learnhowtoplayacousticguitar.net
On becoming a better player
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The point of LEARNHOWTOPLAYACOUSTICGUITAR.NET is to help the beginner to intermediate guitarist with tips, tricks, how-tos and reviews of lessons and equipment so that they can reach their goals as acoustic guitar players. From time to time I'll be posting inspirational videos of incredible acoustic players as well as valuable information so check back often!
The Importance of Using a Metronome
Timing has always been my biggest problem. I’ll play either too fast or too slow, but never just right, so I would like to talk to you about metronomes. A metronome is a device that makes a sound to indicate beats so you can keep
in time while you play the guitar.
A metronome keeps perfect time so that you can learn the music that you want to play, properly. Metronomes are adjustable so you can make them beat faster or slower. This way you can learn a tune at a pace that you are comfortable with before building up to full speed.
Older metronomes were like wind up clocks in that they had a swinging
pendulum and were powered by a spring. On the pendulum was a weight that could be moved along the shaft to change the tempo or speed of the clicks.
Modern metronomes are electronic and generally battery powered. They
are operated by pressing buttons or turning a dial. Older electronic metronomes
make a clicking sound, hence the term click track . More modern metronomes
usually make a pinging sound to denote each beat.
Newer metronomes can do some remarkable things like playing different time signatures like 3/4, 6/8, and 7/8. They can also be set to make different sounds depending on the beat. You can set most newer metronomes to have a special sound at the start of a bar so you can start the piece at the right time. Some even come with a built in tuner.
Metronomes are essential for all musicians since they will keep you playing in time. Nearly all contemporary rock recordings are made with a metronome and most dedicated professionals practice with one. The reason is that without a constant beat it is easy even for a skilled musician to go out of time. This also applies in practice as you should be trying to play in time as much as possible.
When using a metronome you should practice with speeds that you can handle with out too many mistakes. Gradually speed up to the proper tempo. Though you may find it difficult at first this will make you a better player. Learning to play in time is something that will pay dividends in the future.
