Why Practice Drums With a Metronome?
on Sep 26 2014
What is our purpose as drummers?
It has been said that drummers are ‘the glue’ that keeps it all together! Our main purpose is to lead each song at a steady tempo while allowing space and complimenting each musical part.
By practicing with a metronome on a regular basis, you will hone this skill and be ready for any situation.
What... you say you can already keep time? Try keeping time with a metronome for about twenty seconds. Play a basic groove, break out into a couple drum fills and then back into the groove. It will show you how good you really can keep time, or.... how much improvement is needed.
Why is this important?
In order to be a reputable and reliable drummer you'll need to keep good time. You may be thinking “what’s the big deal; no one will notice changes in my tempo”. Not true, especially when you go into a recording studio or perform with other musicians who appreciate good time. There are 3 different places in songs in which time keeping is extremely important...
- When you break away for a fill and come back to the original groove
- When a song contains pauses and later returns to the original groove
- When a song contains different tempos and returns to the original groove
A metronome is a vital tool in music education that most teachers utilize within their instruction. Therefore, even more important for the time keeper of a band (the drummer) to practice with a metronome!
How should I begin?
You will learn that when you first start practicing with a metronome it can be challenging. Be patient! Like any new skill it will take time.
- Start by setting your metronome to 80 beats per minute. This will give you enough time between beats to concentrate
- Play a standard 4/4 beat. Land your beat in sync with the beat of the metronome
- As you become comfortable, increase the tempo of your metronome while maintaining your form and technique
- Once you feel like you are getting good at staying in sync, practice a variety of different rhythms & tempos
What type of metronome should I use?
To get started, pretty much any metronome will do.
A good start-up metronome for drummers is the Snark SM11. It's small, inexpensive, and reliable. It has an extra-loud speaker (great for drummers) and an earphone jack. If you're looking for a metronome that's design especially for drummers, the Tama RW105 Rhythm Watch is terrific. It has a ton of unique and useful features and is so reliable that many pro drummers use it on stage.
A good start-up metronome for drummers is the Snark SM11. It's small, inexpensive, and reliable. It has an extra-loud speaker (great for drummers) and an earphone jack. If you're looking for a metronome that's design especially for drummers, the Tama RW105 Rhythm Watch is terrific. It has a ton of unique and useful features and is so reliable that many pro drummers use it on stage.
Practicing with a metronome will improve your drumming dramatically, so if you don't have one, get one!
You will be amazed at how much it will increase your level of playing.
Copyright 2006 Daniel N Brown
This article is free for republishing
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_38048_48.html
Source: http://www.articlealley.com/article_38048_48.html
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