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If you’re playing live shows, you should have an updated stage plot and input list that is accurate, easy to read, and specific to your performance. In today’s episode, we talk about best practices in creating these crucial documents that you should be runishing to every sound engineer that you work with.
Resources:
Stage plot software:
Band Helper (Android app)
Stage Plot Designer (free)
Stage Plot Maker (for iPhone and iPad)
StagePlot Pro (best software but costs ~$5)
Tecrider (free)
- Click to teach- click to learn, this D.I.Y. Lesson in stage lighting walks students through self paced learning about the use of light, shadow, color and intensity to tell a story using a virtual light lab. This lesson plan comes complete with all you need to guide you through a stage lighting design project, including web based tools and research ideas. Perfect for teaching or learning.
- The domain freestageplots.com may be for sale. Please send an inquiry to info@first1.com.
- Stage Plot creator for free Design and share your Stage Plot online in a simple way just by drag & drop your instruments on the stage. We help you to create your Technical Rider online to have a much easier show experience. Once you've created your Tech Rider.
Input List
Creating an input list (article + free template)
Guitar & Bass
Electric Guitar (cutaway)
This is the classic shape of an electric guitar with a cutaway to reach the higher frets. This kind of body has been introduced by Fender in the 1950s with the model called Stratocaster
Semi-acoustic guitar
This type of guitar is also known as a hollow-body electric guitar and was invented in the 1930s. Gibson was the first manufacturer of this body type that had both a hollow body and pickups. The idea was to create a warm tone on amps as there were nearly no effects available at that time.
Acoustic Guitar
This is the classic type of guitars that work entirely without amplifications. The sound is created by the guitar's body and has a sustaining warm tone. On stage the guitar either has to have pickups to be heard over the speakers or a regular microphone can be used for that.
Western Guitar (steel string)
When talking about modern acoustic guitars, you normally mean the steel-string guitars. As this type of guitars don't necessarily have a pickup included you should describe the guitar type as good as possible and also write if an extra microphone is necessary for it while playing live on stage.
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Electric Guitar (Stratocaster style)
This is generally a typical shape of a modern electric guitar that operates with pickups and a regular guitar cable that needs to be amplified either by a combo, amp or through a mixer. Fender Guitars has brought up the first guitar shape like this. Please write also if you have any effect preference or if you use certain fx pedals with it.
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Electric Guitar (SG style)
The shape of this guitar looks like a Gibson SG that is also a wide spread body type. Usually this guitar does not come with any tremolo system but therefore has a switch with three pickup options: Treble, Rhythm and a combination of both. If your guitar tuning differs from the standard E-A-D-G-B-E please leave that information in the details box.
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Electric Guitar (Flying V style)
It's quite self-explaining why this model is called flying V. This body is often used for rock and/or metal concerts because of its 'dangerous look'. If you use a seven-string guitar for example please don't forget to write that down in your stage plot. All extra information about distortion and fx can either be written in the amp/combo or effect pedal info box.
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Electric Guitar (Explorer style)
Gibson has brought up this model in the late 50s. The explorer was not a big success in the beginning but its futuristic look nowadays is appreciated by many guitarists around the world. Because of the prickly corners this guitar is often used for rock concerts.
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Electric Guitar (Telecaster style)
The Telecaster is a guitar that Fender invented in 1950 which was the first kind of that type. Unlike to other guitars at that period of time the body was solid and not hollow. The pickups allow various sound styles that can be selected through a three-way or five-way switch depending on the model.
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Electric Guitar (RD style)
The RD guitar is a model that Gibson has introduced in the late 1970ies. The letters 'RD' stand for research and development. Although this guitar may not be very common it still has a huge fan base.
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Electric Guitar (Les Paul style)
The Gibson guitar model 'Les Paul' was created in the early 1950ies. It normally has two humbucker pickups that can be switched through a 3-way switch. It's one of the most common guitar styles.
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Electric Guitar (Mustang style)
This icon looks like the Fender Mustang guitar that was first built in 1964. It's a ult guitar that is often played in rock and punk bands.
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Resonator Guitar
The resonator guitar, also called 'Dobro' (named after its inventors) is an acoustic guitar that carries the sound through a bridge to the resonators. This guitar has a very special sound that's often used for country, and bluegrass music
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Banjo
A Banjo is the typical bluegrass and country instrument. Please provide the information if you have microphone built in the body or if you need a microphone to amplify it.
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Vintage Bass
This icon shows a vintage bass that is not only used for oldies but for any kind of music.
