Guitarists: Stage Left Or Stage Right?

[@Guitargate]

What say ye!? Do you prefer stage left or right?

[@fredcampbell4536]

Ive usually mostly played guitar in bands stage right, thinking the bass player is nearer the high hat side. But have played stage left a few times, if another instrumentalist "preferred" to be stage right lol.... Very interesting video!

[@tomandtheoutlaws]

I switch depending on what I’m playing as part of. My usual is part of an acoustic duo where I play stage right, where I sing and play rhythm and the other guy plays lead. When playing unplugged in cafes I find hearing is better in by left ear so it gives me a better idea of what is going on. When playing as part of a band I usually play left, but would prefer to play right as I often like you are looking out for signals from the other players.

[@andresgottardi]

Stage right : Izzy Stradlin, Malcom Young, both rythmn guitars Dave Murray, Snake Sabo, both lead guitars

[@hughsnow830]

Since I'm a classic rock & metal guy, I'd always buy my ticket on the right side of the stadium because I knew my guitar hero would be on that side. Edward Van Halen, Jimmy Page, Warren DiMartini, Jake E Lee, John Sykes & Jerry Cantrell all played on that side. The only 2 exceptions were Alex Lifeson & Neil Giraldo.

[@felkikid]

This is a ridiculous debate, and I love it

[@PhilipReevesMusic]

I have played on either side of stage depending on configuration of the band: power trio, or 2 guitars, or keyboards. Often bass players prefer to be on same side as drummer's hi-hat to lock-in. One consideration is that bands try to set up in rehearsal in same positions as they will be on stage, to get used to making eye contact for cues and the balance of what they can hear on stage. Rehearsing in a circle with amps facing one another is very different than being on stage with a loud band and only able to hear your amp and drums, with a little vocals in the monitors.

[@jeremyfrick3212]

Interesting video Michael. My understanding was that, generally speaking, the guitar is stage right because the bass should be by the hi-hat, usually stage left. When I played bass in a band (many moons ago) I was stage right and think I’d feel weird being there with a guitar. I had no idea so many players played stage left though. Thanks!

[@michaellewis9167]

Over the years I've had several bass players tell me they like to be able to see the drummer's kick drum foot if possible. That's easier if they're righty's and their line of sight to the drummer is along their own bass neck.

[@jordanwalker9853]

The video no one realized we needed

[@kmajor44]

Me, I prefer center couch or ottoman. And the TV directly in front of me.

[@mitchweiner]

I never paid attention to the area from which a performer entered but I won’t forget it now! My natural inclination is to pay attention to the band member on my right,their left. I never figured it mattered until you explained it just now!

[@melian9999]

Bass player, always been stage left, mostly due to cymbals being mostly the opposite side of the kit, to save my ears.

[@zxcvmjg]

I prefer stage right generally.. that way if I need to look at my fretboard I still have drummer in peripherals and the lead singer etc.

[@marcosluna7792]

Exactly!

[@zerosiii]

The only correct answer

[@svenben9868]

Ive spent slightly over 20 years strictly stage left... At the begining my reasoning was to keep my head and tuner keys away from anything or anyone I may bump into.. Its always been a comfortable side to be on. I was lucky enough that the very few bands I was in as a 2nd guitarist. That guitarist perfered stage right. So I never had to fight for the left side.

[@marklearnsguitar]

My favourite player is Adrian Smith from Iron Maiden. He played stage left until he left the band; on rejoining, he became the third guitarist so moved to stage right alongside Dave Murray while Janice Gers remained stage left. Now Smith sticks stage right with his solo stuff. Good video Michael, thanks!

[@bluezjc50]

ANY stage would be AWESOME after soooo long! Very cool video as always!

[@DannyBrownDesign]

The bass next to the hihat, then the rhythm guitar or keyboards next to the bass. The lead guitar on the other side of the drums. Brian Jones. Dave Navarro

[@laxbro7ify]

I'm just here to pronounce that I had that Van Halen poster in my room as a teen and just smiled ear to ear when I saw it again. Thanks.

