How to Use a Metronome

If you haven’t already, I suggest you read my two part (yes, two part!) blog post on why you NEED to use a metronome. After posting that article, I realised that many people become confused by metronomes. There are so many different types with different (and sometimes crazy) functions that you may never even use!

So here’s my breakdown on how to use a metronome properly.

Metronome Types

First, there are several different types of metronome, but they all basically do the same thing- make clicking or ticking noises at a certain speed set in bpm (beats per minute).

The first type is what I always think of as the “traditional” metronome. You know the ones- they’re like triangular boxes with a swinging weight on the front. You move the weight on the pendulum to change the speed of the clicks. This is the type that you usually see standing on a piano in a school (often just gathering dust!).

The downside of these mechanical guys is that they can only be set to certain speeds in set increments- so you’ll be able to get it to play 100bpm, but not 102bpm (for example) because the next set speed is 108bpm. Not a massive problem, but if 100bpm is too slow, but 108bpm is too fast, you’re stuck! They also tend to be quite big and heavy- so you couldn’t fit one in your pocket.

The second type of metronome is the one that I have: the electric metronome. It’s very similar to the mechanical metronome, only it’s smaller and powered by a battery. Once again, it clicks at different speeds- but only in at set numbers of beats per minute. I don’t really mind, though, as I can use the speeds I have and play different numbers of notes per click (if I really wanted to).

The third, and final, type of metronome is the one you’ll probably find on sale in most shops these days: the digital metronome. These are quite good- you can set the bpm to any number you want (within reason!). These are also the type that cause the most confusion when people first start to use them.

Keep it Simple

The problem with the digital metronomes is that they have so many features that beginner guitarists often get confused on which ones they should use! Well, if you’ve ever been confused, I can tell you now: you only need to set it to click at a speed. Seems simple enough, but with digital metronome features including different time signatures and beat subdivisions it’s easy to get lost.

That’s right! Some metronomes allow you to set it to, say, ⁴₄ and it will accent every first beat of the four (i.e. 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 etc…). All you need to set it to do is to emphasise all the beats the same and then do the counting yourself!

Really, the emphasised beat could help you count, but it’s going to be more help in the long run if you can count the beats yourself.

Rhythmic Subdivisions?!

Another feature that digital metronomes come with that puts people off is: different numbers of clicks for each beat! As if they weren’t already confusing enough! They might help you to get a “feel” for dividing the beat, but, again, simpler is better.

All you need your metronome to do is go “tick tick tick” at a speed that you’ve set, and with each tick being the same volume and tone. The speed you set it to is the speed that you would tap your foot to, and when it’s on it’s doing the job of “foot tapping” for you.

So there you go, a metronome = a “foot tapping” machine; giving you less “foot tapping” to do yourself and allowing you to focus on making music (i.e. the important bit!). The complicated features and stuff can come later…

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Rob

March 9, 2010 at 11:00 pm | Guitar Technique and Exercises, How to, Practicing and Practice Routine | No comments

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