Counting in my head while playing just makes it harder

[millsbass5]

I never have "counted".I've always been able to rely on feel.

 

[Sizlack]

I had trouble with this as well...seemed to pick it up faster if I counted out loud at first, after a few runs I was able to do it in my head without a problem.

 

[Snarf]

Counting, for me, is totally uneccesary. Even if you're playing cello parts that modulate metrically every 2 bars, it's not necessary. Just know where the beat is, and play on/in between/wherever according to what the notes tell you.

 

[NortyFiner]

I think a metronome would be a big help in this case. Don't worry so much counting, just follow the beat of the metronome, and don't worry about tapping your foot either. Just follow the beat and if your foot taps on its own, then so be it. You will find that counting comes more naturally with the metronome to lead you.

 

[cynical-rabbit]

What I do to learn a piece is:
a. Just play it a few times. Do what feels natural as far as foot tapping etc. goes.
b. Work on the patterns that I'm having trouble with with a metronome.
c. Play the piece with a metronome. Once I can do this, I know I really got it.

I have trouble playing with a metronome straight up, and counting in my head distracts me. I only do this when holding notes more than one beat long. Maybe this would help you?

 

[Jason P Bass]

..and for anybody who didn't get what the tune was about, here is a youtube of Bootsy spelling it out for you in more of a lesson format:

True words of wisdom to also make you LOL.

ya know?

The man who made this definitely has knowledge of profound truth.



ya know?