Using a metronome

[PrinceJ]

So I read around and it says that Metronome is a must use, how do we use it, and what are you practicing with it, like lines rift or are you just playing 1 thing while going with the click.

[Devo-lution]

I do all of my exercises and songs I regularly play with and without metronome.
For me it's important that I can do 'm tightly with a metronome, but also without the 'nome (foot tapping without speeding up or slowing down).

I also love to improvise one a metronome. Just taking the most random key. Putting the metronome on a random speed and just... well... improvise a small bass solo.

[Deathblade Eric]

A metronome is a useful tool for building timing skills. It'll happily sit there ticking out 8 beats to the bar (or whatever) all day long, so's you can lock in with it. You can also drop out beats, experiment with syncopated rhythms, play before or after the beat etc.

Word of caution though... Real drummers aren't metronomes, so be prepared for a bit of a shock when that meeting occurs - I guess this is why Jeff Berlin is vehemently against using a metronome; he has a point, as metronomic music can come over as being a bit sterile.

I'd leaven metronome practice with jamming along with recordings (especially live stuff), as this helps your sense of rhythm as well (plus it can be fun).

Pete.

[BassChuck]

Metronomes are good for referencing tempo, not giving tempo. In other words... don't have the thing clicking away on every beat. Use it only on beat 2 and 4, then once you are used to that, put the click on beat 4 only. This way you are building a feeling of steady tempo and reacting to every beat. For a real treat put the metronome on beat 8... like beat 4 of every other measure.

Sadly most metronome don't do the tempos this requires. For 120bpm with the click on every 8 beats your metronome would have to do something 15 bpm. So using a drum machine, sequencer or one of the on line (free) metronomes is the best ticket.

Everytime this subject comes up someone mentions that the best way to learn this is to play with good musicians, and no one can argue that. But best situation is for you to become the musican than everyone wants to play with.

[Alvaro Martín Gómez A.]

Here are two great (IMO) videos on the subject:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAVQ3BOINaQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9X1fhVLVF_4

[Eminentbass]

I'm somewhat on the anti-metronome front but I think they have their place. I've used one for checking my eveness and consistency when doing stuff at a slow tempo. This might be stating the obvious but, don't use one to learn new information. It's not always about hand strength and dexterity but rather about the brain's ability to recall information. A person sometimes needs to just learn slowly and without tempo in order to absorb the notes. A strict tempo(even a slow one) will hamper that and put unnecessary pressure on a player.

[bowtieman427]

Great topic I am new to the bass and would like to know what if anyhthing is good to look for when purchasing one. ( do not have one and have been thinking about getting one) What bells and whistles are best suited for practice ? and of course the OP mentions
thanks

[PrinceJ]

I think all you need to know when buying a metronome is get the clicking one. =P

I still have no idea how to use it, all I do is clap with it, like studybass says too =P

I see them playing with the beat, I guess my question is what are they playing -_O
p.s im new too.

[anonymous122511]

Do a search of TB for "metronome" and you'll find it's been discussed ad nauseam. All of your questions (and a few dozen you didn't ask) have been answered over and over and over. Not trying to discourage any new discussion just sayin the info already exists it you're interested.

[Fergie Fulton]

Great to see a Metronome thread that deals with the facts of what to and what not to do in the use of one.

In the end it is education in what a metronome can and cannot do for you that will put the subject where it needs to be.
The information is out there so it just needs to be taught what are the rights and wrongs.
I for one used a metronome when i was younger and its been 35 years since i last used one and still its lessons live with me.
As a predominantly Blues based player where feel is "everything" it has not interfered in that once, in fact quite the opposite.
The ability to count through blues songs to changes that are not standard, ( as in JLH ) rather than try and feel them has always giving me the edge and i put that down to early work with a metronome.

[Icculus]

Using a metronome causes me anxiety while I'm playing. I guess that's a sign that I have some serious ADD and a bad habit of speeding up :/

[puff father]

My metronome is broken. It seems fine until I start playing, then it's all over the place!