So… my post from the other day was obviously a big one…
With over 400 comments at last count, it’s going to take a while for me to get through them all, but I will… every last one.
Obviously there are a lot of commonalities between them, and today I want to handle one in particular that really struck me because it can help a beginner save a LOT of time over the years… and if you’ve been playing for a while it can make you feel a lot better about your course from here.
It’s very simply – the metronome will not count for you, and if you cannot count, the metronome will only serve to remind you of how bad your timing is, not fix it for you.
I know that sounds kind of harsh, so let me elaborate a little bit…
In my Beginning Blues Guitar course, I often play to a metronome when I’m demonstrating an example…
That is to keep me in time, and to help you get used to hearing the notes at the right time in relation to a beat.
But for you, especially if you’ve not really played much before, you need to turn the metronome off and count first. Counting out loud is what teaches you where the notes fall on what beat.
When you can play the piece of music and the notes fall on the right beat, the metronome simply counts beats for you so that your time is consistent. But if you don’t know what beat a note falls on (because you didn’t count it out) then the metronome won’t mean anything at all to you.
And the constant beeping or clicking will do little more than remind you that you don’t know what you’re doing – and that’s nothing more than frustrating.
Count out loud until you don’t need to anymore (and you’ll know when that is.) Then you can add the metronome to increase speed and consistency.
That’s all for today, but you can bet I’ve got a LOT more coming in the next few weeks.
84 replies to "Turn Off Your Metronome"
Hi Griff ! Thank you for advise. Yeah..You are right. I never use metronome. I prefer some professional backing track for instance the tracks which I received from you. My deepest thanks ! They are real amazing for practicing ! ! !
hi griff. i e-m’d you some time back on my counting problem. i have taken your advice, ‘AND IT SURE IS WORKING’.
i play in three bands, two of which are jazz, that obviously needs some attention. but the improvement is there. and have had comments to that effect. can’t say its perfect yet, but it’s coming. i re-iterate what i said before. very few teachers stess anywhere near enough the importance
of counting. great stuff!!!
Griff, need help with a course I bought a couple months back.
I have requested help 8 times in as many weeks andnsennt several emails. Not one fucking response have I received. C’mon, help! Wtf is wrong???? Going on phone call#
9 now and very tired of it,please call me!!!
Terry. (Lessdrop)
Hi Griff,
You just hit the nail on the head. It is always much better to count out loud. I don’t have the timing problems having been a drummer in the 60’s for Pop such as Beatles, Soul such as Wilson Picket and Rock n Roll such as Elvis… now enjoying all the best parts of the songs by learning electric guitar and the Blues Guitar Unleashed… How good is that and the best Metronome is the one on the Cell Phone which can be turned off or the sound turned off No Problem.
Great keep it up.
Michael- St Andrews NSW Australia
Got a new metronome on the way, it’s not for counting though. More for timing and stamina.
A musician without impeccable timing will never play well in a band, no matter how good the chops. I do get your point, it is a multitasking endeavor.
For my 2-cents, respectfully, I learned by listening to the radio,or CD, and count aloud to the music. Then, while continuing to count, turn the volume to zero for awhile, while still counting, and then turn the sound back on to see how you are doing. Do this for one measure, then two, and so forth, until you develop the confidence that you ‘got’ it! All while driving down the road with nothing better to do (except to watch your driving!).
Keep up the good works Griff, you are an awesome teacher!
I also had one on my list of things to buy, but I get the point. when I count out loud and play at the same time its hard enough to keep track of cord changes and notes. doing it with just a metronome seems kinda pointless until I can count out loud correctly!! Thanks Teach 🙂
was thinking of buying one guess i”ll wait..
Hey Griff! Thanks for the lessons and insight into the subtleties of playing in the real world. The metronome is a great tool but that’s all it is… a tool. At the end of the day you have to be able to play the notes and feel the tempo by listening. A metronome will assist the process but you can’t be reliant upon it.
Hi Griff, I startet to learn guitar when I was 56 and play now since 1 year. I try to play every day and have already made good progression. I understand scales and theory about music ( which is important to me), but have my troubles with counting – even if try to do this loud it is somehow iritating me. Now if this is so important why don’t you just create a small buyable lesson around this topic? I have bought the unleashed blues guitar lesson ( among others), but counting out loud is kind of ” distributed” throughout the different lessons and not in a real focus. I would certainly buy it for a reasonable price. cheers from Switzerland
Houston, (I’m 74) and I’ve been bangin’ on a guitar for a long time and my timing sucks. All because I refused to count and tried to do it by feel. When I want to nail a piece of music or a phrase, I have to count it first without playing. (count and tap a finger) I have learned to look at it like a puzzle, which it is to me, and then I find it is enjoyable solving the puzzle. When it is very difficult, I break the bar in half. (count just 1& 2& twice on 4/4 time)
I promise you, the music will sound much better when played in time.
