This Is The Exercise That Shows If You Are A Beginner

[@JensLarsen]

Do you practice like this? Prefer backing tracks? Don't agree? Let me know Content: 0:00 Intro 0:40 Practicing Songs The Right Way 1:19 Internalizing - It's more than just timing 1:51 #1 Develop Your Internal Time Feel 2:46 #2 Develop your Swing Feel 3:00 Ear-training for Groove 3:33 Example - Just in Time 4:05 Example - Hearing A Groove 4:33 #3 Hear the harmony and the form of a song 5:00 Hearing the Harmony of a Blues 5:33 Getting Started With Metronome Practice 5:59 #4 Play clearer lines that spell out the changes 6:17 Why You Need To Spell Out The Changes 6:30 Blues In C - Hearing The Changes 7:19 Do You Practice with A Metronome? 7:38 Like The Video? Check out my Patreon Page

[@whiteyplaysmighty8503]

One practice I love (though not good to only practice this way) is to "solo" over changes in my head. For me, it helps develop the "instinct" to react certain ways to chords and sounds as soon as I hear them.

[@Athraminaurian]

Yep, I feel like my ability to make changes in a convincing fashion since I really started prioritizing playing songs with the metronome. I have also started doing a exercise Nate Smith described in one of his videos. The exercise is hearing the metronome at the 16th note upbeat to each downbeat. That shit really kick my weak ass to the curb. It really forces you to internalize the pulse.

[@JensLarsen]

If you can imagine how it sounds then that is a very good exercise :)

[@JensLarsen]

@@satchrules101 Use the melody to keep you in the form. Hear that in your head

[@plumhunter9158]

No ... It looks quite challenging, but the benefits appear worth the effort. I do practice with a metronome. I am now learning Someday My Prince Will Come, which is in 3/4. How would you use the 2-4 metronome setting for a 3/4?

[@willyevans]

You walk into a music store and someone is trying out a new semi-hollow body guitar. You come in mid-solo and you can tell what song the guy is soloing over even though he's only playing single note lines unaccompanied. He's outlining the chords and even playing off of the melody at times. Yet he's improvising and keeping it all fresh and original sounding at the same time and he's swinging like mad . His own soul is coming through in the solo. You recognize the piece and are amazed at how well he does it all. After he's done you compliment him on his playing. He thanks you and tells you he learned how to play so well from watching Jens videos. It doesn't get any better than that for a guitar teacher. This is a great lesson Jens. Thank you for all that you do for us here on your channel.

[@JensLarsen]

Thanks Willy, you are much too kind :) (and frankly anybody getting good at playing is responsible for it himself :) )

[@koho]

@@jacobfowler4426 Suggestion: "I don't understand this comment. Is this an imaginary scenario, or did you actually encounter a follower of Mr. Larsen in this way? Please enlighten me. Thanks!"

[@regardtdebruin3180]

I started practicing like this because of you. Amazing how many skills come in to play. Boosted my fretboard knowledge a lot. Thank you!!!

[@JensLarsen]

You're very welcome! I am glad you feel the difference 👍👍

[@TheAtrain76]

You are the master teacher at Jazz guitar! As someone who has studied with a few teachers that emphasised CAGED system (and some other short cuts/tricks), you provided a focus on rthymn and groove in addition to the just chasing the target note(s) to anticipate the chord changes. Anyone can eventually learn the neck if they put in the hours; but a true master needs that approach/voice/tone/feel, and most importantly - rthymn! Your videos are phenomenal. I've re-invented my playing over the last 30 days because of your videos.

[@schnirzelzwirn]

Thank you for your excellent videos. I use the "time guru" metronome developed by Avi Bortnick (rhythm guitarist in Scofields formation Überjam). Practicing (primarily singing, sometimes guitar) with various patterns omitting beats improved my timing a lot. The biggest challenge for me for now: 1 bar 4 beats, 7 bars silence. However, your video inspired me to work more with 2 and 4.

[@artompkins7958]

it always blows my mind when some tight jazz quartet or quintet is playing an upbeat bebop tune, and they're passing solos around the form, and they come to the drummer, who, instead of keeping the time and the beat front and center, runs off to some far away place, yet you know the band always knows exactly where the form is even though you've completely lost it, and just as you think there's no way back to the form from where that drummer is, they all jump at exactly the right time and tempo, and play the tune out. ecstacy. Mastering what Jens is talking about here is how they begin to get to that point of musicianship.

