The "Secret" to Improving Your Rhythm and Time by Chick Corea

Interested in learning directly from Chick? Join the Chick Corea Academy today! Click here now: www.chickcoreaacademy.com/
Jazz master Chick Corea teaches some simple exercises to improve your rhythm and time. Whether you play the piano or not, these tips can help improve your skill on any instrument.
First, Chick delves into how important it is that you check your own judgment and see how you can improve it. His first suggestion is an easy way to apprentice. You find a recording of a song or an artist that has the kind of time and rhythm that you like, and the first step is to practice and try to duplicate it.
The second tip is to record yourself. Use a recorder or a camera, your phone, etc. Play something that you feel you need to improve on and then play it back (this could be the recording of a song that you practiced before, as well!) Then you can see what you need to work on. Work on that specific point until you feel good about it.
The third exercise, and what Chick describes as the “ultimate exercise,” is not only about improving time, but developing anything that you’d like to become better at as a musician. It is called an apprenticeship system. Find a “master,” to work with. It could be anyone who’s got an ability that you think you would like to have too. Jam with them and pick up any skills you can. Chick says, “This is how anyone learns a trade, or anyone learns the piano, or how anyone learns an instrument.” Make sure to have the idea that you want to learn something from them. And that is the ultimate, “secret” of improving your time and your rhythm.
If you want to learn more from Chick, check out his music workshop here- bit.ly/1zfUlDH Follow Chick Corea:
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[@lumberpilot]

" You're not looking for admiration .... you gotta know" That's absolutely as cool as it gets.

[@secretidentitynetwork3085]

He looks just like Andrew Cuomo.

[@cary3428]

Chick was as cool as it gets.

[@Skipperj]

I worked for Benny Aiello the master Brooklyn cheese maker.I learned a lot hanging with him. Same concept.

[@oli6831]

In 4 minutes Chick gave the most direct advice to get better- 1 - study and mimic recordings 2 - record yourself and critique 3 - find someone better than you and learn from them So concise- just gotta do it!

[@nicklarsenjazz]

Chick really was the most generous cat, always willing to share anything he knows

[@nomorebushz]

Leonard Bernstein too, before Chick!

[@Mrius86]

Hearing a recording of myself playing guitar for the first time was absolutely TERRIFYING. Now I'm hooked and do it every single day. Only way to improve, really.

[@mhdz10]

Definitely that's the best thing to do. I've been doing it for some years now and it has helped me to realize about things I hadn't seen about my timing and my phrasing ever before.

[@mikedavino2400]

yep

[@coolizh01]

How did it go?

[@mirak63]

I started doing that by myself a few years ago, and I am happy to see that a great like Corea recommend it. The difficult thing is to keep doing it. Now I am afraid to listen to me and realise I lost it xD

[@FranciscoGonzalez-zx8uc]

Exactly like hearing your own voice for the first time. Recording is key !

[@kevinmitchell4094]

Chick...wrote no mystery. In life he educated to take the mystery out of music. A great gift to all musicians.

[@stgrsa]

RIP Chick Corea :"(

[@AK-iy2xg]

.

[@peasantsoul]

RIP

[@Studio-62]

I used to get lost listening to Coltranes long improvs, with Elvin blasting away. Then I started carefully listening and counting, fingers, out loud, etc with my whole body, until I could finally hear the pulse. Wow what an ear opener when I finally cracked it. Then for 20 years I played with a great drummer, most often as a duet (I’m a guitarist) who not only had a great groove and was a great listener, but constantly shifted the pulse and applied polyrhythms like 5 and 7 over 4 etc, until we were almost free but never got lost.

[@ianmackenzie686]

Yeah, I know that feeling once you finally get a challenging (or sometimes not so challenging) tune. Still the best way for me to learn. And of course constant practice.

[@rick3747]

Dave Weckl?

[@narfsounds]

Imitate, assimilate then innovate!

[@chickcorea]

Well stated

[@mohitoness]

what about collaborate?

[@nathanielsaxe3049]

narf8874 Adopt, adapt and improve!

[@S7Jams]

mohitoness don't you have to stop, collaborate, and listen? :)

[@mohitoness]

I'd argue those are the missing steps that otherwise make truly 'innovate' impossible or at least way too difficult!!

[@RFD510]

You know that last tip was the "ultimate tip" because it's real hard for people to admit, in this day and age, that they aren't good enough at something and a lot of the time people are too afraid to tell others that they need improvement in the first place. Being honest with yourself requires the maturity and discipline to put your emotion on the backburner and that is much harder for people than you'd immediately think. Ever since I left that way of living behind I've improved in most all my pursuits be it music, weight lifting, woodworking, etc. - accept it when you need to learn and then trust the experience and advice of others. Good stuff here. RIP.