Hay griff can you tell me what gauge strings are best for blues and rock
Hey Griff, First and foremost, I want to thank you for all that you do, to help others learn what you have dedicated so much of your life to learn. To teach, is a gift not granted to all and for those who can and choose to do, it is a gift that never ceases to give. As a leader and teacher of men my entire adult life, I can and have fully realized the rewards of being an effective teacher.
Where the metronome has a definite place in the process of learning, it should also be known that it is a mere tool, created for a single purpose. Once that purpose has been fulfilled, it becomes time for it to step aside and allow the purpose to take over.
The best case scenario, when timing is at it’s best, is when there are multiple instruments being put to the same task. To feel and flow with others is what it’s all about in the long run. What you seek, is the overall fluidity of multiple sounds being created by multiple instruments.
During this event, you learn about realistic variables and how to breathe as one, so to speak.
Where this is generally only a limited spectrum, and not one that is available at all times, it is the ultimate learning process. It is fairly easy to see and hear bands that practice a lot together and those that don’t.
When practicing alone, there are other optimum tools for creating realistic timing. Electronic drum machines give you a more realist feel for the music you are playing, and they allow you to experiment with variables in tempo. There are those that even afford you an adjustable bass track, to go along with the drum rhythms.
Then you have loop stations/pedals that allow you to work with selected progressions and also allow variables in rhythm.
More simple tools to utilize are rhythm tracks , which can be self created or otherwise, created by other musicians, that can be played right through your amplifiers, or external devices, like stereo equipment.
All these options which, just like a metronome, help to keep you on task with the same element, which is timing.
The more you get used to these helpful elements, the easier it is to naturally feel the timing and count it internally, without creating a distraction from your main endeavor, which is to play your music.
Thank you again Griff, for all that you do. You are an inspiration to a great many, and I can not thank you enough for what you do so well. If either of your bands ever play in the Phoenix, AZ. area, please post it, because I’d love to see you guys play live.
So Griff, please send some emails to those metronome companies and have them change the simple clicking sound with a “vocal beat number” (preferably a sexy female voice!). You have enough weight to probably make that happen!
Hey Griff, I just want to thank you for all the lessons that you post.I had some health problems pop up out of nowhere.To make a long story short,it put me on a fixed income and I couldn’t afford your blues guitar unleashed. One day I will make things right and someway I will repay you for the free lessons in someway.I just had to tell you that. (aka)Preacher!
One ,two, three,four….”Well she was just seventeen”,
Even the Beatles started their songs …..counting it out !
Hey Griff
I started off using a mechanical metronome and did find it annoying with the clicks and the cat did too, kept attacking the moving arm so ended up putting it back on the shelf and started to count out loud like you keep telling me in the emails anyhow the counting out does work better and now can actually record my playing and when I play back does match the metronome close enough, did try using a clip on one but that is a more annoying distraction after a few minutes with the flashing light.
So counting out loud did finally sink in and just use the metronome to speed up and get the counting out right then put away again.
Thanks for your helpful emails
I’ve never tried to use a metronome yet, at the moment I’m practicing 5 easy solos, I’ve gone through all 5 now but only really counted out loud on the last 2 solos. It’s amazing how much quicker and easier they are when you count out loud. So I’m gonna start them again and do it the right way this time.
Griff I have been stubborn! But the more I play the more I see that your insistence on counting out loud is for our benefit, thank you for beating that drum for us stubborn ones.
