Metronome 101: How to get started using a metronome

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Keeping time is a skill, not a talent. You can develop it by using two things: Sustained effort over time, and...a metronome.
00:00 Thesis
00:41 Introduction
03:03 Lesson
13:00 Wrap Up
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[@tone-glide2402]

One of the most overlooked skills as a musician, Some have it naturally.., and then theirs the rest of us. Good advice for the practicing player.

[@curiousguitarist]

Thank tone!! I'm not convinced about the natural argument. I think folks have some inherent capabilities, and in all of us those capabilities are different. But building a skill, is building a skill when you strip everything else away. It's just going to boil down to hours of work...some might have more hours in front of them, indeed. I know I did!!!

[@scottjones6624]

@@curiousguitarist Boy am I beginning to see your point. I am taking a course right now in metronome use and am realizing that long term working out with a metronome and a click in my DAW will probably be invaluable. Quite humbling.

[@chrispeleshenko9226]

Perfect! I once saw a master violinist let a student know that a metronome is water, then asked what water is....Obviously water is life. I have a sign in my studio for my students, counting is to music as breathing is to life! We play nothing without clapping and counting 1st!!

[@curiousguitarist]

Truth

[@TheMinorFallsTheMajorLifts]

Always good to revisit these fundamentals. Thank you!

[@joycegrove5602]

Such a fundamental aid to drill rhythmic skills - it's so cool that there are phone apps for the metronome these days, now there is no excuse to not use one! Great lesson, especially at the beginning, breaking down the relationship of the measures and note lengths - cheers Chris!

[@curiousguitarist]

Thanks JG, for EVERYTHING you do! ❣

[@splashesin8]

I need this. I'm a lot less rhythm challenged than I was years ago, But I need to stay on top of it. It's the thing that keeps me going. 😊 Thanks Chris!

[@curiousguitarist]

Of course, Audrey! Glad you enjoyed this one.

[@vstags]

Another great tip Chris! Thanks

[@masterbuilder3166]

Thank you for this Chris. I’ve been looking for this. Your the best bro. 💯🎸

[@curiousguitarist]

You bet! So glad you enjoyed this one.

[@fcrowley13]

Very helpful video. Thanks!

[@Subhabrata]

Inspired to use metronome again. Thank you.

[@curiousguitarist]

It's so helpful to at least check in with it from time to time. Thanks for the views and comments!

[@kdavis63]

Love my metronome so important!!! THanks for the lesson, I will use it for sure.

[@curiousguitarist]

You're very welcome, Kevin. Mahalo and thanks for all your support!

[@maryk6780]

The metronome has always intimidated me. I know I should use one and tap my foot, but I just never do. Tapping my foot steadily when switching from quarter notes to 8th notes, for example, is a challenge for me. This lesson is just what I need. I think I have rhythm, but it's an easy thing to lose when practicing, for me anyway. Thanks so much.

[@curiousguitarist]

I know folks who never needed the metronome to really build their capability to generate and feel both meter and tempo, but I, unfortunately, was not one of them! The metronome was tough for me at first, and I see students all the time who are intimidated by it. But at the end of the day, it’s just a tool, and a mighty good one. Like any tool, when you know how it works and you know how to use it, it brings benefits.

[@jschoenzy9416]

I'm just starting out and I really want to nail the fundamentals, I'll be using all these tips. Thanks so much!

[@curiousguitarist]

You bet!

[@ondrejsamek6856]

Wow! Again, I had no idea about up beats and down beats! I haven’t been using reference note with doubling notes! That’s is actually golden 🎉 thank you Chris !

[@curiousguitarist]

You are so welcome!

[@joefockler1870]

Thank you. Best explanation I have seen on 1/4 notes and 16th notes.

[@curiousguitarist]

Glad it was helpful, thanks, Joe!

[@davidwood351]

Finally a subject I’m pretty good at. Reading saxophone charts for 35 years helps me a lot on counting. I really need to work on reading tab though.

[@VaughnRipley]

Well Chris, you've done it again. Perfect timing with some incredibly useful information. My metronome practice is almost non-existent. Oddly enough, my timing and rhythm seem to be my biggest weakness... Coincidence? HA! Thank you for the inspiration and motivation. Keep it up!

[@curiousguitarist]

Ha! I saw you hiding that metronome on the shelf there! I’m glad you enjoyed this one Vaughn. The great thing about the metronome is that even small investments in time give back huge impact.