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you! 🙂

[@JohnSmithiuyytw]

The greatest weakness I see in musicians is their understanding of time. Great video as ever, thank you.

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you! I am glad you found it useful! 👍

[@BrianKlobyGuitar]

I do this with my students... get them using the metronome in this very way. It's the best way to develop internal time, feel and groove along with all the other fantastic benefits you mention. Awesome post :)

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you very much Brian! :) Glad to hear you are helping your students develop a decent sense of time!

[@BrianKlobyGuitar]

@@JensLarsen absolutely, it's important students get off and running on the good foot 😎🎸

[@JazzDuets]

brilliant advice!

[@Larrymh07]

I have been playing for 45 years, but I'm still a beginner because infinity is ahead. At least we're on the right track.

[@JensLarsen]

That's a good attitude for learning new things 👍🙂

[@michaelvarney.]

Learn to swing dance... Lindy hop. That will internalize 2 and 4 like nothing else. ;)

[@grrakkh4459]

woo-hoo I`m officially an intermediate^^

[@JensLarsen]

Yeah! and: Keep at it :)

[@diegoandresortiz_a294]

I don't practice with the mentronome on 2/4, I practice with the mentronome on every beat and my lines some times don't spell the changes very well. I also need to develop the ability to make the notes on the week beats "pop" out. I think this Will help, i'm starting now!!! 2/4. Thanks Mr Jens Larsen 🎸🎼.

[@JensLarsen]

Go for it! I am sure you'll get there!

[@joehernandez5600]

Thanks Jens. Can’t thank you enough for all the consistently great lessons you provide.

[@JensLarsen]

You're very welcome Joe 🙂

[@MichelleHell]

Simple, yet effective. That's what I like

[@JensLarsen]

Right on!

[@johankjolbro9064]

Great advice, I hear that singing while you play is also really helpful for ear training. Do you ever do this?

[@JensLarsen]

I think singing is great, not necessarily while you play. It is better to just practie singing the lines :)

[@anthonydemitre9392]

It's much easier for Me to get the feel of the 2 and 4 with a metronome if I used my body to feel the groove, I mean just slightly moving my shoulders or knee, I should use the metronome more than I have been as it helps to feel or hear the passing chords, Thanks, Jens!

[@JensLarsen]

Thanks Anthony, I think that is very true: rhythm should be in the body!

[@mjpslim]

I’ve been humble once again . I do overlook practicing 2/4 sometimes. Getting the groove and sense of timing really helps with my improvisation

[@JensLarsen]

True, they are very important parts of practicing!

[@josephyahr7908]

just love how you keep saying to keep it simple keep it simple - that has helped me to be more MUSICAL! I'm have so much more fun playing. Many thanks Jens.

[@JensLarsen]

That is really great to hear, Joseph!

[@Shuzies]

Nice lesson....after 52 years of drumming, keeping time is just a part of me....it does help while learning from your lessons......Thanks Jens

[@JensLarsen]

Always glad to get your approval on a video, Ron :)

[@kadourimdou43]

Would you do a video on how you write more complex / faster licks? Do you practice without backing chords or with a Loop pedal or something. Thanks

[@JensLarsen]

I do have some videos on complicated things and also on faster lines? Not sure what exactly you are looking for. My practice is indeed 99% metronome.

[@kadourimdou43]

Jens Larsen Thanks. Will look for those videos.

[@duglo7884]

i don't consider myself a beginner on guitar but i'm not so experienced with jazz and had never tried using a metronome this way before. at first i found it incredibly frustrating cos i was so used to hearing the metronome as quarter notes starting on 1. then i got it.. what helped me get it was imagining the '4' as if being counted in by the drummer

[@rosspatience4217]

I've been using a metronome but not like this. I just set it to 1 and count every beat at speed. I'll have to try this two four thing. It sounds like it would do what you say.

[@asanadeau]

Thanks Jens! You mention at the end that you’ll reference a related video in the description, but I’m not finding the link.

[@JensLarsen]

I do indeed only link to it on the endscreen :)That is this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZSom6BviM9sd7c

[@leobassii]

I've been mostly practicing with backing tracks but I will try the standards with metronome on 2 and 4 I'm a bassist so I will try to walk and solo outlining the changes.

[@deon5329]

I can do this with blues progressions. But stumble over ii V I's. Either run out of ideas or miss the 3rd/7th on the changes. Great lesson.

