Practice with Backing Tracks will ruin your Rhythm and Timing!
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 12 сен 2024
- Every body wants to have good time and work on playing swinging rhythms. But if you only do this with a backing track, you might be in trouble!
With this video I want to discuss why there is a much more effective way to practice to improve your rhythm than using backing tracks. The video will give you a few metronome exercises and a way to start working on feeling subdivision, in short: how to practice timing and how to practice like a pro!
🔴 Subscribe for more free Jazz Guitar Lessons and Videos: bit.ly/JensLes...
☑️ Support me on Patreon: / jenslarsen
✅DOWNLOAD A FREE E-BOOK with 15 II Valt I licks!
Sign up for my newsletter:
jenslarsen.nl/s...
▶️ Check out my latest video: goo.gl/G16gVx
🎸Check out my Online Course, The Jazz Guitar Roadmap: bit.ly/JazzGtRm
0:09 Intro
0:39 What is wrong with backing tracks
0:55 Rhythm and practice - what's the goal
1:07 A definition of good timing
1:15 Sub-division, the grid that we hear and relate to
1:45 Backing tracks and harmony
2:09 How to practice subdivision
2:53 The Backing track alternative
3:20 Genereal points of practicing with a metronome
3:56 Metronome on 2&4
5:01 Blues Chorus with metronome on 2&4
6:06 All the things you should try with 2&4
6:34 Specific timing exercises
6:48 Dotted Quarter note practice
7:14 Straight No Chaser with dotted quarter metronome
7:54 feeling the beat in this exercise
8:04 how this is a more realistic situation to practice
9:25 Why Bebop Themes are great for timing exercises
9:43 The 2nd triplet exercise
10:25 How to feel the beat in this exercise
11:21 The Bebop example with this metronome exercise
12:09 Do you have a great metronome exercise?
12:36 What is good about backing tracks
12:57 HIstorical importance of backing tracks
13:59 Different types of swing or groove
My name is Jens Larsen, Danish Jazz Guitarist, and Educator. The videos on this channel will help you explore and enjoy Jazz. Some of it is how to play jazz guitar, but other videos are more on Music Theory like Jazz Chords or advice on how to practice and learn Jazz, on guitar or any other instrument.
The videos are mostly jazz guitar lessons, but also music theory, analysis of songs and videos on jazz guitars.
Edited by Luciano Poli - Business Inquiries: polivideoedit@gmail.com
Facebook: / jenslarsenytlessons
Twitter: / jensljazz
Instagram: / jenslarsenjazz
My Book: Modern Jazz Guitar Concepts: geni.us/Y69J4
My Gear:
www.amazon.com...
Music Notation: www.guitar-pro...
Clip-on Tuner: geni.us/FbPGZg4
Great Safe Gigbag: geni.us/1aH94
SonoCore Strings: 13-53 geni.us/nU3NA3V
Powered Monitor: geni.us/YB8z3X
Headphones: geni.us/fGDhHl
Audio Interface: geni.us/qFIfT
Camera: geni.us/s14DY9v
Lense 1: geni.us/GmM8
Lense 2: geni.us/GJ01Hv
Video Lights: geni.us/wQ8jhSy
Video Lights: geni.us/MWtU
If you like this video then check out: Jazz Scales! The 3 You Need to practice and How You apply them to Jazz Chords : ruclips.net/video/NEvBZTD-f6s/видео.html
I disagree with your assessment. Backing tracks are a valuable practice tool , in the real world, the "too much information" WILL be present, and you need to able to focus on your playing and how it fits with the other instruments. Maybe for beginning students who do not have a grasp of time,(meter) etc. But a blanket statement that backing tracks are bad to practice to is nonsense. I am a 30+ year professional musician.
We all know how metronomes synchronise spontaneously when allowed so perhaps some people behave in a less automatic way.
I don't need a guitar tuner for example but use one if there are distractions. Rubato, accel. etc are essential for solo stuff but when practicing for a group piece the backing track may be a useful tool .
once asked MILES DAVIS what he thought of the backing track, he said "great because in my youth when I needed to practice the drummer was drunk, the pianist wanted money etc .. today I turn on the machine and she play nonstop and don't complain
😅😂
Exactly.
True 👍
But playing with a drunk drummer is what gives you rhythm.
@@zummo61 also cheaper than the pianist if you get that drummer his booze
People with good timing: "Damn, my timing is awful!"
People with bad timing: "Damn, my timing is great!"
