Metronome, or not metronome, that be the ?

[sick-boy]

Originally Posted by JJEMMER777

Or better yet, a real drummer

I totally agree with Kenny!! You'll have a lot more fun and get more motivation out of a drum machine and they are a lot more verstile than nomes

+1
Another supporter for the drum machine. So much more fun.

[Ayrton]

Any suggestions on a good drum machine? Sort of the "bang for the buck" model?

[sick-boy]

Originally Posted by Ayrton

Any suggestions on a good drum machine? Sort of the "bang for the buck" model?

I can't recomend one for you, but maybe this will hold you over until you get one
http://www.freelicks.net/Backing_tracks.htm

[Jemwielder]

A metronome is something that reminds you that music is an ever moving chaotic thing. You can't stop if you make a mistake because then you'll just be mowed down and left in the dust to die. A bit over the top but if you plan on using your band to feed yourself it's pretty much true.

[toneboy]

Originally Posted by Jemwielder

A metronome is something that reminds you that music is an ever moving chaotic thing. You can't stop if you make a mistake because then you'll just be mowed down and left in the dust to die. A bit over the top but if you plan on using your band to feed yourself it's pretty much true.

+1. The metronome is an unforgiving task master, more so than a drum machine.

[Dee]

Originally Posted by guitar_chick

I want know what you guys/gals think of metronomes. I know Steve Vai swears by it, and how he spent 10 hours a day using it. The problem is this: I hate them. I want to be in a band, and my guitar teacher tells me I could do this now, if I wanted too. I am a free-spirit, and metronomes cramp my playing style, but I do take the guitar seriously. Can I progress, and fall right into line with a band, without the tedious metronome drills?

Of course you can. I have never used a metronome and I was told by the recording studio engineer in 1988 he has never seen a tighter guitar player than me in his life. Does that seem like a brag? Whatever, it's not meant to be, but I never thought I needed it. Then again, I started out on drums at age 9 or something, and I got on a kit and played it right off without struggling. I think I have naturally good timing, so who knows? Do you feel your timing is sloppy? Have you noticed any benefits at all after using a metro for any length of time? I haven't.

Originally Posted by JJEMMER777

Metronomes are great for excerises, working arps, etc. But when I'm writing my music, a metronome is a no no, because I like weird time sigs. (very wierd )

Good man. Me too. 4/4 bores me.

Anyway, I agree with Kenny -- drum machine is much better than a metronome if you need to work on timing.

[toneboy]

Originally Posted by Dee

Anyway, I agree with Kenny -- drum machine is much better than a metronome if you need to work on timing.

See, I still say that a drum machine and metronome are 2 slightly different beasts.

A metronome can help you to improve your chops. It is a the most efficient way to increase your playing speed and precision. It's purely for building technique.

On the other hand, a drum machine can help you to improve your timing and phrasing. You can learn to play with a groove that isn't just an accent on the first beat of every measure. You can focus on the kick and snare or the hi hats or both.

I play with a metronome if I'm practicing technique building exercises. I play along with a backing track (chords, bass line and drums) when I want to work on phrasing.

ETA - BTW, one of my "metronomes" is Guitar Pro so I'm not just getting a click track, I'm also hearing the notes. I have a Boss DB-60 for when I play and watch TV. For a "drum machine", I'm using Band in a Box.

[Dee]

I see no difference if the tempo is exactly the same on the 'nome and the drum machine and you're practising the same exercise / lick / whatever. The only difference is the drum beat is less boring! Besides, most drum machines have a metroGnome built in anyway.

[JJEMMER777]

Originally Posted by Dee

metroGnome

lol

[guitar_chick]

Originally Posted by Dee

metroGnome .

That is cute; I'm actually getting a mental visual!!! Am I weird or what?

[guitar_chick]

I don't feel my timing is all over the place, but I do have troubles trying to play with a backtrack (or regular CD); so maybe I have more troubles than I'm willing to accept. I am a perfectionist, and don't want to be a mediocre guitar player, so whether I like it or not, I guess I need to spend time on timing issues.

[guitar_chick]

Man, metro"Gnomes" just suck!!!

[JJEMMER777]

Originally Posted by guitar_chick

Am I weird or what?

Um......


Yep

[guitar_chick]

Originally Posted by JJEMMER777

Um......


Yep

Hey, your not supposed to concur, ~J. I think most of us are off-kilter or we wouldn't be hear this time of night.

[guitar_chick]

except IbanezGirl; she is on the other side of the world