• Registered: 2012-12-23
  • Posts: 159

Topic: practicing with a metronome

I guess I'm an advanced beginner, but in some areas I'm a rank beginner. Like in keeping time! I just downloaded a metronome and discovered I'm pretty bad at keeping a steady beat. I seem to be getting a little better as I practice with a metronome, but I'm still having a lot of trouble whenever the beat is in three. It's crazy! I get started ok and then, by the third or fourth iteration, I'm already off.

Need advice here. Is this a problem other people have dealt with? Got any tips for counting or otherwise getting that devilish 3 into my body?

W

  • From: Probably Somewhere
  • Registered: 2010-12-09
  • Posts: 2,446

Re: practicing with a metronome

It's hard at first. Are you having the metronome click to quarter notes? if it's tough for you have it click quarter notes or eighth notes.

3 Reply by beamer (edited by beamer 2012-12-24 00:41:17)

  • beamer
  • beamer
  • THE METALIZER. Naughty Rocker Boy.
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  • From: WASHINGTON ST
  • Registered: 2006-07-29
  • Posts: 2,811

Re: practicing with a metronome

It drives me crazy also but I found these few to help.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWL-aeDCtdI  (part 1)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=en … 8&NR=1  (pt 2) (follow links for all parts)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1Z7cZXKYU4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLgq5VPRT6k  (Justin guitar-very good also)

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  • Zurf
  • Zurf
  • Blunt but well meaning moderator
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  • From: Virginia, USA
  • Registered: 2007-06-27
  • Posts: 7,522

Re: practicing with a metronome

I have no advice, except to start slowly and build up in speed over time.  I've been playing one musical instrument or another for the past 37 years, and I still practice with a metronome, and I still get frustrated by it.  The metronome is your best friend and your worst enemy. 

Remember that when you're practicing, go as slowly as you have to to get the phrase you're practicing perfect.  When you get it perfect a few times in a row, then increase the speed a very little bit.  Once you get your speed up to 80 or 90 beats per minute, then you can start increasing your speed in bigger jumps.  You can maybe go to 110 or 120 bpm from 90.  Precision is much more important than speed, and the metronome keeps you honest on the speed. 

Good luck.  If your timing is weak, them you've done the very smartest thing you could have done.  Good for you.  Keep up the good work. 

- Zurf

Granted B chord amnesty by King of the Mutants (Long live the king).
If it comes from the heart and you add a few beers... it'll be awesome! - Mekidsmom
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  • Registered: 2008-10-18
  • Posts: 6

Re: practicing with a metronome

My advise would be to start playing with someone who is blessed with great timing, and is patient.  Not knowing what kind of music your into, I would suggest that you find a bluegrass jam in your area and attend it.  They are usually informal, and there is no spotlight on anyone.  You can participate as much as you like.

  • From: A black hole in deep space
  • Registered: 2007-10-28
  • Posts: 7,862

Re: practicing with a metronome

I advise my students to get a hold of a small casio keyboard with rhythm and practice with it, it provides adjustable tempos and rhythms that are easier to keep up with and more fun then a tick tock metronome
I found one for 3 dollars at the local St.Vincent de Paul thrift shop or  you may locate one at Goodwill most just use batteries and are easy to take to the park or anywhere to practice to smile

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