Learn How to Use a Metronome

If you are a guitarist of any kind, beginner, mid-level or advanced by now you would have been initiated to the world of scales, chords, etc and also… the metronome. If you want to play your guitar keeping pace, tempo and timing accurate, then you must learn how to use a metronome.

A metronome is a device that provides a regular beat in ticks. It produces a regulated visual, aural or tactile pulse. The instrument is used by musicians so they are able to set a tempo and hold it; it is also a method of specifying said tempo. Its use is a highly debated one with some players not thinking that metronome is not too useful. There are basically 3 types of metronomes viz. mechanical, electrical and software.

The mechanical metronome is not as commonly used nowadays as it is an old technology. It uses a double weighted pendulum device where the weight is slid up and down to adjust the tempo. The electrical metronome is one that uses quartz crystal, like a wristwatch to maintain accuracy and the range is generally around A440 or 440 hertz.

Some metronome devices can produce tuning notes also. Sophisticated metronomes can give out 2 or more distinct sounding sounds and they can differ in timbre, volume and pitch to enable demarcation of downbeats form other beats including complex and compound time signatures. These days you find many electronic instruments with in-built metronome functions.

Learn how to use a metronome with Jamorama

It is a known fact that techniques on a guitar require practice and these techniques must be accompanied by a metronome. Timing is very important when playing any instrument so if you have been practicing without a metronome, then you may have trouble with speedy techniques.

A metronome keeps track of your day to day progress. You get to see your BMS or beats per minute, top speed and the actual progress; which can be quite encouraging and motivate you to do better. Speed picking in sync with a beat is an art and you can master this using a metronome. The timing provided by the metronome improves your overall general musical ability.

It is not difficult to learn to use a metronome and all one needs is practice. The first step is to study the numbers printed on the device. The numbers indicate the beats per minute or BMS. Now set your metronome to 60 beats per minute and switch it on. Next, set the speed to 120 beats per minute which is double that of the metronome. Now, start playing but start with a low number and gradually increase. Repeat the beat of the metronome on your guitar.

When you read the music you are playing there is a tempo mark at the top of the page; read it carefully. For example, if it says M.M=100, it means that the piece has to be played at 100 beats per minute; so set your metronome accordingly. Here, M.M stands for Maelzle’s Metronome. Now you play your music following the pulse of your metronome. Once you get a feel of the right tempo switch off the metronome and play from memory.

It is not difficult to learn how to use a metronome.Practice this with different types of music at different speeds and in time you will be able to learn the right tempo for every piece that you play.

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