[@JensLarsen]

Thanks Deon! That is probably just a question of doing it then? I think you can get there pretty fast :)

[@deon5329]

@@JensLarsen yeah. I'm sure its practice too...lol.

[@JensLarsen]

@@deon5329 Go for it then! :)

[@funkypou]

Hi there, Thanks Jens for your good advice as usual. I just tried something that may help : setting my metronome software with a snare tone so that these 2 and 4 beats sound natural.

[@bottleforty1]

Your advice is very helpful.

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you find it useful! :)

[@johnwilliam3727]

Thanks my teacher

[@JensLarsen]

You are welcome 🙂

[@MrHellahardcore]

What model Ibanez guitar is that?

[@JensLarsen]

It is an AS2630. They don't make them anymore.

[@JensLarsen]

@@thegerman3480 I actually think the neck is pretty different, at least compared to the AS200's I have tried.

[@maiconblues4056]

OBRIGADO POR COMPARTILHAR ESTE EXCELENTE TRABALHO!

[@JensLarsen]

Obrigado! You're very welcome! :)

[@Bobby007D]

I'd use a metronome , but I just don't have time for 1 !!!

[@uninoculated]

Thank you, again, Jens. It seems like I'm pretty great at playing with tick on 2 and four. I just suck at soloing and making the changes and jeeez I suck at soloing, my lines sound like scales. The best thing I can play is arpeggios, but that gets old and sounds robotic. I have one criticism, and I just have to say it, I think the blue thing around the neck of your guitar is unsightly. You don't gig with that, do you. Sorry if that hurts your feelings. I really respect you.

[@JensLarsen]

You need to practice soloing towards target notes that will really help you play lines that are not only arpeggios or sound systematic, but alos have a natural flow to them. I always gig with that hairband on there, thousands of gigs by now. In fact I am just back from one. I have also been on national tv with it a few times so: Yes, I do. Not to hurt your feelings, but get over it :D

[@SkwisgaarScampini]

Not really understanding how practicing to a backing track is worse for you than practicing to a metrenome

[@JensLarsen]

That is easy to demonstrate though: Pick a slow track, like 70 bpm and play with that using iReal. Now put your metronome on 2 & 4 and try the same thing (that would be 35 bpm) And for the rest I am actually explaining it in the video (at least I am trying to...)

[@Rjbotman]

It's about internalising the groove and harmony that is present in the song. If you rely on a backing track you can already hear the harmony and rhythm because it is spelled out for you. You can actively listen for it, so you follow it. Playing a metronome on 2 and 4, each 1 and 3 is left out, and it is at those spots that often chords change. You have to fill in these blanks yourself as it were, and you immediately hear if you are doing it right or not. Getting it right means you internalised the rhythm and the harmony, because you have no external information that you base your actions on.

[@michaelyork4554]

I always play a mix of various embedded rhythm changes while maintaining a harmony line, but I cannot maintain a Jazz/Swing feel, the blues and bends are just too strong of a compulsion for me to not include them. I try but the angst builds and I have to use bends, vibrato, slides, hammer ons, and pull offs, and trills. I love to listen to Jazz, but I can't control myself when I play, Do you find yourself fighting the urge to bend, and slide and use vibrato? or do you play blues sometimes because you feel compelled to embellish?

[@JensLarsen]

I don't really feel a need to play bends in a rhythm changes. I don't hear them there and there are so many other options when it comes to embellishing what is going on. To me this is as if you ask this about tapping and sweep arpeggios in blues. Actually if you replace the words in your comment then how does that sound to you?

[@joepalooka2145]

Everything on your list is secondary to the first requirement of learning how to play and improvise jazz, no matter what instrument----- that is a huge appreciation for the incredible variety of recorded music that is available. I think every good musician has a really big collection of historical jazz recordings, beginning with the father of everything, Louis Armstrong. If you haven't spent years exploring this incredible resource, then you have only just begun.

[@JensLarsen]

I don't completely agree with that. I have played and studied with a lot of very good jazz musicians who didn't do that.

[@miguelcastano3210]

Thanks for remember it! I forgot it and I will do it!

[@JensLarsen]

Go for it Miguel! :)

[@Mats.Fagerberg]

It’s actually fun to practise like that!

[@JensLarsen]

It certainly is :)

[@chuckgillis9989]

Thanks!

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you like it 🙂

[@AndoniDiazPuerta]

Does the 2 & 4 metronome practice works well for developing time feel in other styles? Great video, love it!

