Guitar Stage Plot: Amps, DIs, Pedalboards, and Channels

TL;DR — A guitar stage plot should show the guitarist’s position, pedalboard, amplifier or direct rig, vocal microphone, monitor destination, and required power. The matching input list should name every output, channel, microphone or DI, connector, and provider. Draw the signal path actually used at the show—amp, modeller, acoustic DI, or a hybrid—not a generic guitar icon. Confirm substitutions and who supplies cabinets, microphones, DIs, and power during the advance.

Table of contents

1. Choose the guitar signal path
2. Draw the setup in six steps
3. Mic, DI, or direct output
4. Build the guitar input list
5. Document pedalboard power
6. Plan monitors and stage volume
7. Common guitar plot mistakes
8. FAQ

Choose the guitar signal path

Start with the physical output that reaches the audio system. “Electric guitar” is an instrument description, not a complete patch instruction. The stage layout and input list differ for each common rig.

Document the normal configuration and any approved compact alternative separately. If a festival version uses one shared cabinet instead of the touring cabinet, the rider should state the exact handoff and who provides the head, cabinet, speaker cable, microphone, and stand.

Use the broader backline rider guide to separate carried equipment from requested equipment.

Draw the setup in six steps

1. Place the guitarist

Show the player at the real performance position using stage left and right from the performer’s perspective. Add the performer name or role, not only “Guitar.” If the guitarist also sings, put the vocal microphone and stand at the same station and use a separate vocal input number.

2. Add the pedalboard

Draw the pedalboard at the player’s feet with enough room for normal operation. Mark the approximate footprint when it affects a crowded stage or riser. Keep it clear of the wedge footprint, microphone stand base, access path, and cable crossings.

3. Place the amp, cabinet, or modeller

Show the actual source location. An amp can be behind or beside the player, offstage, or isolated only when that arrangement has been advanced and approved. A modeller belongs near the performer or carried rack where it physically operates, even if its output runs directly to a stage box.

4. Draw the audio handoff

Connect each output to a labeled microphone, DI, or stage-box destination. Name stereo sides explicitly. If the rig provides two different feeds, describe their purpose instead of labeling both “Guitar.”

5. Add power

Place a labeled power drop near the pedalboard and another near powered backline when required. State the equipment grouping and connection count; do not invent current figures. The venue or qualified production personnel determine safe distribution and local electrical suitability.

6. Add monitoring and movement

Place the wedge or identify the guitarist’s IEM mix. Preserve access to pedals, instrument stands, spare guitars, and cable changes. If a guitar technician works at the position during the show, show the carried rack or change area when it affects stage or wing space.

For orientation and grid basics, follow How to Make a Stage Plot. If the footprint is critical, add measurements using the stage dimensions guide.

Mic, DI, or direct output

Choose the handoff based on the actual rig, not a universal rule.

Amplifier microphone

A conventional guitar amplifier is often captured with a microphone. State the preferred microphone or functional alternative, who supplies it, the stand or clip requirement, and the input channel. The venue engineer may choose the final placement in coordination with the artist team.

Direct modeller output

A modeller can provide one or more direct outputs. Record whether the feed is mono or stereo, the physical connector, nominal output type or level where known, and whether the modeller supplies cabinet simulation. Do not assume that two available outputs must consume two console channels; specify the show configuration.

Acoustic guitar DI

An acoustic guitar commonly reaches the console through a DI, sometimes after an artist-owned preamp. Identify whether the source or DI is active, who provides the DI, and whether phantom power is accepted or a battery/power supply is used. See What Is Phantom Power? before marking 48V.

Hybrid and redundant paths

If the show needs an amp microphone plus a direct feed, list both channels and say how they are used. If one output is only a spare, label it spare and explain the changeover condition. A silent backup is not automatically patched or checked unless it appears in the agreed plan.

Build the guitar input list

Use stable source names that match the plot. For two guitarists, prefer performer or role names over Guitar 1 and Guitar 2 when numbering could be confused with channel numbers.

The example illustrates structure, not a required channel order or device choice. Match each row to the actual show. Keep guitar channels after drums and bass only when that order fits the complete submitted input list.

For each channel, confirm:

• performer or role and instrument;
• amp, modeller, acoustic preamp, or other source;
• microphone, DI, or direct-output handoff;
• connector and mono/stereo relationship;
• artist or venue provider;
• phantom-power status where relevant;
• stand, clip, or placement note;
• monitor mix destination if the guitarist needs that source.

