Hi,

I would like to know of any suggestions that anyone can offer on how to improve timing for my bass playing. Thanks!

This is basically going to be the answer everyone will give you,


long hard practice with a drummer/drum machine/metronome.

Yeah. Metronome is better, though, as it doesn't mask any part of your sound.

Slower is harder as far as timing goes, when we're talking speeds that you can play comfortably. Practice slow.

Also record yourself, if you can. It's a really humbling experience hearing how much you truly do suck. :p

Metronome, metronome, metronome. Drum machine okay for working practice a song, but to work on time use a metronome.

First thing is work on is practice clapping along with the metronome and remember you don't want to hear the click of the metronome. If you hear the click you're out of time. Get a book and work on simple rhythms and work at slow tempo, they are hard than fast. In beginning tap you foot amazing what a difference that can make. Also start finding what if comfortable for you to move when in a playing situation. Some don't like to tap foot in playing, but will move something to help feel the time.

Once you start getting a feel for the time with metronome clicking on all four beats, then time to set the metronome to only click on 2 and 4. That take a bit of getting used to counting yourself in with the 2 and 4 click but that really helps your time. Fast tempo metronome may only click on 1.

Use the metronome for everything you practice till you start developing your internal sense of time. I sometime turn on my metronome and don't turn it off for hours. I just change the tempo as needed.

Another couple things to do to work on time. First is when listening to music count along. Helps develop that internal sense where beats are and you start becoming aware of the rhythms the band is using. Whats on the beat what off the beat. Last learn the basic 4/4 conducting pattern and when listening to your music conduct the music. Again you really "see" where the beats are in relation to the sound.

Having a good sense of time is critical for a bass player. Some situations there is no drummer and you are the time keeper of the group. Other times you have a drummer with bad time or drinks and the time goes bad. So you have to be able to anchor the group and make the drummer come back to your time.

If you need a metronome, I suggest you these great options:

1- This software-based metronome (http://www.pinkandaint.com/weirdmet.shtml) is one of the best pieces of freeware you can find.

2- The best "real" metronome (http://www.cherubtechnology.com/eproducts/prodetail.php?proid=176) IMO.

Also record yourself, if you can. It's a really humbling experience hearing how much you truly do suck.

+ 4 billion!

Recordings don't lie. I still suck after over a decade! :crying: