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Using a Metronome Effectively Part 4: Being One With the Tick

Lessons > Axe No Questions

Using a Metronome Effectively Part 4: Being One With the Tick Using a Metronome Effectively Part 4: Being One With the Tick
By Matt Baamonde
September 18th, 2008

So you’ve got your metronome – (Part 1) – check. You understand the basics of rhythmic notation – (Part 2) – check. And now you’ve got a great warm up and know how to work moveable finger patterns in time – (Part 3) – check. Now its time to apply everything you’ve learned and use them to play some licks in a real musical situation. The following example is a minute long rock/metal/shred tune that features a medium/fast rock tempo and a series of sixteenth note runs in the G Phrygian mode. (If the modes are new to you, you… (Continue)


Using a Metronome Effectively Part 3: Clocking Your Speed Using a Metronome Effectively Part 3: Clocking Your Speed
By Matt Baamonde
January 28th, 2008

So now that you’re set up with a quality metronome (Part 1) and understand the basics of how rhythmic time is divided, (Part 2) lets actually start applying some of it and learning some moving patterns. Notes on setup: Since we are ready to play examples, you will need your electric or acoustic guitar. I advocate an electric with an amplifier with an adjustable volume control. This way you can set your instrument’s volume slightly softer than the volume of your metronome. You’ll always want to start practicing without distortion. Think of a clean jazz tone… for you all you… (Continue)


Using a Metronome Effectively Part 2: Things Start to Click Using a Metronome Effectively Part 2: Things Start to Click
By Matt Baamonde
October 18th, 2007

Now that you know what to look for when you purchase a metronome (Part 1), let’s get started with actually practicing with one. A lot of this may be review for more advanced players, but you may want to skim through and see if there any rusty spots in your playing or knowledge. When you’re getting set up you’ll want to practice with a pick, and if you’re playing amplified, it’s better to practice clean before adding distortion so you can work on playing with clarity and precision that distortion can cover up. Old Joke: How do you send a… (Continue)


Using a Metronome Effectively Part 1: Nervous Tick? Using a Metronome Effectively Part 1: Nervous Tick?
By Matt Baamonde
October 17th, 2007

If you are a half capable guitarist you’ve probably heard the words, “Play something really fast,” by your friends, and it’s usually meant as a challenge to test your chops. But what does playing something fast really mean? Is someone clocking the amount of time it takes you to play x amount of notes from point A to point B? And even if you’re moving at the speed of sound is that really a valuable skill as a guitarist, or more importantly, as a musician? If you’ve ever listened to, or seen guitarists, that fall under the progressive rock, neoclassical… (Continue)