Rock Bass
This is a bass that has a body with edges and corners so the bass guitar looks quite dangerous. This kind of bass can have between four and six strings, provide this information in your stage plot if possible.
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Classic Bass (cutaway)
This icon is very similar to the ones above but the shape reminds people more to a guitar. If you have information about your amp, DI box or effect pedals you can write it into your tech rider.
Double Bass
A double bass is basically what the modern bass guitar has replaced in nowadays music. There are still many music styles where the contrabass is used. It can be played with fingers and with a bow.
Guitar Combo
Guitar combos usually are placed behind the guitarist and sometimes are leaning back to point the speaker in the direction of the artist and less to the audience. Consider taking a photo of your EQ/FX settings once you're happy with it to be able to restore your sound if they change unintentionally.
Bass Combo
Handy, yet heavy bass combos are a great way to play bass on the stage without carrying too much equipment. If you use a DI-Box, let the technician know.
Bass Amp
Any bass player needs to hear his own sound. As it's hard sometimes to hear your sound from the monitor speakers, make sure that your amp does not stand too far away.
Bass Effect Pedal
This symbol is for bass players that wish you connect effects to their bass. If you don't connect the device to the power outlet make sure to have extra batteries.
Pick
Did you ever lose a pick during your song? Make sure to have enough plectrums on your stage to avoid a nervous crawling on the stage.
Multi Effect Pedal
Multi effect pedals often operate with channels that can be set up for each song. Provide the information about how to connect the pedal to your amp and if you use a battery or require a socket for the live performance.
Effect Pedal
There are countless effect pedal available out there. The most common ones certainly are distortion, echo, reverb, chorus, flanger and of course the wah wah pedal. Please describe the pedal in the detail window.
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Vintage Guitar Combo
Vintage guitar combos don't only look very nice, they often have a warm tube sound that can't be reached with modern transistor amps. If you've got information about how to connect a microphone to it, you should write it into your stage plot.
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DI Unit (front)
A DI unit or DI box is a device that's used to connect a high output signal, for example from a bass amp to a mixer. If you can hear any buzzing or humming from the speakers on this channel, you should make sure to have the DI unit and the amp connected to the same power strip or ask an electrician to check the sockets grounding.
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DI Unit (side)
The DI stands for 'direct input' and says exactly what this device is used for. You can directly connect an Amp to your mixer without using a microphone.
Drums & Percussion
Drum Set (7 parts)
This image shows a typical rock drum set that consists out of seven parts, bass drum, toms, cymbals and a snare.
Drum Stick (light)
Drum sticks have several parts that define the sound of the drum. A drum stick has a Tip, a shoulder, a shaft, and a butt. If the drummer needs extra sticks next to his drum set just drop that icon next to his instrument.
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Drum Sticks (heavy)
The thicker the drum stick is the more powerful is the sound. Especially metal drummers have thicker sticks unlike jazz drummers for example that often use thinner ones.
Drum Set
This image shows a regular drum set with a bass drum, snare and a hi-hat.
Rock Drum Set
A rock drum set sometimes has a double bass for a much faster play. Please provide the information if possible in your stage plot.
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Simple Drum Set
Some music styles just require a very simple drum set, for example rockabilly often is played only with a very few items.
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Snare (side)
The snare drum is a part of the drum kit that is making sharp sound. Let the mixer know if you need any microphones for it.
Snare (with sticks)
Just like above this icon symbolizes a snare drum. This image shows it together with two drum sticks and might me used as a single instrument without the rest of a drum set.
Cymbal
A cymbal is often part of a drum set and a common percussion instrument that is produced from metal.
Djembes
A djembe is an acoustic percussion instrument that is used for many music styles. A microphone usually needs to stand next to it to amplify the sound.
Congas
A conga or also called 'tumbadora' is a very common percussion instrument that often comes in pairs. They look like bongos but are much bigger.
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Bongos
Bongos are also acoustic percussion drums that come in pairs and are often played for latin music and/or unplugged songs.
Rattle
A rattle is often used by singers during their song to stay in the rhythm or by percussionists while sometimes holding other instruments in their hand the same time.
Tambourine
A tambourine is a percussion instrument that is often used by singers or percussionists. The Tambourine has little jingles and a frame drum combined.
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Triangle
A triangle is a simple instrument that's often used together with other percussion instruments. If a microphone is required let this information flow into your technical rider.
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Cajon
The word cajón comes from the Spanish word for 'crate' or 'box'. It's an easy way to have a rhythm for unplugged music and/or for street musicians. The instrument is quite easy to transport and the artist can directly sit on it.