The input list guide explains the complete table and patch workflow.

Document pedalboard power

Do not write only “power at guitar.” Identify the physical location and what the connection serves. A useful request is PD-2: downstage stage right, pedalboard and modeller, two appropriate local connections. Keep amplifier power at the amp position when it is physically separate.

List externally powered pedal supplies, modeller supplies, wireless receivers, charging equipment used during the show, and any carried power conditioner that is part of the rig. Record manufacturer input ratings from the actual equipment when production requests a load schedule; do not estimate consumption from connector count.

Never request a voltage adapter, grounding modification, or distribution method as a casual rider shortcut. Equipment must be suitable for the local supply, and power distribution remains the responsibility of qualified production personnel under venue and local requirements. The stage power guide covers the documentation boundary in detail.

Plan monitors and stage volume

The guitarist’s monitor requirement depends on whether the rig produces audible stage sound. An amplifier behind the player may provide enough local guitar level, while a direct modeller produces no useful acoustic guitar sound without a wedge or IEM feed. State the desired monitor source and mix rather than assuming the engineer will infer it from the rig.

Aim amplifiers and wedges through discussion with the venue and engineers. Moving an amp, tilting a cabinet, or reducing stage level may improve the working balance, but the rider should describe the required rig and approved alternatives rather than prescribe a universal position.

Use stable mix IDs and performer names from the monitor mix planning guide.

Common guitar plot mistakes

Drawing only a guitar icon. The crew still does not know whether to supply an amp, microphone, DI, stand, or power connection.

Leaving the provider implicit. “Guitar amp” can mean artist-carried, venue-supplied, rented, or shared. Name the responsible party for every critical backline item.

Calling every direct feed a DI. A modeller may supply a balanced output directly, while another source needs a DI. Record the physical handoff accurately.

Forgetting stereo channel cost. A stereo modeller or effects rig uses two console inputs and may affect monitor routing. Label left and right as a linked pair.

Placing the wedge on the pedalboard. Reserve separate, workable footprints for the player, pedals, vocal stand, monitor, and instrument changes.

Changing the rig without updating the list. Moving from an amp microphone to a stereo modeller changes stage items, input count, connectors, monitor needs, and possibly power. Update the plot and input list together.

Pre-send guitar checklist

• Performer and stage position are named
• Pedalboard or modeller footprint is shown
• Every amp, cabinet, DI, and direct output is labeled
• Input numbers and source names match the input list
• Mono/stereo and left/right relationships are explicit
• Artist and venue responsibilities are stated
• Power drops are placed at the equipment they serve
• Wedge or IEM mix is identified
• Vocal mic and stand are included when the guitarist sings
• Approved festival or shared-backline alternatives are documented

FAQ

What should a guitar stage plot include?

Show the guitarist, instrument position, pedalboard, amplifier or direct rig, every microphone or DI handoff, input numbers, power drops, vocal stand if used, and the wedge or IEM destination. State who supplies critical equipment.

Should a guitar amp be miked or use a DI?

It depends on the rig. A conventional amp is commonly miked; a modeller may supply a direct balanced feed; an acoustic guitar often uses a DI. Hybrid rigs can use more than one path. Document the exact configuration rather than treating one method as universal.

Where should a guitar amp go on stage?

Place it where the agreed layout supports the performer, microphone, cable path, other musicians, and venue constraints. Behind or beside the guitarist is common, but offstage or isolated placement must be advanced because it changes monitoring and access.

How do you list a guitar on an input list?

Use a stable source name, channel number, performer or role, handoff device, connector, provider, phantom-power status, and placement note. Separate stereo left/right outputs and name multiple guitarists clearly.

What power should a guitarist put on a tech rider?

Show power-drop locations and the equipment each drop serves, including pedalboard, modeller, amplifier, and wireless equipment. Use verified equipment ratings when a load schedule is requested; qualified production personnel determine safe local distribution.

Build the guitar setup from one source

Create the guitar stage plot in Techrider.live, connect its source labels to the input and monitor lists, and share the current Rider with the engineer before load-in.

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Last updated: 2026-07-23 · Reviewed for practical guitar-rig and stage-plot communication.