[@JensLarsen]

Yes, I think it does. It may connect better with the groove in Jazz, but the rest of the skills are the same for all styles as long as the music is in time :)

[@AndoniDiazPuerta]

As I can deduce, in some interchanged strong beats, that occurs sometimes in funk and other genres, can be beneficial to play at 1 and 3? Just curiosity, I don't want to bother you :( Thank you in advance!

[@JensLarsen]

It can be beneficial, but actually it can also be really good to do 16th note off beats? :)

[@MontyCraig]

Great work as always! 2 and 4 rules!

[@JensLarsen]

Exactly! 👍🙂

[@argentstrat5471]

Great stuff Jens as always. My music teachers dont seem to get this though, They give students aebersolds/band in a box or similar backing tracks all the time and never tell students to use Metronome on 2 and 4. One teacher (65 years old typical old jazz guy, which is even more surprising) even recommended irealpro(????). Backing tracks are fun for playing, but for practicing the metronome is superior

[@JensLarsen]

Well, recommendations will always differ I guess :) My teachers told me to stop using backing tracks with the remark: "that's too easy, right?"

[@argentstrat5471]

Yeah, backing tracks just fool you into thinking you know the song in my opinion

[@DizzyKrissi]

Good stuff - like always - the click basically gives me the snare-drum inside my head. When I look back it took me a long time to be able to hear the whole rhythm section in my head. This is no beginner stuff.

[@JensLarsen]

Thanks Kris! I guess that it makes sense with the title that it isn't beginners stuff to be able to do this :)

[@DizzyKrissi]

@@JensLarsen : when I was a beginner and someone told me that he could hear the band inside his head I used to think that this person is showing off - took me some years to get to this point where a simple click turns into a full band sound :D

[@roelandvisser]

play with the radio

[@ahoneyman]

I'm not a jazz player. I do at times look to jazz concepts to spice up blues progressions (mainly for chord extensions\ passing chords and arpeggio ideas) I like using the backing tracks. I can start of simply and add different concepts to it to see what works. Some really great ideas on paper are lackluster when I play them. Then I can rip them apart and try to figure out why. My understanding of the theory is very rudimentary so this is valuable to me. Just another viewpoint

[@grobertabidbol4005]

Great Video! I do practice like that , at the slowest tempo i can. Amazone exercice for developing personnal lines, Hear the notes before play them, and eliminate all those links that we play by reflex... Play with the métronome on the beat 2 OR the beat 4 is Great exercice too Thanks Jens

[@Mrius86]

I like to play swing timing at really slow tempi like lower that 60 bpm and really get the triplet feel in before going over to the 2 and 4 exercises.

[@JensLarsen]

That's a great idea. I guess I would feel that more like a slow 6/8? Like a blues ballad feel?

[@Mrius86]

@@JensLarsen no, I just do a standard 4/4 swing timing but the triplet feel is really felt in the body when it's so slow. So maybe it's more of a 12/8.

[@ianmackenzie686]

I'd like your opinion on something: When teaching students I've observed two schools of thought, first being able to get the fingers to the notes smoothly first before worrying too much about time, then once the muscle memory kicks in to begin the metronome. The second is to slow everything down with a metronome from the beginning until you get the notes. Then very gradually work up to speed. I have no strong feelings either way but I'd like your thoughts. Excellent vid as usual. I'm a big believer in internalizing the rhythm as well.

[@jarrilaurila]

i guess im doing at least something right. I gave up backing tracks 2 years ago and not going back. Occasionally using looping pedal, but most of the time just metronome. Timing was and still is my biggest enemy. My biggest concern is that about 3/4 of time when i practise, i just dont feel the groove. Playing is stiffy, timing is messed, no any ideas etc. Might be that i am in a wrong mood or exhausted from work. Then i really feel sleepy and cant focus. Nevertheless that 1/4 of time my playing is ok and even my note reading practises are going well. I have noticed that if i listen to some good tunes before playing it gives me better feel. And keep up the good work Jens!

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you Jarri! for 3/4 you can try a few things: metronome on every other beat, so 2, 1 and then 3. Or only on the 2 or only on the 3. I guess it matters also if you try to just imagine the groove you want to play, so you have an idea about how it is supposed to sound?

[@jarrilaurila]

Thank you Jens for reply! My bad english get people confused. What i meant was 75% of my practise time i suck.😁 25% im somewhat happy my playing.

