The Metronome

A metronome is a device that makes regular ticks at a speed that you choose.  Its benefit to a musician is one that is immeasurable.  Learning how to play in time might be the most important thing that a musicians can do.  It is arguably more important than music theory because without proper rhythm and time your music will sound out of sync and terrible.

So how do you go about using a metronome?

Metronomes are inexpensive and if you follow the link below you can use this web page and use the program on this page.

http://www.seventhstring.com/metronome/metronome.html

Before You Start

The first thing you should know before you start to practice with your metronome is what Time Signature is the song you are learning in?

If you are learning a melody than you should know the different note values of each note and plan out any difficult passages before you start.

 It might be a good idea to practice the time of those difficult parts, first without the metronome and then with it.

Practicing

Choose a tempo that you are use to playing a song at.  Start the metronome and start counting the measures of the song in your head before you get going with your instrument.  When you can feel the tempo start playing along with the metronome.  Feel the tick of the metronome and try to land each chord or each note at the exact beat. 

If this is to much to deal with, sing the melody and listen to the metronome.  Stick each note on the proper beat.  It is not as easy as you think.  It is natural for you to speed up or slow down a little as you play.  The key is to hone your skills so that you are making as little change in tempo as possible.  Once you have this down you can learn rhythmic ideas like syncopation.

As you start to use a metronome you might get a little down.  Don’t worry you will get it in no time.  The little bit of work that you do with it will improve your rhythm so much as you play with your band that you will go back for more of this torturous practice.  Before you know it you will only work with your metronome and you will sound like one of the best musicians in your town!

Don’t forget to sign up for our Tip’s and musicians quote of the day e-mail service at the top left corner of the page.

For more information about how to build your confidence, improve your creativity and make better music visit http://www.bebop2pop.com and get your copy of 9 secrets to better music.