Inside the Live Experience03 / 06
A close view of bass guitar imagery during a Nine Inch Nails performance03

Signal / Machinery / Human Force

Instruments & Technology

Touring members move among instruments while programmed parts reproduce sounds that cannot be played by one musician.

Most lineups use guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, percussion, samples, and backing vocals. Some tours also use saxophone, cello, banjo, or mandolin. Roles change from song to song instead of staying fixed.

Custom stands, controllers, triggers, and amplifiers are placed so musicians can switch instruments quickly. Programming also keeps audio, lighting, and video cues synchronized.

Roles shift song by song, expanding what a compact lineup can reproduce.

Live instruments and programmed sources are treated as one continuous system.

Controllers and stage hardware must support movement, speed, and controlled abrasion.

Foundation
Guitar, bass, drums, keyboards
Additional instruments
Samples, percussion, saxophone, strings
Technical role
Keep sound, lighting, and video in time