[@kimhebert9905]

Great Examples…Thanks 🎶

[@curiousguitarist]

You bet!

[@jeffro.]

I've been told (many times) that I have a "natural sense of rhythm." But I still often practice with a metronome! (That's not why, I actually started using it much later.) But, lately I haven't used it. Still, I think it's a good thing to practice. Thanks for those exercises! They are fun, and I like the idea of actually speeding it up and subdividing it. I believe that's a good way to learn. Great video, thanks!

[@curiousguitarist]

You bet, Jeff!

[@user-xe5jz8om7x]

I am really struggling with the metronome, as always this was really helpful, thanks Chris! X

[@curiousguitarist]

So glad K. Take it slow, one of the biggest barriers is psychological…so try to see yourself just using it as a tool, that’s all it is :)

[@capbubba]

This lesson was timely,thanks Chris 😉

[@curiousguitarist]

Glad it was helpful, Bubba. Thanks for all your support!

[@hovorov251]

Appreciate this as a beginner!

[@curiousguitarist]

Glad it was helpful!

[@scottjones6624]

Good video. One problem that remains however is whether we are hitting the click ahead, on, or behind the click. Often we rush (I know I do) without being aware of it. The "bury the click" exercise is terrific for training us to be right on the beat or click. (set metronome volume low enough so that when your pluck/strum is on the beat you cannot hear the click - when you are early or late, the click is clearly heard. Might make a terrific followup video.

[@curiousguitarist]

Yeah that’s a great idea. My next video on metronome use will be swing feel, triplets, and playing behind the beat.

[@Idk_to_be_honset]

Thanks I was always confused with the metronome :3

[@curiousguitarist]

Once you get a foot in the door, it gets much much easier!

[@Idk_to_be_honset]

@@curiousguitarist :3

[@craigmccolm285]

Thank you .

[@curiousguitarist]

You’re welcome!

[@Dan-zq5wt]

Thank you! You have some if the best videos on guitar fundamentals on KZbin! I’m a self taught player and I’m missing key fundamentals that hamper my advancement. Your videos are essential. BTW: I think about all of the pentatonic based rock players I grew up on: Page, Angus, Billy Gibbons etc, and I think 90% of their power comes from in the pocket timing and groove. I try to play this stuff and always think that the notes sound ok but what’s missing (besides my lack of talent?😂). Timing!

[@curiousguitarist]

Hey Dan. I’m so glad you’re here and getting some value from these. Those were my heroes too, and yeah, “pocket” Timing is such a huge part of it. Glad you’re here!

[@Dan-zq5wt]

Thanks Chris! Quick follow up question. I have used a metronome before, and this video shows the importance of using simple drills to be mindful of the beat and timing. I’ve tried to play full scales with a metronome background thinking this ought to help, and I found myself just jamming the scales and losing the feel of the metronome - like it gets lost in the background. How do you use the metronome to work on more complicated exercises and scale practice etc? Is it just a matter of being mindful? BTW, I’m a huge fan of all things guitar, but as a late 50s guy I’m forever a fan of Page (in particular), Beck, early Clapton, Blackmore and Hendrix. I can listen to their stuff all day long. Thanks again

[@curiousguitarist]

@@Dan-zq5wt if you’re losing the beat you haven’t quite latched on yet. Keep the metronome stuff for really drilling meter, but if you want to just jam, either shit it off or, like you said, bring it back to the forefront of your mind. Page and Beck, those guys along with Frampton and Gibbons were my go-to’s as well. Growing up in the ‘70s was a blast for that reason alone!

[@waynegram8907]

CHRIS, Try to make a lesson about SRV Shuffles because What CHORDS is he "outlining" when he is going his Texas Shuffles as well as the Offbeat notes he uses in his Shuffles because the notes don't always land on the on beat they might be because on the between the first note and second note. In Classical Music composers would use Non-Chords tones on the off beats which is how SRV is using chord tones and non chords tones on the OFF Beats in Shuffles but also Outlining chords in the shuffle picking. This is a good lesson to work with a Metronome with to place notes between the downbeats and on the off beats to get these texas shuffles you get these hiccups and speech impediment in the melody like you're stuttering vowels or works but using rhythms and notes. Johnny Winters and Buddy Guy would do this in their blues licks.

