Double Bass Metronome

[Andy Mopley]

I have one of these electronic metronomes which allows for the subdivision of notes, eg it can pulse a quarter note and beat a triplet feel to it. I am assuming that the idea here is to hear the "feel" of 3 on 1, is that correct? Is this an advancement from older mechanical metronomes that you would consider an enhancement, for practicing purposes? And finally should the metronome be used frequently or sparringly, to mantain (not develop!) good tempo feel?

Thanks for reading!

 

[Witjas]

Using a metronome isn't just for tempo, it's for rhythm too.

You need to learn to play triplets and sixteenth notes accurately. It's also unfortunately not a case of once you've done it once it's always there, even pros frequently play 'lazy' sixteenth notes, sounding more like triplets, and need be reminded to play the rhythms accurately.

I find actually playing with the metronome in sixteenths is not really practical in anything other than a very slow tempo however. When speeding it up I'd rather set it in eighth notes.. later in quarters.

Whilst playing with the metronome at fast sixteenths isn't practical however, imagining the piece with your 'inner ear' is. It can be handy to set it up at sixteenths and sing the piece through in your mind, then set it at quarters and play it like you've just imagined it.

Frequently > Sparingly.

 

[David Potts]

Another use for the metronome is practicing timing and coordination so that you can accurately predict the moment a note should start and make it happen "on the knocker".

(1) Using the Metronome to count you into entries. This could be single notes with rests between, detache notes following each other or legato notes, practiced with a variety of accents and dynamics,
(2) Clean string crossings and bow changes "on the beat".
(3) Starting off-string bowings such as spiccato and sautille neatly.
(4) Clean entries that are not on the beat.

The list goes on!
DP

 

[Dbass926]

It has also been theorized that by using the metronome throughout practice time, you are rhythmicizing more than just the notes you are playing, and having the increased structure of this timing device helps keep your mind more attuned to the task at hand.

 

[MartinBorgen]

A general rule for metronome practising, the least ammounts of beats possible while still keeping in rythm. Try managing with the fewest possible, constantly striving for less beats. The less beats you need from the metronome, the better sense of rythm you've got.

 

[Phil Rowan]

Another use for the metronome is practicing timing and coordination so that you can accurately predict the moment a note should start and make it happen "on the knocker".

+1 ..Not to mention practicing the timing of when to cut off/stop a note.

 

[famousbirds]

This guy's got the right idea