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Keys
Keyboard
A keyboard is one of the most common instruments nowadays. Make sure to write down the approximate size and weight of the keyboard and if you need a special stand for it. There are many ways to connect the keyboard to a mixer, please let the technicians know anything about your output and your connectors.
Piano
The piano certainly is one of the heaviest instruments available. Make sure to provide the information on your technical rider about how to amplify the instrument, where it stands and where the piano is facing to on stage. This icon is just stands for a general piano but you might write down whether it's a grand piano, upright piano or something else.
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Stage Piano
A stage piano is a portable keyboard that is built for the performance on stage. Therefore, it is more stable and has more connecting options than regular keyboards and has fully weighted or semi weighted keys.
Synthesizer
Modern digital and analog synthesizers have in common that both need a controller device like a (MIDI) keyboard or a computer to actually play the generated sounds. The sounds can be similar to real instruments or are completely new designed.
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Key Controller
The image shows a compact keyboard that controls MIDI sounds on a synthesizer or computer through USB or an MIDI interface. The controller also has several pads and knobs that can be set up by the artists as desired.
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Launchpad
A launchpad is a musical equipment used by DJs and entertainers in a grid layout that plays sound loops and effects. The origin of the launchpad is the midi keyboard that triggers the sounds by pressing the regular keys. Provide all information about the connection and how to amplify it in your stage plan.
Vocals
Microphone (with stand)
This graphic shows a straight microphone stand that has no extra arm attached like the boom stand. The height and position of the stand are an important information for the venue and should be listed on your sheet. Of course special settings like effects and the equalizer settings should be written on the stage plot if possible.
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Microphone (classic)
This image shows a classic Shure Brothers microphone that was very common in the 1950s. The model is called 55s and is still popular because of its look. Let the engineers know what kind of stand you use.
Microphone (with cable)
This icon mainly is used to demonstrate that a microphone is required in general, for example in front of a guitar combo or maybe the drums. Write down what kind of connector might be required or if you need phantom power.
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Microphone
Nearly every musician needs a microphone, for their voice and/or for their instrument. Let the technicians know the type of your microphone, what cable it needs or if it's wireless. Also provide the information about any preferred settings the exact position on stage.
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Music Stand
A music stand actually should not be seen by the audience or at least it should not cover the view on the artists if possible. So the position and the height of the stand is quite important and should be part of your stage plan as well as if you've got a light attached and need batteries or you need a charger for your tablet.
Wireless receiver/sender
To send signals to your headset and/or to receive signals from your microphone you need a device with an antenna. Please provide the information about this as well as the channel settings in your description.
Headset (wireless)
This icon stands for any wireless headset, which could look like the one on the picture or could be much smaller. Some headsets are used as a monitor to provide a clear sound for instruments and voices. If you have channel setups or effect settings, add this after dropping the icon to the stage.
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Boom Stand
This is an ordinary microphone stand that just has a boom arm attached on top. Therefore, it's possible for guitarists for example to have the mic directly to their mouth while still having enough room to play guitar without getting too close to the stand. If the artists need certain things attached to the stand (plectrums for example) please write it down in your stage plot.
Brass
Flute
A flute is a historical instrument that is being used in nearly every culture. When preparing your stage plot don't forget to write how to amplify the flute. If you use a flute specific condenser microphone rather than a universal mic let the mixer know.
Trumpet
Nearly every trumpet has a different sound character that needs to fit to the rest of the instruments. As there are different types of trumpets you should write everything important into your tech rider. If the trumpet is not used on certain songs, write down when to mute its channel.
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Saxophone
Saxophones are instruments that can both be played in classical and modern songs. Either the artists have a microphone standing in front of them or they have a mic attached to the bell. A saxophone also has a solo or lead part sometimes where the volume has to be adjusted as the artist himself does not have any channels to select from. So write down for the mixer which song he needs to pay extra attention to.
Saxophone
Just like in the icon above this symbolizes a saxophone. As there are different models available you might write down whether it's a Soprano, Alto, Bass, etc. model and how the sound should be mixed up.
Trumpet (thin)
When playing a trumpet on stage it usually needs to be amplified by special microphones attached to the bell. There are wireless microphones and ones with cables, please give the technicians as much information as possible.
Xylophone
Provide the information for a xylophone in your stage plot about how to amplify the sound and how to enhance the sustain through certain effects. If the instrument is not used very often, consider writing down when to mute its channel on the set list or in your stage plot.
Accordion
When writing a technical rider you sometimes also need to write things that are obvious. In case of an accordion you might want to write down if effects like echo or reverb need to be set up or how to adjust the channel with the equalizer.
