USING A METRONOMETo some of you, the thought of using a metronome may conjure up old memories of past piano lessons. If the experience was an unpleasant one you may have developed some negative ideas as a result. Perhaps I can help to dispel any misconceptions you might have by explaining how a metronome can be used to benefit your guitar playing. For those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about, a metronome is an instrument that is used for clicking off exact intervals of time within a given piece of music. As a guitar player, one of your highest priorities should be learning how to count time correctly. I think a metronome is probably one of the more important guitar accessories to have because they can work wonders in helping you to develop a consistent rhythmic feel. They can be used to practice simple exercises (such as scales or licks) or help you to master a more complicated piece of guitar music, whether it be classical, jazz, rock or whatever. Metronomes come in a wide variety of types and sizes, everything from large wind-up, pendulum swinging metronomes to small, pocket-size digital ones with lights that blink on each beat. The tempo can be adjusted to suit any relative speed that is suggested for a particular composition or exercise. When using a metronome, set the click on the quarter beat (or down beat) of the music. This will make it much easier for you to count the time. In other words, when using a 4/4 rhythm (regardless if you're playing quarter notes, eighth notes, sixteenth notes, etc.) set the click to sound four beats per measure. It's usually easier to begin learning a new song by setting the tempo at a slower speed than may be indicated on the piece of music you're playing.This is especially important if you are new to using a metronome because it will seem a little weird at first! Start with a slow tempo (60-65 bpm). Setting a slower tempo will give you time to map out the fingering on the guitar and get used to recognizing the down beat. After you can play smoothly at this tempo, increase the speed slightly. Be patient with yourself. I use the Korg TM40 because I like that it is both a guitar tuner and a metronome. It’s extremely accurate and if you have either an electric or an acoustic/electric guitar you can plug it in to eliminate all background noises. This feature is really convenient for tuning-up on stage or outside, etc.  With a little practice you will begin to feel comfortable using a metronome. Be persistent and pretty soon you will notice a definite improvement in your playing. After all... it's just a matter of time :) |
