Frozen hands and ringing ears.
You gotta know your songs!
Being on the Hat side makes since but I like to make frequent eye contact with my drummer. For some reason it helps us stay in the groove. Since I'm right handed, being on the Ride side makes it easier to keep an eye on him without turning away from the audience.
always set-up.close to high hats when practicing but this does not always work when performing due to small venues,great tips and vids.
i typically play at bars, so small stage but some monitors. my drummer is new to the group and has lots of trouble locking in with me on fast tempos. i always have that amp next to him on his right side. so i guess its the wrong spot ill see if i can switch it. but whenever we have issues or i feel its moving to much i just turn a little to make eye contact. so we can get back groovin. we also have stuff with chord changes it always help to make eye contact. if we can't i try to make the change really obvious. but when we have a monitor system i try to get the drummer to have mostly bass and vocals if we have them. the guitar and horns are important but im generally the loudest in most monitors. i also try to hear the solos, for dynamics
I usually go for the spot that leaves me the best opportunities for some awesome powerslides!
I'm still learning the fretboard and note theory, so I rely heavily on my ear. I struggle to hear myself sometimes (lousy bass amp, drums and guitarists in a loudness battle). My current earplugs seem to worsen the issue.
I generally stand by the house amp, left of the drummer (unless I'm doing vocals). I find it easy to lock in with a drummer, as long as they're more competent than I. 😄
Due to band politics in the previous bands I've been in, I was usually the last person the band took into consideration when playing live gigs. It can relate to everything you are saying in this video.
i'm usually the one in the band that has most of the energy so i will roam around a lot!
I'm not a Bass player but yes, Every time I go to get my gear people have their cases stacked on my amp, pedals, or they completely bury my stuff in the corner with theirs... Not to mention every time I do a solo someone is standing in front of my pedal so I can never switch into a solo channel. Found your channel because my hands cramp into a closed fist position when I am playing which has pretty much ended my performance career. Heard from a friend you wear that glove for that same reason!
As always, good practical advice from Scott!
I'd like to say a couple of things, 1) I dig your playing, 2) I dig your attitude, 3) I always set up with my amp next to the drummer, can't stand next to him though since I normally do double duty on vocals, but since I play small stages in small venues it tends to not matter. Though perhaps setting up a small monitor system with a bit of vocals and a mic on the high hat/snare could help
thanks for the tips...I've always tried to be beside the drummer. but which side & what part of to listen to the most (ihhat) is a great tip! I will definitely now apply to my gig setup
thanks :)
Three piece band. Guitar amp by the hi-hat side and bass on the other side. It works very well for us, but we have a lot of communication on stage, especially between the bassist and drummer. Also, the bassist is usually our sound guy and no matter the size of the venue we mic the bass drum so he can put it into his monitor and that helps him keep time he says. Most of our venues have been very small pubs and low ceilinged clubs so we're practically sitting on the drumkit anyway, the few times we've played a stage with real distances involved we've had everything micced and monitored.
I've been playing a theatre gig since March this year, same show different venues. The previous venue, in Durban, I was placed on the opposite side on the stage of the drummer. This completely destroyed our chemistry and it was the worst 6 weeks ever! Moving to Cape Town though I was next to him again and it felt like I was back with a list love! The show exploded!!
When I gig with my band usually we have the lead guitar on one side and the drums in the back and the "rhythm section" (bass and rhythm guitar) on one side. I play bass and I'm usually on the very end. Usually no trouble hearing the drums. Greetings from Washington, D.C.!
my "home" spot is next to the hi-hat. most comfortable there on stage. but i prefer rehearsal settings where everybody is in a circle and can see everybody. in that case i like my amp next to drummer, but me facing him
Agreed with everything scott said, but if you're playing lots of jazz you might want the ride side. Comes down to preference.
The glove thing is actually really inspiring.
We use in-ears lots, and I ask for the hi-end snap of the kik so I can lock it in. Love your idea of more hi-hat too. Cheers.
Great tips as always!
Another good thing about standing at the side of the hi-hat is you'll be much more likely to have eye contact with the drummer.
This is very important in my opinion, especially when bass and drums should be this tightly interlocking groove-train that feed off of eachother's energy to make 1+1=3 :)
In a two guitar rock band. Joined 3 years after creation, so the stage set up had already been established. I am on the Tom side of the drum kit. We have actually had several sound guys freak out because I set up on the "wrong" side.
Thing is #1 I don't have any issues hearing the high hat from 5-6 feet further away. #2 I kinda like the fact that by looking at my neck, I have the drummer in my line of sight as well. #3 My lead guitarist has some wonky timing, he put himself next to the high hat for a reason. Probably a solid choice all things considered.
at my first gigs.. i didn't know any thing about where i should stand.. i just have to stay.. but i just in first playing moments just getted to hi-hat side .. and it feels natural for me to stand there.. :D
I like to take a pair of step-ladders with me and play from the top of those.
I don't perform anymore but when I did (for 25 years) I always chose stage right, amp slightly angled towards drummer and sometimes, I ran a feed out to a small cab placed as a foldback so I could hear what was going on more clearly.
Stage right works well for right handed people cos I could lean into the drums and speak to the drummer. You know ... drummers get lonely ;)
Also, can you do a video on comparisons of basses? I think that would help give bass players an idea of what to buy according to what sound they are looking for.
thanks Scott!!!
Hi Scott..oh yes, I agree with you...what you said is also my experience and preference when gigging....only problem are too loud drummers!..:-)...
What I've noticed is if you are running thru a system and there is monotoring, reduce you cabinet load. Room holds 200-350 2x10 as your own monitor. 500-1000 4x10 and bigger use discretion. If youre giggin big time they probably have a suitable back line.
I have always naturally set up close to the drummer and on the high hat side!
You can be two miles away from our drummer and still lock in. There's no need for anything in the monitor. The guitarist and I are lucky to hear anything at all other than drums - We have to play at battle volume!
Good stuff man valid point definitely
Really helpful tips. .thanx mate
My favorite way to play is using avioms (headphones with a click track and what you are playing with customizable sound so you can hear whatever you want) I usually stand as close to the drums as i can although a lot of the time there are tvs and other equipment in between us.
I always set up as Scott suggests....I find the drummers prefer that too. I place my amp there too for the same reason. I've played on some weird stages where the sound can be awful due to the construction of the actual stage. Scott's advice about moving your cab is really important too....some cabs are rear ported and need a wall behind but I often put my cab on its flight case if its rumbling through the floor. Sadly, the bottom end is affected but the audience wont notice if your playing through the PA. :)
Awesome tips, the only problem I have now is that I do both bass and vocals, maybe I should put the drummer right in front with me, haha
played bass in different bands and was also the set up guy - drummer and I would arrive first - drums first central/corner location - bass and cab on left/ hihat side- guitar and rig on right - everyone angled kinda facing - horn player front and center at main mike
Hi Scott. sound advice however I prefer to stand on the right of the drummer mainly due to the fact that if he loses a stick its more often that it flies off to the left and the guitarist deserves to be hit with sticks. On a serious note though I will be subscribing. and the real reason for standing on the right is because I can look down the neck of the bass and watch for counts or foot on kick pedal.