Timing issues

[Bob Trier]

Hi everyone.
I’ve been playing bass for close to three years now, and it seems no matter how many exercises I do with metronomes, drum machines, etc. I just can’t get my timing down, I’ve tried tapping my foot, moving my body to the beat of whatever song I’m playing, but just can’t my timing down. I was wondering if anyone has had this problem and has been able to fix it with some sort of exercise.

First, a good teacher is a great start, he/she will help you "fix" any bad habits you may have. Second is to get playing with some friends and you might find that you will just fall into to rhythm... best of luck!

 

[Beejay772]

If you are struggling with keeping a steady rhythm then maybe bass isn't for you. Sounds like you should switch to drums!
But seriously, get comfortable, headphones on close your eyes, relax and just play along with your songs without overthinking. Don't start or stop the playlist. Just let the songs keep going. Make sure its a long playlist. At least an hour. Same playlist every day. Each day you will find a small part of your playing is better than the previous day. Eventually your "feel" should start to override the part of your brain that is stressing about timing.

 

[Groove Master]

Hi everyone.
I’ve been playing bass for close to three years now, and it seems no matter how many exercises I do with metronomes, drum machines, etc. I just can’t get my timing down, I’ve tried tapping my foot, moving my body to the beat of whatever song I’m playing, but just can’t my timing down. I was wondering if anyone has had this problem and has been able to fix it with some sort of exercise.

Check this out. It was made with this issue in mind

 

[TJL]

On the subject of you either have it or you don't ... I definitely didn't have it when I started bass around 1986 at 13. I'd been playing violin in school for five years and I knew a little about reading the wrong clef. When I started bass I literally couldn't hear the bass, had no rhythm, and didn't understand harmony or theory. But I've been at it for 35 years off and on, had a few years of legit training in school and lessons, spent time playing with people and records, and learned to routinely critically assess my work. As a result I have a heck of a lot more of "it" than I started with. Maybe the most important thing is hearing what you don't have and thinking carefully about what you have to do to get it. I know there are abundant naturally gifted musicians that have everything I have now and more from the get go. More power to them. But through grinding away, listening, owning my deficits, and occasionally working really hard to prep for gigs I wasn't good enough for, I've gotten to a place where I can do what I need to to play the music I want to with people I like (good people, talented musicians, creatives). If you want to get it, and you are willing to work hard and stick with it, you can do it. And if you're willing to work harder at it than I have, it shouldn't take you 35 years.

On "use it or lose it" ... this certainly applies to chops, but I don't think it applies to listening, understanding, and feel. Sure, muscles atrophy if unused. But wisdom and judgment, once earned, are yours forever, and those matter far more than chops.

Unlike so many out there, you used your ears to recognize that you had a problem with time or ultimately "The Groove". You applied yourself, focussed in on what needed to be fixed, and your ability to evaluate with your ears, allowed you to correct the issues to an acceptable level. If more musicians would just listen to the quality of what they are putting out there, and then apply that listening to what the other musicians in the band are doing, the quality of the music would be vastly improved, and we all would have a lot more creativity and fun.
It all starts with listening, and my hat's off to you for having the ability to do that.

 

[Hondapunk]

I grew up listening to classical and singing in choir ( mostly a cappella) so I had the benefit of a conductor. So to start the conductor gives you your pitch ( or key ) and then becomes the visual metronome. ALWAYS keep your eye on the conductor. I doubt this story helps but for me seeing the beat instead of hearing the beat was instrumental ( no pun intended) in developing timing. Try watching the drummer. I have had numerous drummers turn to me to establish the beat.