[@mikem668]

Very interesting. Thanks. Two points. I was struck by Duane Allman and John Mayer with Dead & Company. Mayer seems to have a connection with the keyboard player. I'm also thinking of rhythm guitarists. Lennon and Keith were stage left. Of course Lennon sang maybe half the songs. But IIRC Watts and Wyman played off of Keith. And Keith is way more important to the Stones feel than Ron Wood. At least live. When John and Paul both sing, where do you put George? I wonder if it had something to do with the types of songs and the vocal harmonies? And of course Paul is left-handed as was Jimi.

[@little_black_raincloud]

How does left vs right handedness play into the statistics.

[@lucasmunson6835]

I’m a lefty and I always go stage right so I don’t bump into the vocalist who usually has a guitar and can’t look around since they have to face the mic

[@LarsRogowski]

I don’t know if I missed some, but of the three lefties that I noticed (Hendrix, Iommi and Cobain), one was stage left, one was stage right and one switched 😂

[@fragglerockernz124]

Good vids Michael, I love the content... Myself personally have never even taken it into consideration (Lead and Rhythm Guitar) I think back at all the different bands that I've been in and never once had anyone say they prefer one side to another.

[@robertmiggins9652]

Curious if right or left handed player has anything to do with side. Albert King and Cobain were lefties.

[@willisleonard2135]

Great video on a subject I’ve never heard anyone speak of.

[@garycarter6773]

Facinating. Thank you. I was a roadie, sound, and lights guy for a band when I was in my early 20's. Until this video I never thought too deeply about this subject...now I'm thinking about all the lineup changes we had and how the stage and equipment changed also. As far as I remember there were no big arguments about who stood where...interestingly the leader of the group who played rhythm guitar was always stage right even when he switched to bass... :)

[@charleswaldon8362]

I guess if you play right hand, it's all about how much you want for peripheral distraction if you glance at the fretboard.

[@nicholasg.savino6570]

Just found your Trower video - Nice and thanks 👍- oh and - stage left... I saw him on 10/12/06 at the IMAC, Huntington, Long Island, NY. - again stage left.

[@dizzydad4708]

Never thought of this. I have always had my amp stage right for the jazz and blues bands I was in. I was strictly a rhythm guitarist so it just seemed natural to park myself next to the bass. I did the same for the GNR tribute band that I sat in with, but with the country band I was recruited to play leads in I set up stage left because that's where I was told to, I hated it lol I guess I am a stage right dude lol

[@daiki103uchi]

I'm a bassist that prefers standing at stage left. But as long as there is at least one guitarist on my right side, it's OK because I just want to be overshadowed by them.

[@brianm6475]

It's funny, for the last 40 years of going to shows..I'd think about which side of stage to head towards when going down front or choosing seats. Never putting together how many of my favorite guitarists was one or the other side. It started with Alex Lifeson of RUSH in 1981 and then I forever more lined up to where I'd HEAR more GUITAR and see the players hands I think if I were an artist (I only play at home on the right side of my loft...LOL) I'd go to stage right...and I have no idea why the thought of that feels more comfortable....Thanks Great Video!

[@mindyourbuisness8104]

I've never thought about this but it does seem all my favorite players are on the left. It feels like it's a metal thing to be on that side

[@gregcavanaugh6259]

We bass players go high hat side for pocket purposes...so assuming a standard right handed drummer, the guitarist needs to get their butt over to the other side!!! In all seriousness though the blues guys all sing and play, so it makes sense they often go in the middle. If the band has 2 guitars, is there a pattern for rhythm and lead?

[@Thegeneralms1]

Panic fans call it Jimmy Side or Schools Side. Not matter what show we are attending.