Thank you very much for this. Where I teach guitar / music I’m the only one who’s not a trained music educator. Of course none of them are guitarists either. I am self taught but have studied a great deal. I found the metronome a big disraction when students are first learning. They have to learn to count well first and I focus on that. I am a Visiting Artist at the local University each Spring Semester in the guitar class offered in the music department. No metronome is used as the class is focused on teaching guitar classes with a group of students. Being able to count is a must and the metronome just gets in the way at first. I count while teaching them to count. Often I have my students count the notes before they play them. I have them count the beat by tapping on their guitar. That’s one of the first steps in learning a new piece of music. I only have a few who are ready for the metronome because I’ve only been teaching there a year. My focus is on a steady beat and the ability of the whole class to use the same beat following my guitar beat. The music educators sometimes wonder what I’m doing and I simply say, teaching them music with the guitar as the instrument they have chosen to learn on.
the only time i ever used a metronome was in the studio. in fact it was a distraction. I’ve been playing for 40+ years, profesonally and never ever learned to count out loud. i was the lead singer and rythum guitar. counting out loud trows me off beat it’s a distraction. I KNOW you have to learn to count out loud or you will never make it. well i did. i have been to clubs and can hear the lead guitar player going off the beat. you can’t teach an ole dog new tricks. even this 63 year old dog. 🙂
I tend to agree with you. I know Griff is a good teacher and makes a lot of sense, but I have had experience in the past where a teacher has told me something I absolutely must do and it’s been wrong, as I later found out. If it’s totally essential to count out loud the numerical beats, how does his wife(a saxophone player) accomplish this while she is blowing the sax? I’m not a teacher so maybe I shouldn’t comment, but there has to be some sort of answer to the above. I’d love to know what it is.
Griffster – I use / used a metronome when I was learning scales & wanted to improve my speed – that’s it! I think it helped a lot.
Thank you! I’ll go back to counting out loud and leave my metronome off for awhile.
This is the most someone has said about the metronome that makes sense..
Thanks again Griff.. Your the Man… I’m off to count my way back into the song
I missed posting to your original request, so to chime in here…… Griff you are the best at relating to your viewer. Production value is exceptional as well. Love getting your emails. I’m still going thru unleashed and my timing has always sucked. But jammin with some friends has improved it markedly. I’m the fill guy and love it. Sometimes less is more, I think I’ve heard you say that. Thats why I really like the new rhythm and fills. Thanks, ever so much. Don’t ever stop. Rock on!
I think Griff has demonstrated the importance of counting in some of the more complicated lessons for example Mary had a little lamb SRV this can’t be played out of time I’m with the guys I’m a drum machine guy
Your NEVER too old to rock ‘n roll or learn to play the Blues.
So remember that ALL Griff’s students aged 70+!
Hi Griff I am 71and just picked up a guitar around four months ago learning from your beginning blues tutorial , can’t yet play what I would like to ,and that is Albatross by Fleetwood mack ,if I had it written in tab form I could work through it and get it eventually ,I think I have picked the wrong tutorial by choosing blues to learn begginer guitar ,I guess my memory is,nt good enough to store everything needed for learning guitar in blues format and as you say timing is the key ,I really enjoy trying to play and it relaxes me so,could you recommend a. tutorial like country or pop.many thanks Terry.
Hi Griff, I HATE METRONOMES! There is something about those single monotone unfeeling clicks or beeps that makes it impossible to get back in time when I get off the beat. On the other hand, Korg makes a little item (called a Pandora) that you can play through your amp and gives you a drum track to play to. Not only does it let you adjust the tempo but you can choose a style and pattern that will add some feeling to the beat. Even though it’s a metronome of sorts, I find it easier to play to than a single monotonous sound.
Hi Terrence regarding Albatross
The tab in (ultimate-guitar.com) will get you started.
Pete
What do you call a Travelocity statue in a New York subway?
A “Metro-Gnome!”…and I play guitar just as write as I jokes!
You gotta have RHYTHM…who could ask for anything more?
Planned Parenthood used to say “You gotta have Rhythm” or so I’ve been told. Then there was the fellow who, when he came home from work one evening, his wife told him “I have some good news and some bad news.” The husband said “Tell me the good news first. I’ve had a hard day.” Wife: “I found out today the airbags in the car work really well!” 🙂
I agree with what you are saying, what I do is when I am working around the house I turn it on and count beats. I try and use the beat to do other things and I will use it at night since I have a hard time sleeping it helps me to relax and I learn to keep a beat in my head. I was not born with rhythm so I have to work much harder than most. I enjoy playing and learning new things since I have become sick this is just about all I have I am stuck at home and the guitar is pretty much all I have. Thanks for all the help
Griff,
Being a piano player first and guitar second the most important lesson for me to suggest is knowing the different value of the notes depending on the time signature. Most people learn this in 4/4 time. Then when a slow waltz comes they get off. What about a Jazz time 6/8 like a fast waltz. Or 2/4. You can’t always follow playing guitar you must lead.