[@tommyiglesias2267]

I was having issues with my tempo in a passage. So I recorded it in Logic and quantize to 100 perfection. Like a computer, And I listen to it many times to internalised a perfect rhythm. Then I record myself and it was perfect! Thank you Maestro for this great lesson! Listening, that was the answer.

[@luizcadu]

It must have been hard for Chick Corea to find someone better than him to practice with!

[@kennybluet5527]

RIP. One of the all time greats. Genius. Saw Return To Forever in 1975. Central Park NYC. Man ! A whole other level.

[@nancychace8619]

God bless him ~ he sounded like an excellent teacher. Only the best are so open to sharing their music like this. RIP 💐

[@TheBigCHS]

Awesome. Chick looked so happy to be talking about it too! A very genuine approach to being a better musician.

[@Fishies125]

"Who else is gonna tell you that?" Love these lessons.

[@joeydunn1646]

Simple and straight to the point. Thanks for shining so brightly for all of us

[@JGlassy]

Invaluable advice! Such a generous and wise soul. RIP

[@chickcorea]

Did you see Chick's secret to improving your rhythm and time? Check it out! #jazz #chickcorea

[@miltongreen7637]

The jazz crusaders

[@TheBigCHS]

+Chick Corea thanks chick!

[@cfenerd]

+Chick Corea Yes, Chick. I saw it, and I'm happy to know you've had to go through the pain too, to get where you are. And you're the king! I've only been listening to your "stuff" since the late 70's. Haven't stopped yet. :-)

[@suztauzer3440]

HI Mr Corea.....remember u visited McMinnville Oregon 1975-6...friends with Paulo Lionni? I worked at the Delphian Foundation with Paulo....we enjoyed your wonderful and stimulating concerts....i appreciate these lessons, makes my amateur musical mind feel better!!! please see my endeavors on c4lafs.com.....hope u "like".....thank you......you are so helpful!!! P.S....i married (briefly) my beau at the time, Bill Page, who's brother Rich Page became Mister Mister!

[@pappy439]

Chick Corea yes I do this and has helped greatly. Sometimes I even hear a groove on TV and have to go down to the piano and play it then solo improvise over it...lol

[@laurivennonen1249]

How encouraging and down to earth way of explaining pretty challenging stuff.

[@jopo6388]

RIP Chick been catching up on a lot with you since. Big influence on me growing up as a guitar player.

[@dyadicrationals]

This so profound. Timing in music my biggest weakness. An actual exact description of a technique. More importantly it generalizes to anything in life you want to improve. Get quality feedback by recording everyday and even with video. You can also notice how it looks to notice even more. I am so grateful for this list of wisdom.

[@jeffdawson2786]

A true virtuoso of the keyboard. An important figure in Miles’ stable of amazing talent who went on to raise fusion to its highest level.

[@SAEmusic7]

What an insightful & humble man - Rest In Peace & Remembrance, Maestro 🙏

[@Flying_turnip187]

This is what I needed. My time needs a lot of work. My worst weakness about music. Gonna take this to my future practice .

[@AmandaKaymusic]

Thank you Chic. It was a treat to listen to you earlier this year and to meet you and the band at Blue Note. Love it when the groove is right in the pocket and something in the music brings me to spontaneous laughter. It so rarely happens when I'm just listening... I appreciate you and the musicians you bring out to fly.

[@YechanSong]

The legend himself teaches us his ways.

[@agamhamzah2924]

This Awesome Maestro, I follow your music for 40 years and now you appear infront of me, thanks to modern technology and bless you Mr. Chic Corea 🙏🌌

[@bingochoice]

such a beautiful cat, great teacher, and of course a ridiculously talented pianist

[@carlbowles1808]

This is applicable to jazz and everything. Thanks chick.

[@federicorubin7297]

Those are really precious advices

[@Reiko112233]

Loved this. Thank you.

Grande maestro. Compartiste y dejaste tus enseñanzas.

[@craigmitchell8892]

Very valuable stuff (: Glad there are still jazz masters walking the earth to pass on their art ( :

[@TaiwoBamisile]

yes sir, you are definitely correct. thanks for the advice!!

[@johncupido230]

Great insight and it makes a lot of sense. Thanks.

[@adamgharmonica4659]

Such wonderful compassionate wise suggestions ... thank you Chick, miss you ❤

[@Dizzeegaskell]

Dude has got the rhythm in his feet all through the lesson. excellent

[@mirazusta2002]

A Master Class by a Master himself. Thank you for posting.

[@eliminemusic]

Yes. This is an essential tutorial!!!

[@omarito0410]

Descansa en paz brother, un ídolo y un ejemplo a seguir 🙌🙌

[@MotifMusicStudios]

I am thrilled I found your channel. So inspiring and a new angle on exploring music in fresh ways!

