Hey Friend,
What is the first thing that comes to mind when I say metronome?
If you’re of the “older” persuasion, you probably think of that oddly shaped box that sits on top of a piano and has a needle that sways back and forth at a steady cadence.
And the piano teacher looking down their nose at you, tapping along with a ruler.
Tick, tock, tock, tock, Tick, tock, tock, tock…
The younger set is more familiar with metronomes on apps, if they’re familiar with them at all.
So let’s clear that up first.
A metronome is a practice tool used to teach you how to play your instrument at the proper speed (tempo) for the song.
I think you’d agree - playing in time with the other players is kind of critical. If one person is playing faster or slower than what the rhythm calls for, the song falls apart quickly.
And if you’re a drummer, your bread and butter IS your ability to keep time…
… So the rest of the band plays the song nice and tight.
In fact, when you’re in the studio or performing live, it’s standing operating procedure to play to a “click track,” which is basically just a recording of the beat timing.
We’re not robots. It’s IMpossible for us to keep perfect time, every time. We need help to keep keep us on track.
I don’t care how good you are, or how perfect your sense of rhythm is, you will get tired and slow down, and then speed up to compensate.
And that’s okay - that’s why we have metronomes - to give us a guide that keeps us focused.
So why don’t more people use them, and more importantly, why don’t guitar teachers demand that their students use them?
Great questions.
I think most guitar instructors weren’t taught to use metronomes when they were starting out on guitar. I know it wasn’t something any of my guitar teachers required (until I met Tom Hess).
So let me be the voice in the wilderness - GET A METRONOME!
Oh, AND USE IT!
You can find both free and paid metronomes for your phones and tablets.
Or you could get a mechanical or electronic one if you like to “unplug” from the world for awhile (I HIGHLY recommend that!). Here’s a couple to check out:
One more time. Get a metronome and use it. Your timing and rhythm WILL improve.
Have a great one!
Peace~
Dave
P.S. BTW, Zager Guitars gives away one of their acoustic guitars on a weekly(?) basis.
These are hand-made by Denny Zager, who had a #1 hit song in 1968 “In The Year 2525.” Over time and overhauls on his guitar, he got into guitar building.
Zager Guitars are recognized as the "easiest playing (acoustic) guitars" on the market. Even for beginners.
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