The other is finding the notes without looking. Hardest thing mostly for people to learn. No hunt and pluck.
Thanks for all your do. See you one of these days in LA.
Barry
Scottsdale, AZ
I was exposed to beats and note values in a theory class I took a long time ago, but I’m terrible at it. I’ve even thought of studying drums for a while to learn this important information. If you have a course that addresses this, please let me know. For now, I just keep the beat with my foot, but that’s good right up until you meet something like a jazz fusion (Cream and G. Baker,) or syncopation, then it’s easy to get lost.
That’s something I definitely need help with is keeping time….I forgot to put that in the forum question
I never needed to count out loud as I seemed to be natural rhythm. However, since I joined the BGU clan, and doing what I wanted to do, ie, play Blues, I decided to give it a go, as Griff says it is so important.
Initially, it just got in the way and I felt it was making me go backward. I persevered with it from time to time, to make sure I started on the second beat and it finally worked and yes! It is important, keeping you in the right place. Ray (UK)
I am very fortunate…. I seem to have an inate ability to keep time…a metronome just messes up my thought process. I suppose it helps that I have been involved with music for many years.
I use the metronome until a break a fuse. My aim now is to coordinate my own beat (with the right foot) to the metronome and play on the beat. Basically I count with the foot. This coordination is the most frustrating exercise but I think it’s an essential skill.
I could never be a “poster boy” for the metronome industry! Metronomes don’t help me a-tall. Guess I need to revisit the counting gig. 🙁
This explains why in BBG I can start right in time for maybe two or three measures but then me and the metronome are on different beats. Very frustrating when everything being done is completely new. I turn it into a game to see how many measures I can get thru and stay in time. Counting will help me win more of the games because I keep score. Yesterday the Metronome won 10 – 4. May sound silly but it helps me because even as little boy I’d do stuff like this; can I kick this rock all the way to such & such without it going off the path, etc ?
I was taught counting the beats.1eand atwoe i cant read music but if i hear it know what key its in , thats all i need.
I must admit that counting out loud does help a lot, I would say more than a metronome. It’s just getting use to counting out loud to your self that s hard a first but as always gets easier to do in time.
Griff, I must admit that precision in counting seems, for me, to conflict with artistic expression. The “wing it but be in the measure” has where I have lived….for too long. What messes me up is on the “and” beat, particularly when the lick begins on the “and”. Call me crazy, but when I try to play slower, I seem to also play more quietly. Can’t seem to bang the note for a loud hit when I am slowing it down to be a tad behind the beat. Does this make any sense? Can’t wait to come to Corona and mess it up in public!!!!
Dave Gasmire (I think there are two “Dave G’s” out here!!!!) Rock on…other Dave G!!
Dave
It seems like a lot of guitarist take pride in not knowing how to read music (see Dr Rick’s comment). But standard notation gives the reader a lot more information than tab does. Straight tablature does not give any info on the duration of the notes nor the timing where the notes fall in the measure. Griff includes the standard notation above the tablature examples for that purpose. So the better you are at reading the standard notation and especially the rhythmic aspect of the notes, the faster you will pick up the correct timing. And after awhile you start to see timing patterns that are repetitious off previous patterns and you realize that you alredy know how to count that pattern which allows you to pick up the riff/lick faster with less effort. A great exercise is to clap or tap the rhythm of the notes as indicated in the standard notation before you attempt to play the notes on the guitar. It works every time it is tried.
sorry this comment is not about counting (which i sometimes have a problem with),its about barre chords. my advice is get a capo, and the thinnest strings you can buy. place the capo on say the 5th fret and go for an F shape. the pressure you need to apply will be a lot less than normal. this way you can build up the strength in your left hand. guitars have different actions (height of the strings to fingerboard) generally, better- more expensive ones- are easier to play. your local music store can also ‘set up’ your guitar so that it is easier to play by adjusting the neck, new strings etc. i hope this helps those who have barre chord night-mares.
The metronome can be your worst or best friend. Make it your best. I use my big toe wiggling inside my shoe to keep me in time. If you want to speed or slow things up, talk to the toe, it will know! I have a 2nd cousin that uses his whole body as a metronome. It looks kind of crazy, like he is gonna blast right out of his chair! But, it works. He has perfect timing. It just ruins a lot of chairs and bar stools.:)
Plugging my phone in through the auxiliary port on my amp to play backing tracks through the amp is like playing with a band. Great way to practice timing and training your ear.