[@alyoungwrites]

Thank you so much for this. I'm struggling with my own song right now.

[@jimhead2042]

I love Chick so much. Now He SIngs Now He Sobs changed my life. What a generous spirit. Thank you and rest in peace, Chick.

[@dazza3115]

You can here the passion in the man's voice.

[@HaharuRecords]

This guy is giving ma a lot of hope.. an this is the best advice i got for this aspect so far👩‍🚀

[@vampireloverman]

from the master himself! Thanks for the tutorial ! Love your music by the way. You are one of the great ones!

[@davidwilcox9944]

Awesome piece of advice!

[@educapro]

Chick...the master of masters! I'm always in the University of Learning when he takes the stage. He has truly been given the gift to teach, innovate and lead by example. -educapro

[@pdn-vd5om]

I love your music and Stanley's. Thank-you for the tips. I shall definitely remember the mirror image. I did record myself and I sounded slow, which pissed me off! You've reminded me get out all your wonderful albums that I was addicted to listening to in the 70's and 80's... Just say thanks. Aall my musician friends when I was young rated your sounds. They were right, bloody marvellous! I didn't start learning the notes until I was 30 and its struggle learning alone, but I have not stopped loving the learning process and you do make a difference. Brilliant!

[@AlamoCityCello]

Great Player, Great Teacher! Thanks Bro

[@thatvoice4]

I just got a lesson from one of the all time greats! How cool is that? He could not be any more clear. Great!

[@couponsanddailybargains]

Thank you great advice.

[@arlene1934corwin]

Grateful, grateful, grateful!

[@OzouneSundalyah]

Wow, this is so awesome Sir Master Chick! I've been doing a lot of what you have said intuitively as I have always heard stuff in my head before I started playing the Piano. I had the presence of mind to record myself via 8-Track/Cassette e.t.c. and indeed I learned quite a lot from my own playing on these recording sessions. To hear you articulate this is most exciting indeed! You and your Music have been of great inspiration to me & I have learned a lot and still continue to learn so much more. Thank you so very much for sharing this with us Sir. Perhaps I will have the honor & privilege to hear you play one of my Compositions: "Reminds Me of Chick!" Blessings to you, your family and team as always.

[@downhill240]

Just bought my first Looper. The first thing I noticed is that I can do exactly what you're talking about. I can make a loop then playback to see how it sounds. So, I'm checking rhythm and fingering technique (guitar) at the same time! Great advise here. Thanks for sharing.

[@djstacktrace]

He is a natural teacher.

[@carlosvinueza8733]

Demasiado bueno para ser cierto... Gracias por compartir esto

[@GaryMcNeill]

This is awesome!

[@guillermopaulucci]

Buenísimo!! todo este material es invaluable!

[@Muthafunk72]

He speaks...we should ALWAYS listen!

[@johndavis9933]

Lol chick killin that game with them Velcro shoes

[@o.b.v.i.u.s]

john.davis.drums ~ Oh wow... I'm wearing the same shoes (in black) right now! (laughing)

[@lunaphil67]

Great instruction!

[@morrielouden]

Love you brother Chick!

[@thomastesta4192]

love you, Judge Corea.

[@tonycanaris6193]

I am left-handed bassist who. I started off in the beginning stopping during my singing and playing bass which haunted me for years until i got better singing and playing . I copy artist like macartney. Bee gees doobies. Chicago .etc. sings and plays at the same time

[@Jonas-qe8kq]

thank you master

[@PeyCa]

Thank you very much for this video! :D

[@BlasJohnny]

Thank You great information

[@Manleyworld]

Great advice!

[@tdrum21]

Amen! Great content & thoughts here

[@catkeys6911]

Something I told a young, budding musician once, that I think helped both him and his band members focus and get really tight was this: When you guys are paying together, it should not sound so much as distinctly like (for instance) a bass, a drummer and a guitar playing, but as a Bassdrummerguitar thing making music. What I mean by this is that when everyone is playing EXACTLY on the same beat, there'll be no "flamming" (to use a drum term that means essentially playing 2 beats a millisecond or so apart) between the instruments. When everyone consistently is on the beat within only one or two milliseconds, it will sound distinctly better than a typical local band (because they're almost never quite THAT tight). It's not that easy to achieve this; it takes practice and CONCENTRATION.

[@greenrover1]

So much of music is subjective, I play things that sound/seem totally insignificant until I hear the piece again later and I am amazed that I actually like it. I mean, I always thought that it was just some exercise in temporary insanity.

