timing control

[ugo]

can you guys suggest training techniques/exercises for improving timing (and control over timing)?

i spent most of my bass playing years in situations where the accuracy of my timing was far from paramount. however, these days i work heavily with quantized sequencers and i'd like to get my playing really tight.

i would also like to reach the point where i can consciously choose to play behind, ahead, or dead on. these days i just seem to always rush things a bit.

thanks for the advice,
-ugo

[MAWBassist]

I've been told that a metronome would help a lot with timing. Just set it to the speed you think would be good for a certain song and play to the clicks and if you notice you're going faster than the clicks then adjust your playing over time you will notice a change.

[shattered611]

www.metronomeonline.com

that should help... helped me.

[ugo]

Originally Posted by shattered611

www.metronomeonline.com

cool! very handy.

yeah, you guys are probably right...it would likely be a good idea for me to step away from my sequencer and sit with a metronome instead. every time i open up cubase i can never resist pulling in some drum loops and synths. great environment for songwriting, but quite a distraction from focused practice.

-ugo

[KuMBye YamALaWd]

..I would add that if it's at all possible, RECORD yourself and the Click -(you can do that in Cubase, n'est pas?)

...Set a click for a certain piece, record yourself playing the piece AND the click..

...Then play the recording back to yourself at anytime (I usually listen to it in the car; it doesn't have to be a "Study" of your playing, you'll just notice things you like and dislike about your playing..)...

... You'll be able to asess your <ability to play with a click> (and your progess!) more objectively!

I've found this to be EXCELLENT for solidifying my Time-feel;
I can REALLY NOTICE how much more confident my playing becomes after I've done a session or two of this.

----> "Click/Playing > Record (pref with Headphones) > Playback"

[groove100]

really helpful advice i got was to internalize the pulse. and that means opening your ears to what you are playing and to the metronome. Also, learn how to subdivide while playing.

[cirwin]

I use a drum machine with a click (snare hit, actually) on the 2 & 4. I run that thru a DOD A/B box so that I can "silence" the click while playing and then kick it back in. Shows up any weaknesses.

[ugo]

how long do you folks suggest each metronome practice session be?

thanks for the advice.
-ugo

[MAWBassist]

I'd say start at about 20 minutes to a half an hour. When you notice improvement go for longer. Then change the speed of the clicks.