Good advice Griff, but as a former drummer,from a very musical family, I have always found timing to be instinctual and natural. The count is already built into my brain(soul). I have to say, I’m amazed at how well you teach things that to some of us are birthrights and natural.
Hi Griff, I play my Folk harp from “C” descending to “c” in a constant straight pattern. It sounds like the notes they are.
I then play it again but this time with rhythm and timing. It sounds like “Joy To The World.
Try it and the example is there for all to hear and understand.
Blessings;
Harm…………….:)
No question that timing and rhythm are a challenge in the beginning. One of my guitar teachers asked me to purchase a drummer”s resource book on syncopation. We spent the next few months working through this book with different rhythm patterns counting as we went. Just the patterns on the guitar with the fretting hand muting the strings. Best thing I have ever done in learning the guitar. I am now able to hear and/or feel the rhythm and replicate same. Tedious but worth it.
Hi Griff
Many thanks for the blog about the Metronom.You are perfectly correct, the metronom only helps you to stay in the correct timing, but one has to know the timing first. Buta metronom can also help to strum more evenly, which was my problem.
Picking is a problem ! I start picking up and down but somewhere along the line I lose it. How can I improve picking without dropping the pick and pick up and down ?
The reason they call it a pick is because they’re always being dropped and have to be “picked” up.
Really!!!
To me the art of timing comes from knowing how to read music. Knowing how to read music gives the vocabulary to play and understand what is in front of you. Tab is okay but it does not allow you to understand timing. For example; how many beats does a whole note have, a dotted half note, half note, quarter note, eighth note, triplets, two beat triplet and sixthteeth notes. Knowing this is what will give you your timing. Now you can count out loud. And know what your doing rather than guessing or hoping to imitate. Later the metronome will be helpful. Just a thought!!!
Not using the metronome makes a lot of sense and definitely worth trying.
What’s the promo code to the beginners guitar course. It’s my birthday and I think I’m going to buy myself a present. Always looking for discounts. Love your website and e-mails. Keep ’em coming.
Greetings Griff,
I first picked up the guitar when I was in six grade. My hands were not big enough and I understood that I would have to wait. When I was 18 I purchased my first guitar in a little town called Montrose Scotland. That was in 1964. A lot of time has passed and Griffis talking about counting out loud I thought I would add a comment. Not only do we have to know that we cannot let the right hand know what the left-hand is doing. We have to be in time. I wake up at 4 AM and Griff is so kind to have a video to share and he is very punctual. Since November I have enjoyed and practice and improve my skills on the guitar. In 2008 I was diagnosed with inoperable colon cancer my thyroid is messed up from the chemo, and 2006 I broke my right wrist, And so it’s challenging to Continue. Griff Hammellin and blues guitar on leashed feels a deep need within my very soul.
I’ve never been too dependent on a metronome. As a singer I’ve had to learn timin when it come to reading music. But I definitely use one when I am working on a new song.
a non metronome user. born in a family of music lovers . no one ever used one. being here has brought about alot of changes to the style and approch to my playing . never had played much blues music . the blues created the rock and roll style. blame elvis or was it the british envasion or chuck berry . i still dont know why they say clapton is the blues king when i believe he is more rock then blues . it is probably that it all depends on what musical feel you what to project . minor major . as far as a 100 watt amp goes why play loud its got a volume control pal. enjoy the preasence of but dont push it up too loud .
Don’t know if this is the time or place to ask…I’m enjoying the “Strumming and Rhythm Mastery” program. I find it challenging to use a pick for the first time in about 40 years of strumming with back of fingers on down beat and thumb on the upbeats. I find the pick keeps wanting to turn to the left! Any suggestions? I am using only one finger and thumb per your advice.
Thanks for the great course. It’s the best. God bless!
Hi Rolf,
You might try some Dava Jazz Picks, which are smaller than other picks and have a rubberized body. I haven’t any problems holding a pick since I started using those — and I used to have a terrible time — though it is possible that my technique was improving/fingers were getting stronger and the picks had nothing to do with it.
I’m not a great player yet, but I’m glad I don’t have to think about the pick anymore.
Good luck,
Ed
get dunlop picks they are not smooth and grip best i think its the best thing ever thats what griff uses .
Hi, you might give these a try;
http://v-picks.com/
They’re a little spendy, but work great, you won’t drop it ever.
