Most effective way to fix my time problem?

[EliMarcusBass]

Definitely +1 on the metronome idea

You could also try playing some walking jazz bass with Band in a Box if you have it. Quarter note basslines are right on the beat so practicing some jazz could give you an englightening sense of time.

If you don't have Band in a Box...then GET IT!! It's an excellent tool. After you're done with walking bass in band in a box you can set it to a funky song and just lay down the groove with a whole band. YOU HAVE A JAM BAND 24/7!

It's really a great program. Hope this helps!

[steve66]

Take it from a drummer. I learned how to keep time by going through a few drum books and a metronome. Ive been playing drums 25+ yrs and I still dont have perfect time, but my time is good enough to get good paying recording gigs. My point is no-one has perfect time. Dont knock yourself out it will kill your creativity. You need to have a good sense of time.
Look for a book called Stick Control by George Stone or Syncopation for the Modern Drummer by Ted Reed. These books have been designed for a drummer, but were used in College for all instruments.
Start at the beginning, tap the quarter notes

Think of something to play, can be anything in 4/4 time. I practice scales or alternate string patterns. Play the scale with the notes that are written in the book

take a C major scale for example

if the book calls for quarter notes you play each scale note as a quarter note.

if the book calls for mixed quarters and eighth notes you match the scale notes with the quarter and eighths

you dont play a scale note when there is a rest (just make sure you count the rest), just continue where you left off in the scale for example.

Of course you can do anything you want here. scales get boring. Try all the modes in a particular key.

example Key of C Major:
C - Ionian
D - Dorian
E - Prygian
F - Lydian
G - Mixolydian
A - Aeolian
B - Locrian

Remember to hear, say, and tap your foot to the quarter note. When you get the hang of it, set your metronome on 2 & 4. instead of all 4 beats to simulate a drummers back beat. The books have different patterns and also has mixed patterns. Also when you have to deal with sixteenth notes and rests, dont get in the habit of counting all beats like 1e&a, 2e&a. That is way to much to think about. Eventually you will learn what the 16th and broken 16th notes sound like and how to play them, just keep counting the quarter note.

Give it 2 weeks, 30 minutes a day. Your timing will improve lots

Good Luck !