Tips

Practice Metronome Usage

It's important to get used to the metronome before using it during performance. You'll find that it takes some getting used to. In particular, you'll learn to observe the metronome and recognise you are slightly off tempo without actually changing your tempo.

Adjusting Your Timing

Firstly, here is what NOT to do. Avoid making sudden changes to your tempo. This sounds horrible and throws off the other band members.

These steps work for me:

  1. SAMPLE: Glance at the metronome and determine if your tempo is accurate.
  2. CONTINUE: Continue playing at your current tempo and think 'I need to speed up / slow down' (or 'My tempo is fine').
  3. THROTTLE: To speed up, ride the leading edge of the beat and the tempo should gradually increase. Or, ride the trailing edge to slow down.
  4. UN-THROTTLE: Stop throttling and start the steps again.

Try not to stare at the metronome. You need to keep communicating with the rest of the band.

Don't Depend On The Metronome

Like all technology, one day it won't work properly. Make sure you have an alternative process and practice it too.

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