Hi Rolf,
I had the same problem, what worked for me was to use the other end of the pick or one of the back corners of the pick for rhythm strumming. If you hold it at a slight angle the pick will glide across the strings (like a violin bow) as opposed to falling between each string and it will probably feel more natural for someone that is accustomed to playing with thumb and fingers. when it comes time for a lead riff just use your middle finger and push the front of the pick into position to attack the individual strings as the lead calls for. Its a great way to transition into using a pick for a strummer, in a couple weeks the pick will feel natural and you can easily proceed from there. Hope this helps.
I am an old guy with arthritis of the fingers from years of being a shoemaker. I thought I would have to give up guitar because I couldn’t hold a pick, and my fingers are too stiff to fingerstyle. I started to use a thumbpick slipped over the thumb as it is designed, but holding it with my first finger like a plectrum pick also, and it has helped me tremendously.
Any music store should have them, and they are relatively inexpensive.
I find the metronome to be your best friend and worst enemy all at the same time…counting and timing are topics I’m always interested in, especially in reference to phrasing…later.
cowboy
I too am having difficulty with just that Thank you.
I agree how important timing is.And drum machines or metronomes are useful.But its good to practice a bit without one,and record youre results.
I have a lot of trouble counting please stay on that subject make a video so I can get some headway in that area it’s holding me back big time thank you Griff for taking the time to listen to us and staying with usI one and two and three and four and ha ha help thank you again
Thank you from freonfrankie
I can count when I’m doing scales with or without a metronome, but when it comes to playing most of the music in the BGU course I mimic what I hear more than count it out, so I definitely need some help in this area. Thanks
I was at a classical guitar recital recently by Craig Ogden. He did a Q&A session before his performance and explained the challenges of playing with a large number of performers – in his case the Liverpool Mozart Orchestra – and told the audience that counting is absolutely critical to this working successfully. If it’s good enough for him it’s good enough for me and all guitarists. QED!!
I have never used a metronome
Just played along to records in the 80s .And used a keyboards drum machine for tempo.More recently my digitech drum machine
I am guess i subconciosly count when practicing a song now.
That’s just like using a metronome. It’s s consistent beat, rhythm and is great for keeping time. Play on brother bluesman. Ps check out fellow Blues Great Joe Bonamossa he has some great answers in his websites http://www.joebonamossa.com as well as on YouTube. Best of luck and practice, practice practice!! Ttyl
Griff, your stress on counting out aloud seems really important to me, and your comments on the metronome totally to the point: a metronome can just drive you crazy until its audibly ‘invisible’ – then you don’t need it anyway! I know one of the really important things I’m learning is to do what I find most difficult: counting, shifting the beat etc. What do you think about foot tapping and using a stomp box to emphasize the beat – I find it helps and ‘anchors’ me in the counting. Whatever, many thanks for your teaching skills.
Best advise I’ve been given.
Best of all it gives you confidence that you know what you are doing.
Going through your lessons one by one and the improvement is amazing.
John C
HI are we related I live in Ontario please let me know thx
I was doing some recording yesterday, a little 3 chord pattern over the chorus in a song in 12/8 time with drums bass and two guitars already down. Frankly the results were pretty poor. I repeated the process conciously counting out the rhythym and guess what: it was in time.
This may seem like an insignificant tip at first sight, but I reckon its the most important of all.
If you can record yourself you will also see how well you’re keeping time, it can be disheartening at first, but at least you can see where you’re going wrong.
Could you do some kind of comprehensive course on the more difficult counting. And please make it for us who find it more difficult and with lots of exercises or examples..
I have a lot of trouble reading music because of this.
I have made some progress with it but still need a lot of work.
Thanks,
Bill
I use the metronome to set a tempo, and keep it consistent.
Does anyone else get the impression, when they are playing, that the metronome is slowing down? What this really means is that I have a tendency to speed up. I think I hear this in some bands. Listen to “Passenger” by Iggy Pop. Don’t tell me the tempo is consistent!
Good discipline in keeping tempo, but you have to be able to count within the chosen tempo.Is that the point you’re making Griff?
And a one and a two and a three and a four
Knock,knock,knocking on heavens door.
A five and a six and a seven and eight
The count is on but the notes are late 😉
Yes Griff, I still need to count.
Was just thinking about using a metronome to keep my strumming more consistent. Never used one in the past with clarinet and then bass but think it’s time to temporarily use it until practice puts me where I look to with my six string play. Thank you for your lessons and thoughts.
Please keep on this subject as it is my weak spot. I am hearing what you are saying, it is just not getting through yet!!! Aagh.