[@JensLarsen]

That is probalby quite normal :)

[@williamwallace165]

This is another great video jens! This is a nuance of soloing and improvisation I often overlook. definitely something to improve and work on. Would you say playing on the 2 and 4 beats improves your phrasing or leads to more ideas while improvising? I’ve heard a lot about playing on the upbeats and it’s importance for a guitar player but often feel as if I’m not doing this. Is this much different than playing on one and three? I recognize it’s difference between being in and out of the pocket or groove. Thank you!

[@DaveVedder]

I don't need any exercise to tell me I'm a beginner... =) Great stuff as always Jens!

[@JensLarsen]

Haha! Thanks Dave :)

[@roelandvisser]

never had one...

[@pickinstone]

Yes, yes, and yes. Might I add--once you can feel the time with a metronome on 2 & 4, try it with the metronome on the 1-then try it with a click every two measures, then try it with a click every four measures. This way, you are internalizing the sound of a phrase, or a form. Important, don't count--feel. That sounds hippy dippy. What I mean is, get used to hearing the click as a sound in space, just like notes. The click becomes a hit, like from the snare or bass drum. You don't count it, you memorize where that sound occurs within the tempo. Does that make sense?

[@ardeliaemanda3179]

Always getting me better 😁

[@JensLarsen]

Glad to hear that :)

[@daveduffy2823]

What if there is only one chord or a 2 chord vamp?

[@JensLarsen]

How does that make it different?

[@charlesblumenstetter4299]

thanks for the advice.

[@JensLarsen]

Glad you found it useful! :)

[@vasishtakanthi4231]

I have started learning jazz by emphasizing the 2 nd 4, and it has really improved my rhythm in so many ways. I have a doubt, how would you emphasize the beats, if its a complex odd time signature, like 7/4 or 11/8, or a 5/4??

[@JensLarsen]

It is not really about emphasizing those beats. It is about feeling the time inside. The things you emphasize depend on the groove, and Jazz, Samba, Pop all have different accents in 4/4, so the beats you emphasize are not depending on the meter

[@jumemowery9434]

I like the video format. Thanks Jens!

[@florenciolauzon4616]

Be great if blah blah reduced.

[@JensLarsen]

Especially in the comments! 😄

[@rodolfoamaralguitar]

Great advice Jens, I did it a lot !

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you Rodolfo! 🙂

[@korkenknopfus]

Hello: as I had classes, exactly the same said to me my teacher, once and once again, and I tried to practice this way too. But the problem that I found by practicing alone is the fact that I can barely identify if I make a mistake in a bar, for example. So sometimes I took the backing track to try to learn the whole tone first, memorizing chords, before the practice only with metronome.

[@korkenknopfus]

And, by the way, the app Metronomics allow you to set probability to some hits, too, if you want to practice this way.

[@ericmurray7406]

My teacher suggest this all the time, and I’ve done it some. You however have a really great explanation of the “why” that I’ve not heard before. Thanks!

[@ericmurray7406]

Oh, and I do use band in the box with real book tunes, too much probably

[@brad724p]

Great reminder; need to do this regularly.

[@videnteloco]

Jewel!

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you! :)

[@donngoodside6885]

Jens ___ This, was / is, solid 'Instruction... Although I have not reached that level quite yet. Theoretically, I also think knowing the 'lyrics, and the 'vocalist, of your choice, in your head, helps with 'phrasing and 'dynamics, especially the 'rests' in between... just a thought. lol

[@JensLarsen]

Yes, but that is not really what this is about though :)

[@finbarrdolan]

Nice videos, but I hate it when people refer to a tune as a “song “, especially in USA. A song is sung by a singer, a tune is played by a player.

[@JensLarsen]

Ok. I am not in the US and this songs do have lyrics they are not just tunes 🙂

[@LAOMUSICARTS]

Monk never did that! Bird n also not. This is an abstraction of time feel! Classical players NEVER ever does that!

[@royercrafter]

awesome lesson as always Mr Larsen

[@JensLarsen]

You're very welcome! I am glad you like it! 🙂

[@marloc2019]

It took me only to minute 1.47 and the idea of being you to underline changes instead of waiting for the base to do the work for you, to subscribe this channel. I know it is something well-known but for me, said this way, it is a sheer paradigm shift. p.s. I'm not even a jazz guitar player

[@JensLarsen]

Thank you very much! I hope you find something you can use! Don't be afraid to ask if there is something you are looking for!

[@cuttyshark]

Sorry, no reel info hear.