[@MrTourgeFlexington]

I'm always stage left and 2 reasons why for me. 1. I have 50% hearing loss in my left ear so being stage left lets me put my good ear towards drummer to lock in 2. so I can get close to singer without hitting them with my headstock

[@marcosluna7792]

Stage right for sure to be able to look over your fretboard!

[@wernergrunberger]

bass player here: stage left, near the hi-hat

[@mindyourbuisness8104]

I really doubt Cobain could tell the difference on what side he was on. He could barely tune a guitar

[@Cayres9]

When i play live i learned never ever take notice of the audience until the end of the song , I always have my head down looking at my playing as if someone paid say £5 pounds to see me play with my band then i want to give them the best bang for their buck and here in the UK people can get very nasty if you do a bad show , years ago in Milton Keynes some horrible person literally threw a glass at me once and it wasnt fair as i had only been playing for a few months so was not exactly Orianthi

[@ish474]

never really thought about it but if there is ever open floor space at a concert I always go stage left to watch the show

[@dougdavis8986]

I play exclusively in my bedroom.

[@tylrbass]

Trey explains his position on stage in detail in their rig video

[@garyeggleton1142]

lol, I have been both places, but its stage right all the way for me now

[@poetwannabe3882]

Awesome content.

[@jonathanlego4930]

I was to the left of the drums when I played guitar. The bass player was to my left, then the keyboard player.

[@jeremyjameslv]

I want the head stock pointing off stage.. so stage left

[@sierraridgereaper]

Matthias Jabs stage left, I as well prefer left.

[@robertoxyzzz]

I always played stage right at all my gigs just felt more natural for some reason for me and I am right-handed

[@bluezjc50]

I keep looking for the Stargate link for lessons but can't see it.....help. lol Thank you 😊

[@chrishughes4285]

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[@jimmymcclain6757]

I play stage right in my band, but in my last band I was left. I do right, so I can watch my singer/rhythm guitar player

[@jtbatz]

Danny Gatton seemed to move his setup around also.

[@Mr_G__Fla]

greetings from Italy!!!

[@DavidGarcia-kw4sf]

Now that I think about it, I have generally been stage left in most circumstances. Interesting.

[@ish474]

you mentioned a lot of 2 guitar bands. Did you find anybody that played one side in a 2 guitar band but moved in a 1 guitar scenario?

[@marclevant6639]

I prefer stage left near the hi hat.

[@Cayres9]

Steve Vai plays stage right too

[@nicholasg.savino6570]

Robin Trower ? - Why is such a great guitarist so often left out?

[@maziaralien1998]

Don’t underestimate the power of the left side Luke!

[@chrissandor2898]

Richie Sambora…stage right, Phil X Stage left….same band

[@crispybits3765]

Pretty sure Mustaine has his amps stage left as his co guitarist is always stage right in Megadeth. He was definitely stage left in Metallica.

[@DAMmusicshow]

Right

[@comajoebuck999]

Nugent was stage left, but lately right…

[@GuessMyNameOnceMore]

i am always stage right... but to be honest I wouldnt care standing stage left.

[@11นริศคีรินทร์นนท์จ้าวสมุทร]

he's mine please

[@hucklebuck7989]

Tim Reynolds stage right. Even the stuff he does with Dave like Radio City Music Hall he's stage right.

[@paul-Ess]

The best can play anywhere.

[@markjohnson8352]

Chris Buck, stage left.

[@claireguitar4658]

He was stage right for pretty much the whole show during the first Cardinal Black gig (Cardiff Castle last year). That's the only show of his that I've been at though 🤔

[@lentrout9858]

Stage Right

[@chrisburzenski2317]

I'm late to the show... Gary Moore?

[@tomandtheoutlaws]

Mike McCready always seems to be stage right.

[@user-xm3ll3pz5r]

How could you miss Joe Bonamassa?

[@ramfat]

"The Edge" LOL. I thought this was supposed to be about "The Best Guitarists"? 😜

[@stevenchoquette5542]

Play the tunes

[@rochluongo8018]

Bass player is on the hi hat side.