Cello
The cello is a classical four string instrument that is played with a bow. Although it might look similar to a contrabass it has very different sound because of its higher tuning. If any chair is required from the venue, please write that down in your stage plan.
Double Bass
This bass is also known as a contrabass and is played in many styles of music. The double bassist can either play with a bow or with his fingers. If the instrument has a piezoelectric pickup or maybe requires a microphone, please provide the information in the details section.
Horn
A horn is a classical instrument that is mostly produced out of metal. There are various types and sub types of horns from many cultures, this requires a clear description. Just to name some, there is the Vienna Horn, French Horn, Saxhorn, Tuba and much more.
Clarinet
The wooden classical instrument clarinet can belong to one of several ranges, like soprano, alto, bass and many more. The type of clarinet as well as preferred sound settings or maybe effects should be written into the stage plot.
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Violin
The violin or sometimes called a fiddle is one of the most popular classic instruments. When writing your technical rider you should also write how the violin's sound will be transmitted to the audience. There are models with an electronic pickup that can directly put into a mixer, other need a special microphone.
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PA & DJ
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Turntable
A DJ turntable is more than just a record player. It may have several effects, sound options and launch pads installed as well as a fader. With a fader you can smoothly change from one song to another. If you connect your laptop or other devices to it, you can write that into your stage plot, too.
DJ Mixer
This is a symbol of mixing console of a disc jockey (DJ). The main differences between a DJ mixer and regular mixing consoles are fewer inputs and less sound settings. Let the reader of your stage plot know what type of headphone you are going to use and how to connect it.
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Speaker
This is the symbol for a general speaker. You should provide any information about the connections and the output power on your tecrider to make sure that the matching cables and amplifiers will be used.
Active Speaker
An active speaker, also known as powered speakers, are general loudspeakers that have an internal amplification system installed. Describe the fitting cables, the output power and maybe the equalizer settings if available. Make sure that the mixer connected to this self-powered speaker does not send a high-level signal to prevent any damage on your speaker and/or feedback.
Speaker
This symbolizes also a regular speaker where you need to enter the details into the info box after dropping the icon to the stage. Write what type of speaker this is, for example subwoofer, woofer, mid-rage driver or tweeter etc.
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Column Speaker
Column speaker, also known as a Line Array is a system of loudspeakers that normally consist of identical speakers that can either be placed on the stage with a stand, directly on the ground or hanging on a truss system.
Monitor (right)
Musicians need to hear themselves as well as other band members, especially the drums to keep in track of the rhythm. Useful information for the monitor settings for your stage plot is who each band member, preferably wants to hear louder or quieter. Also, you can give a notice if the effects like echo or reverb should be reduced for a clearer sound.
Monitor (left)
Just like above this icon displays the montor, just from another angle. If you need two monitors or maybe more, please drop all the necessary icons on your stage plan.
PA Set (bass and speaker)
There are a lot of combinations available for PA system. In this case the icons shows a bass speaker and a speaker for higher tones. Remember to provide the information about the connections and cables that are necessary.
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Mixing Console
Any band that plays in front of an audience of 30 people and more certainly requires a mixer that amplifies and adjusts the sound of the instruments and voices. Don't forget to describe the required amount of channels and other features like phantom power feeding, effects, equalizer, remote control etc.
Stage Equipment
Heaphones
Headphones can either be used by musicians to hear themselves better or by the technicians or sound mixers that are mixing the music to hear the sound isolated from surrounding noises. Please write down if the headphone is wireless or maybe requires any special plugs or batteries perhaps.
Ghetto Blaster
This just symbolizes a stereo or tape/mp3 player that will play any set of sounds on stage. Please provide all necessary information about cables and maybe the required batteries.
Cable
Although there's an existing industry standard for cables you must make sure that you have the right ones defined in your technical rider. There is for example the jack plug, cinch and XLR. You should also write down whether a mono or stereo cable is required.
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Stool
Some musicians need to sit down during their concert. Please provide this information along creating your stage plan to make sure that everything is prepared well.
Chair
If you play an acoustic guitar for example on your stage you certainly want to sit on a chair that is stable. The chair also needs to make a very low noise to make sure that any moving or foot steps don't cause unwanted sounds that eventually will be heard by the audience. This can be achieved by rubber on each foot leg for instance.
Power supply
Unless you are doing an unplugged concert it's necessary to have a sufficient supply of power on stage. Use this symbol to show who needs how many sockets to perform. Don't forget that a guitarist might not only need his amp but also his effect pedal.
