How To Practice With A Metronome

Summary

In this instructional video, Bob De Boo discusses the importance of using a metronome to develop an internal sense of rhythm and pulse. Starting at 40 beats per minute, he demonstrates how to synchronize with the metronome's subdivisions to avoid 'flamming' and achieve a solid groove. He suggests practicing with various subdivisions and tempos, including half notes and triplets, to enhance flexibility and timing. The video also covers reframing the metronome's role to emulate different musical feels, ultimately aiming for rock-solid quarter notes in a band setting.

Takeaways

• 🎶 The video is about using a metronome to develop an internal sense of pulse and tempo, particularly focusing on quarter notes.
• 👨‍🎤 Bob Daboo, the instructor, is neither strictly for nor against the use of a metronome, but believes it's a valuable tool when used appropriately.
• 🔄 He suggests combining metronome practice with playing with live musicians and along with recordings for a well-rounded musical experience.
• 🎵 Starting at a slow tempo of 40 beats per minute (BPM) can help in accurately aligning with the metronome's beat.
• 🤔 The importance of listening to subdivisions, such as eighth notes and triplets, is emphasized for better synchronization with the metronome.
• 💯 Practicing with a metronome at a slow tempo allows for versatility and can be applied to various instruments and musical styles.
• 🎼 Bob demonstrates a bass line in B flat to use as a basis for exercises, highlighting the need for a strong attack at the beginning of each note.
• 📈 He explains how to adjust the perception of the metronome's click to different subdivisions, such as shifting the focus from one to two or three in a measure.
• 🔄 The concept of reframing the metronome's role in the music, such as considering it as half notes at 80 BPM instead of quarter notes at 40 BPM, is introduced.
• 🛹 Bob uses the analogy of riding a skateboard to describe the feeling of adjusting to different subdivisions and tempos.
• 🔚 The video concludes with encouragement to practice flexibly with the metronome, focusing on maintaining strong quarter notes and not succumbing to the metronome's influence.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video script?

The main topic of the video script is about using a metronome to develop and refine one's internal sense of rhythm and pulse, particularly focusing on quarter notes and tempo.

What is Bob Daboo's stance on using a metronome according to the script?

Bob Daboo is in the middle; he believes that using a metronome is a great tool for practicing rhythm but it should not be the only tool used by musicians.

What is the initial tempo at which Bob Daboo suggests starting with the metronome?

Bob Daboo suggests starting with the metronome at a tempo of 40 beats per minute.

What is the purpose of practicing with a slow metronome according to the script?

Practicing with a slow metronome helps to dial in the internal pulse and improve the accuracy of timing in music.

What does Bob Daboo mean by 'flaming' in the context of the script?

In the script, 'flaming' refers to the sound of two drum hits that are too close together, not properly aligned with the beat, which is not the desired rhythmic effect.

What is the bass line that Bob Daboo uses for the exercises in the script?

The bass line used for the exercises is a simple progression in B flat: B flat, D, B flat, E, F, G, A flat, A, B flat.

How can practicing with a metronome at a slow tempo benefit a musician?

Practicing with a metronome at a slow tempo allows musicians to focus on subdivisions and develop a strong sense of timing and pulse, which can be applied to various tempos and musical contexts.

What is the concept of shifting the metronome's perceived beat in the script?

Shifting the metronome's perceived beat involves changing the focus from one subdivision to another, such as from quarter notes to triplets or half notes, to practice different rhythmic feels and internal pulse.

How does Bob Daboo suggest practicing with the metronome to enhance the sense of pulse?

Bob Daboo suggests practicing by shifting the focus of the metronome's click to different subdivisions, such as triplets or half notes, and playing along with these subdivisions to internalize the pulse.

What is the significance of practicing with different subdivisions as mentioned in the script?

Practicing with different subdivisions helps musicians to develop flexibility and a deeper understanding of rhythm, which can improve their ability to play in various musical styles and situations.