[@emanuel_soundtrack]

you say with your authority priceless obvious things. Everything one needs

[@chuckthebull]

Really great advice...I'm trying to learn an old mountain song on banjo and singing but no one knows who wrote the original version and the lyrics and style has been done so many varied ways as it's been played by everyone from Dean Martin to jonny cash and it's lyrics are all over the place so I'm picking out the best lines and the style and morphing into my own.. but indeed listening to all these great musicians play it has taught me a lot about performance by emulating a few and brining my own voice to it. cheers.

[@johnklimeck]

I have done exactly this, but what I am focusing on mainly is tone, the quality of the sound I am producing, (nail and string)… how full is the tone, how clean, how smooth, etc. Fingerstyle guitar is tricky, so many factors. After years and years I have it dialed in pretty well.

[@infoscholar5221]

RIP. a great musician, a great human being.

[@roxcbrown8821]

great info !!!!

[@thouartflawless]

love this

[@kennybradshaw2122]

Excellent.

[@fredjacksonjr.4422]

Truth revealed here!!! Thanks Chic! Great life lesson.

[@pippoagostino3668]

Grazie,Grazie, غرازي, شكرا لك, あ り が と う, danke, merci, go raibh maith agat, M'ainim, a big arm thank you, Pippo Agostino

[@guitarnation7420]

Oh man great find! Chick Corea one of THE BEST! He is (may he RIP) so right. It's so important to work with musicians that are striving for the very same excellence that you are, so that you're both or as the case may be, all on the same page; and working with musicians that are better than you, is a actually a plus! As long as they are giving as musicians and not guided by arrogance, you can learn and develop and progress as a muscian 10 fold, working with musicians whose skills are at a higher level than yours and mine for that matter. Never be intimidated by musicians whose skill may be greater than yours. Eventually you too will be just as skilled with time and practice. Take the bull by the horns and go play. Great clip. Best of luck to any muscians out there like yours truly, no matter how long you've been playing, if you're not where you want to be as a muscian YET, don't worry, if you keep working at it you will be. Peace.

[@lynewestbrook7435]

thank you

[@mrdjchasm]

Great video!

[@regmonmusic]

Invaluable! Love ya Chick!! :-)

[@sandragayle5863]

chick it's great to see you again. I saw you many years ago when my uncle played at the blue note. my uncle was Illinois jacquet.

[@josh7.62]

Sandra Gayle wow he's one of my favorite tenor players

[@rillloudmother]

Your uncle is a LEGEND!

[@tubular7752]

Holy shit it’s a small world Or KZbin jazz community rather

[@onesyphorus]

@@tubular7752 yes haha!

[@henrywasserman]

My Dad loved Illinois Jacquet. In my mind I can see him standing in front of the fridge right now, big smile on his face. I can promise you Illinois Jacquet touched his soul and made his life a better place.

[@Mikeloluanthony]

I love you sir!

[@Shuzies]

Great..........Thank You

[@BlasJohnny]

Your So Right

[@maulcs]

I wish you made more of these training vids

[@pablopanebianco9037]

Perfect chick corea!!!

[@marksimmonds6364]

Thanks for the great advice Chick. Rest in peace.

[@kpec3]

My band director told me back in the day to always rush just a tiny bit because if you lag, it takes away the emotion. Even on slow songs this is important, ironically. The only exceptions being in a formata or if the band is doing something coordinated with a tempo change, like a dramatic decelerando at the end of a song.

[@hannahmorse9330]

We love you forever.

[@alanjamesh.zamorano1677]

This applies to all instruments, including singing!

[@martymyers7703]

how come someone not like this or not find it useful chick is a master

[@karohayrapetyan1796]

Thank you for your post. I have always admire your play. You are great!!!!! Im a musician. And for last 2 years I have been practicing and playing very deeply. But one thing I want to improve is 2 hand cordination in advanced level of skills. Please will you advise me what to practice or how to practice. Currently Im using Hanon piano exercises book. Thank you again.

[@michaelliu1412]

Genius.

[@jonwhite1382]

Fell in love with Chick's stuff after hearing Spain, simply had to learn it! Will hopefully post a trio recording of it soon, if it doesn't infringe copyrights!! :D Fantastic advice here!!

[@jazzatnight]

+Jon White If you wanted to play jazz in Cleveland Ohio ,you had to know how to play "Spain" and play it well, that was the law.

[@jonwhite1382]

justatuch​ Now studying jazz piano at Leeds College of Music, this tune has been the subject of many transcriptions on various forms, every performance it's still magical and excitingly fresh!

[@DihelsonMendonca]

Chick, here in Brazil we have a genius musician ( so you´ve said ), which is the multi-instrumentist Hermeto Pascoal. When I was a kid I heard that you played together in São Paulo City. It would be amazing if you both could make another show together, after all, Hermeto is about 85 now, and he is playing fantastic also. What about it ? Perhaps it would be a great idea !