[@markbrown7103]

iPhone metronome is very annoying when you’re trying to focus and concentrate who wants to hear a bunch of clacking while you’re trying to focus and concentrate. I have learned how to tap my foot within time I can tell when I go out a time my former guitar teacher said to me after playing for about 10 years, he said I was a natural. His name was Johnny Fortrune he was my best friend for over 30 years he never steered me wrong was a wonderful teacher and a wonderful friend. May he rest in peace.🎸🎼🎶🎵

[@curiousguitarist]

Great story, Mark. Thanks for sharing.

[@johndelaney2957]

Another sensible video Chris, that we all need too take heed of thanks. What guitar was that model in the video?

[@curiousguitarist]

That is a Suhr Pete Thorn signature in Garnet Red. Love this thing!!

[@johndelaney2957]

I don't blame you it looks great. Thanks for the reply.. 🇦🇺

[@kungstu22]

Raddest guitar wall in the biz

[@curiousguitarist]

Ha! I know! Every morning when I come to "work" I'm reminded of how lucky I am, and how freaking crazy cool this opportunity is. And, of course, what great taste I have in guitars (LOL)!

[@jasonmurkin3364]

@@curiousguitarist Chris I'm sure you've talked about it befire but what is the orange les paul?

[@joycegrove5602]

@@jasonmurkin3364 kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqGsYX6li5eGjNk

[@curiousguitarist]

@@jasonmurkin3364 it’s a custom shop ‘57 reissue. I shot a video in it here: My Guitars #4 1957 Gibson Custom Shop Reissue Les Paul kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqGsYX6li5eGjNk

[@TheRealCAPerry]

I got a metronome years back as a present, a Boss Dr Beat DB-12, but never really used it. It was just too quiet, even over an acoustic guitar. I’ve got other things that can provide a metronome beat, but they all need other things powering up every time to amplify what they offer. I need something really simple, self-contained, and LOUD(er). On which note, what are you playing your phone app out through? It doesn’t sound, on the video, like it’s being picked up by the mic.

[@curiousguitarist]

My phone app is fairly loud, but for this video I ran it through the computer to isolate it and control the volume. It's an iMac using garageband.

[@willischeyltjens2980]

Chris, great but i miss the stops.

[@curiousguitarist]

The stops?

[@JCFern]

Sooner or later, a musician will have to face down a timekeeping situation, be it in a band, or being in the hot seat under the red glare of the recording room. Nothing drives a bandleader nuts or a recording engineer to pull his hair out, than a someone who can’t stay on meter with the rest of the band, or lay a good take in stride with the click track. Ever since I swallowed my aversion to metronome practice and put in an honest effort to practice to a click, I feel I am playing better and more musically.

[@curiousguitarist]

Right on Joe! So true. Thanks for your support!

[@CKS64]

What do you do when your Instrument is louder than your metronome? It seems the only ones worth anything are the ones you wear. Because if I can't tell if you're doing 180 bpm how are you able to tell?

[@curiousguitarist]

I would get a louder metronome. There’s no way to work the tool without being able to hear it.

[@CKS64]

@@curiousguitarist thanks you have considerably more experience than me .But I was watching Guitar Max where he showed The Guitar player and Bass player playing what I think was over 300 or so BPM and There is no way just hearing them play over the metronome they using for me to even guess. Plus when you really get up to those speeds do you really know what metronome beat you are on. Thanks for polite reply you have a new subscriber. Also what about the wearable metronome where you feel the best seems more accurate. Also I like TrueFire and have about 160 of their courses but they need a complete course like Gibson's Learn and Master guitar for a good beginner course. Again thank you.

[@curiousguitarist]

@@CKS64 I have not tried the wearable metronomes, but that sounds like it might help in your case. And for what it’s worth, I do not use the metronome to build speed, only accuracy. But if you do intend to go to 300BPM for whatever reason, you’ll need to have full control at every step of the way there! Take it slow, make accuracy your goal and things will move quickly for you. Thanks for the sub!

[@sodakjohn]

What is that metronome app?

[@curiousguitarist]

I’m using Guitar Toolkit here

[@user-ef6ij7xo9d]

Namaste Gurudev. I just accepted you as my guru. Please accept me. I HAVE SUSCRIBED YOUR CHANNEL. GOD BLESS U EVER.

[@curiousguitarist]

Thank you for your trust!!

[@SpcmnSpf22]

I feel seen.

[@curiousguitarist]

Hopefully that’s a good kind of seen :) See you later today in Pentatonic Mastery?

[@towlie337]

I feel like you focus lessons on what I'm weak on just when I find out that I need to work on in my playing.

[@curiousguitarist]

(hides mind reading devices) What? What do you mean? :)