0Metronome:
It is a device that produces an audible click or another sound at a regular interval that can be set by the user, typically in beats per minute. Musicians use the device to practise playing to a steady pulse. Metronomes typically include synchronized visual motion.
Nowadays, you can download the metronome app on any smartphone. But, if you are old fashioned, I suppose you can buy these online.
Why is this important?
We can say, music is a decoration of time, and as we know, time waits for no one. A musician who practices without a metronome will have a tough time keeping the time in a recording studio or band rehearsal.
In this lesson, we will discuss how to use a metronome effectively for practice assuming you know time signatures and note durations.
Procedure for using metronome:
1) Select the desired tempo.
2) Select the desired time signature.
3) Start practice
How to build speed?
1. Start at quarter-notes, 70 BPM, 4/4(or whatever time signature you are trying to practice)
2. Once you execute the part, you are trying to practice three times in a row, increase the speed by 8 BPM.
3. Again, once you perform the part, you are trying to practice three times in a row, decrease the rate by 4 BPM.
4. Repeat step 2.
5. Repeat step 3.
6. Keep this up until you reach 140 BPM
7.once you reach 140 BPM, reset the tempo to 70 BPM.
8. Repeat step 1 to step 7, but this time play eight-notes.
9. Repeat step 1 to step 7, but this time play sixteenth-notes.
NOTE:
Many guitar players rush this practice because they want to play fast. But speed means nothing without note clarity. This is why it is essential to practice with a metronome.
PRACTICE ROUTINE:
Duration of practice: 1-hour
step 1: Divide the hour into four parts. i.e., 15 min each
step 2: Select 4 things to practice in that hour.
Ex: chords,scales,arpeggios,improvisation
step 3: Practice chords, scales, arpeggios and improvisation over a backing track for 15 min each.
