that live feel

[Hank Gagnon]

having played live only once, i noticed that being set up behind , the sound is going away from me instead of coming at me. as in when i play at home.  if i were to place my speakers either behind me or in front facing away would that help  in getting comfortable playing live at some point in the future?

[Scot Holder]

You have to hear your band mates, period.

We use in ear monitors at church.  And when I say in ear monitors, I mean that I plug in a $20 set of JVC Marshmallow earbuds into the sound system we have.  So the earbuds are not expensive, but the infrastructure is.

If there is a sound guy, or are using house sound, have them set a wedge next to you so you can hear what is going on.

If you and your band are doing it yourselves, and don't have the resources for monitors, at least have the bass player set his rig right next to you for reference.  I've done this several times (as a bass player).

I just can't imagine playing without hearing what is going on.  Communication is key.

[Hank Gagnon]

point taken.