American socket
Just like the icon above this symbolizes a socket. In this case it stands for an American socket. Just use the icon above if you are unsure.
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European socket
European sockets have a different type of plugs and sockets that are not compatible the ones used in the United States. If your equipment has a mixed type of plugs or if you need adapters to make it run please provide that in your stage plot.
Light stand (left)
A great light show sometimess is just as important as a good sound. Make sure you describe the light stands as good as possible on your stage plot regarding the interaction to the music, where it should point to and what colors at what point you would like to have.
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Light stand (right)
This is a light stand as described in the icon above just from a different angle. Don't forget to provide information about the required sockets.
Hanging lamps (left)
For most live concerts it's quite important to have a light show as well. Here you can define what type and colors of light you are using and drop several icons on the stage and rotate them as required. If a stand for the lights is necessary you might want to leave that in the detail window or use the icons above if possible
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Hanging lamps (right)
This shows the same lamps as above just mirrored. If the light system is connected to some effects please don't forget to write that into your technical rider as well.
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Large Truss Span
A truss system can be used to build the entire roof of the stage or just to hang speakers and/or light systems on it – nobody wants to get hurt. Neither on stage nor in the audience so provide all necessary information about fixing the construction as good as possible. There are different kind of trusses, please write the amount of points in the description.
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Small Truss Span
There is a huge amount of rig trusses available. Some have two bars, some three and others four. Any details about the connectors or the truss itself should go into the stage description.
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Truss Corner (sharp)
Some trusses can not be connected with eachother without any connector. This symbol shows a corner with a sharp 90° corner. If the corner actually conects three of more trusses please write it down in the description.
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Truss Corner (rounded)
Just like above this item connects at least two truss spans together. The difference is that it has rounded corners.
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Truss Stand (foot element)
This element is the foot of a truss span to safely position it on the stage. If it's required to fix this foot on the ground for example with screws or with weights don't forget to write it down.
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Simple Truss Stand
This stand is not a stable as the one above and is meant to only carry a small set of truss spans to connect lamps or maybe a line array on it. It might be necessary to write down the required height and security information on the technical rider.
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Truss Bow Element
This is a bended truss span or truss bow. This icon can also have a different amount of bars and connection points which you should write down into your stage plot. Sometimes you want to connect several bows together or need a special connector at both ends.
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Table
This symbol stands for a solid table that can either stand on the stage or backstage. The feet of the table should have a soft underlay to prevent any disturbing sound on the stage.
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Fog/Smoke Machine
A fog machine or also called smoke machine is a stage effect that can create a mysterious atmosphere. A Fog machine needs to heat up before it can be used. Also make sure that there is enough smoke fluid. Don't forget to write in the stage plot where the machine has to stand and how to operate it. There are smoke machines with a remote control and ones with a foot switch on a long cable.
Musician
Just like above this symbolizes a musican but with the full body. It might be of use to describe the exact positions of each artist on stage.
Fog/Smoke Machine
A fog machine or also called smoke machine is a stage effect that can create a mysterious atmosphere. A Fog machine needs to heat up before it can be used. Also make sure that there is enough smoke fluid. Don't forget to write in the stage plot where the machine has to stand and how to operate it. There are smoke machines with a remote control and ones with a foot switch on a long cable.
Small Arrow
Sometimes it's important to point to something on your stage plot. Don't forget to enter the details or maybe adjust the color of the arrow if necessary.
Big Arrow
This arrow has a bigger tip. It might be useful to use the rotation feature on arrows that is only on available for the pro- and ultimate-version.
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Tripod Stand
A tripod stand can be used to position lights, speakers and effects on your stage. To choose the right cable length while preparing for your concert, make sure to use the correct position in your plan.
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Monopod Stand
Monopod stands usually are used to connect speaker and subwoofer of a PA set together. The height of the bar can be adjusted. Consider providing its height in the object details.
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Computer
For many setups, it's necessary to have a computer on stage. Entertainers of course use a computer to play their song list and to control the show, whereas some others might need it for sound or light effects.
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Tablet/iPad
Tablets or pads in general are nowadays used on stage very often. Not only to plan the show and to loop certain effects, but also to store lyrics and/or chords for the artists. Tablet computers are about to replace the classic folders on a music stand. Make sure your iPad or tablet is fully charged.
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Tablet/iPad
Nearly no DJ performs without a laptop. As portable computers can store literally years of music it has replaced the CDs. The software on the laptop is being used instead of a turntable. Don't forget to insert necessary power sources on your stage plan.