When I was in a band many, many years ago, the drummer & I used to turn the guitarist's amp down behind his back!!

I know that's not a real solution, because egos can be really hard to deal with sometimes. I think the best bet is honesty and taking the time to really talk with your band-mates about what everyone thinks is important to the overall sound. Band practices can suck if everyone starts playing at once without a common goal other than "I'm better than everyone else and I'm gonna show 'em that- LOUDLY."

It helps if you can devote a small portion of each practice to talk.

remind them of the age old adage.

If you can't be good then be LOUD.

Volume wars are NO fun for anyone.

What I do (when I have to) is I play at a comfortable volume for me. if no one can hear me it's not my problem it's theirs and I will NOT "turn up". Believe me when I say I have NEVER had someplace I'm playing say "Turn it up will ya?" It's always "Turn that damn thing DOWN".

I think that everyone should do what is best for the overall sound. Everyone, first of all, has to compete with the drums. Above that, decide what you want the band to sound like and go from there. If you can't agree, find another band.

Wow, I guess common sense does come in handy once in a while. Thanks, all

It's rare for a sound man to want anyone on stage to turn up. wow.
It makes the whole band sound bad when one member is an idiot. very unprofessional. I'm glad I'm outta that scene. I guess you reach a certain level of professionalism and those things are no longer an issue.

What we do. Basic. Set the volume where you can hear yourself AND everyone else. Listening is just as important as speaking..sometimes more so.

Arguing over who should be loudest won't go anywhere, and if someone in your band has "ego" problem, get him/her replaced.

Everyone should be able to hear themselves/others above the drums (drums have no volume control) - but still be able to hear the drums. If you can't hear the drums, you will suck. Blend is the way to go, nothing sucks more than a band where one person is way too loud.

Most times, I don't really think abut it, I match the drums and go up a tiny bit, but not alot. I think what people should do is not change their volume, but their tone. If you have an augument to distinguish your instrument, guaranteed you will be heard. You could change your EQ, effects, am, or even instrument. I despise bands that let the drums prevail. It sounds like shit. Here's my idea to test when I get a full band:

I will turn my guitar barely past the drums, not to drown them or anything, but to be heard. The bassist (this is kind of mean)
should be turned a little bit under me, maybe even below the drums. But, the bass should be unique and cut through the sound of the instruments to be heard. As for the singer, I would have him at the same level as guitar with some EQ to block out the drowning highs that the crazy ass might whip out (just to be safe on the other instruments' tone.) I do believe in a balanced tone, craziness will get in the way of your true talent.

Shane, the band should have a "spot". Drums & bass should be heard toghether... this is a must since drums are the beat and bass the punch... there dwells the background of anything that goes there... the guitar should be very audible but this not mean 150db over the drum
& bass... this is obvious; drums & bass are background but enough to be nicely heard; guitar a little bit over that so it cuts through them but controled enough to let them be there. The singer should be more "over" them all (is the front man) but guitar solos should match the singer's voice...
this is a common way of doing this, so, use this advise as a guide but it actually depends on what do you want and how. good luck.