Estimated reading time 2 minutes
Table of Contents
Introduction
Do you want to know the best way to practice with a metronome? Do you want to know what a metronome even is? A metronome is one of the best practice tools invented for musicians, because it helps you play with a steady beat. Nothing will make you sound like a professional faster than playing with a steady beat, and nothing will make you sound terrible faster than playing with a choppy beat. Keep reading The 5 Best Effortlessly Easy Metronome Practice Tips to learn how to play with a steady beat.
This article uses musical terms. For definitions, see the Glossary at the end of the post.
Easy Metronome Practice Tips #1: What’s a Metronome?
A metronome is a machine that makes a clicking sound at a regular rate. It’s used as an aid during practice to help you work your songs up to speed while maintaining a constant beat:
- Originally, the clicking sound was produced by a mechanical device that was first marketed by Johann Maelzel at the beginning of the 19th century.
- Now, in addition to mechanical versions, they also can be electronic devices or downloadable apps. For an online metronome: click here.
- The rate of the clicking is adjustable and is measured in beats per minute (bpm), such as 60 bpm which is one beat per second.
Metronomes have a broad range of speeds, in some cases from 25 beats per minute to over 200 beats per minute, for example:
- 50 bpm (tempo mark = largo) is a slow tempo.
- 70 bpm (tempo mark = adagio) is medium slow.
- 100 bpm (tempo mark = andante) is moderately fast.
- 120 bpm (tempo mark = allegro) is fast.
- 200+ bpm (tempo mark = presto) is very fast.
Easy Metronome Practice Tips #2: The Five Best Tips
When practicing with the metronome, you need to prioritize accuracy over speed. The five best metronome practice tips are:
- Start slowly, somewhere around 40 to 60 beats per minute.
- Gradually increase your tempo in 5 bpm increments until you start making mistakes.
- Stop and practice at the tempo 5 bpm below where you stopped.
- Once you’ve got it, start increasing the tempo (stopping and correcting mistakes as necessary), until you’ve reached your target tempo.
- Pro Tip: Practice 5 to 10 bpm above your target tempo so that you’ll be extra comfortable at your target tempo when you perform.
If you want to play in a band or other ensemble, you must learn how to sync with the beat, and playing with a metronome will help you learn how to do that.
Final Thoughts on “The 5 Best Effortlessly Easy Metronome Practice Tips”
Takeaway points:
- Make sure your playing is accurate before you speed up.
- Nothing will make you sound like a professional faster than performing with a steady beat, and nothing will make you sound terrible faster than performing with a choppy beat.
- Start slowly and work up to your target tempo.
Have fun playing!
Related Posts
- What Is the Basic Idea of Tempo in Music?
- I’m Having a Hard Time Keeping a Steady Beat
- D’you Want Some Music Tips and Tricks I’ve Learned Over the Years?
© 2024 Geoffrey Keith
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Glossary
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