Haha! If you click through to the channel that is indeed the picture you get 😂
dunning kruger
@@theralhaljordan7337 Have mixed thoughts about 'Dunning Kruger'. Some people have to be taught to practice based on results. It happened to myself. I practiced in bad ways because i wasn't taught how to practice before i went to music academy.. On the other hand, Mr Dunning and Mr Kruger who are saying this is about incompetence might be people who project a disorder of themselves onto their subjects. There's a disorder where people project their own incompetences onto others it's called : Narcissism. And the special trait about narcissism is funny as hell in this context : Narcissists CAN NOT learn from their bad behavior !! The only person who ever told me i probably have Dunning Kruger..; was a narcistic person... to top it off. That's when i started getting mixed thoughts about this 'phenomenon' and the researchers who came up with it. The only people who would maintain the idea that they are making positive progress while they are not aren't Dunning Kruger people.. but narcs.. You can see/ hear it when watching a politician like Trump talk...LOL
@@theralhaljordan7337 Better than Drumming Kruger....
@@alainvosselman9960 I've encountered those types in orchestras. They drive everyone to distraction, literally, and they want to be orchestra leaders. It really is awful.
As a creator of backing tracks(It's not like this makes my opinion any more valid than other musicians on here) I do have to agree with most of the content of this video.
The title on the other hand... not so much(But it did catch my attention so props for that Jens!).
Practicing with backing tracks can be extremely helpful, just like playing with a band is. But we don't play with a band every time we pick up our instruments, as such, don't forget to turn off the backing tracks once in a while(or more) and just get into the zone with that click!
In short, backing tracks won't ruin your timing, but they won't help you perfect it.
That is very true! I know I am trying to provoke people with the titel, but I also think that this is a discussion that is not happening and there are a lot of internet videos with horrible timing from people who don't know better :)
I was going to suggest that the title should be changed to "Practice ONLY with Backing Tracks will ruin your Rhythm and Timing!".
I’m not able to play with a band at the moment, so sometimes I’m likely to use a backing track to check how my llaying merges with other sounds. However, as musicians we need a solo practice with no other sounds to really dig in how we play. Right now I’m in trouble with the tempo and sense of rhythm, so the best way to improve (IMO) is to practice in solo then to check how much I improved with a backing track. So, both are useful. Cheers!
excactly
how can i contact you?
Sadly, I completely agree. There is no false information here.
It's so fun to 'think' I am in the beat, but repeated recordings show that I am consistently a bit behind the beat when I'm on the backing track.
Great advice, and thanks
Thank you Paul! I am glad you found it useful! 👍
OK I get your point Jens...however the convenience and benefits in so many other ways regarding playing over backing tracks far outweigh this drawback. And for me personally I have good timing. I have beginner improv skills over changes. That's where I need to focus.
+Mike Baratta Guitar & Music It is always up to you how you practice.
If you want to make sure you can hear the changes in your head when soloing and also clearly hear how you improvisation conveys those changes then don't forget not to use a backing track once in a while ☺️
You have to make sure it does not become a crutch.
"however the convenience and benefits in so many other ways regarding playing over backing tracks far outweigh this drawback."
No, that's wrong. The play-along setting is too easy, the improviser gets too much assistance from the backing. Also, when they listen back to critique their playing, they take the backing track playing also into the consideration, because it's there, it's hard not to do that. For beginners to intermediate players, it's more instructive to work on buidling a solid subdivision in tandem with a metronome.
Please comment and share if you have a great metronome exercise idea! I am sure most of us would benefit from that! 👍
I practice with a 2 5 1 in my head and shoot thru it without the chords but hitting the target notes that imply the chord,
Solid approach! It's going to pay off for sure!
A difficult one I've been working on lately... Set the metronome at 25 bpm, and every click will be considered beat 1 of a 100bpm tempo. Start to tap 4 beats per click with your foot. Then I pick a scale and play half notes, half note triplets, quarter notes, quarter note triplets, eighth notes, eight note triplets, and finally 16ths... Trying to go in that order without stopping/pausing between subdivisions. Very tough exercise but it helps with various things including feeling the beat, and switching in and out of triplet subdivisions.
Indeed Zo Shah. We called that the Pyramid when I studied. It's a great exercise!
Most of my vids I guess. / Listen to 10 BpM at night and fall asleep with headphones on. ( probably w/ audacity )
Jump-rope workout will improve your timing and stamina at the same time
Do you Practice with a metronome? Can you do the exercises at 5:01 and 6:48 ?
I made a video about this about a month ago, although it was more about the fact that most backing tracks are boring and have nothing to listen to or interact with. Some people did NOT like that I was attacking their backing tracks though. You're the only other person I've seen on youtube talk about this Jens. It needs to be brought in to the light!!!!!
Thank you! Yes, it is a topic that needs at least some attention. I have had some really positive response from people who teach a bit higher level on this video 🙂
After years of practicing, playing countless gigs and working out songs and solos by ear, playing over practice tracks has helped me immensely. My playing has improved noticably by playing over tracks with solid chord changes, and just working on playing melodies over those chords has helped improved my playing significantly. I think if you've put in the time with all the other areas of practice, then backing tracks are essential. I recall when all we had were those Jamie Abersold/music minus one albums and CDs. It's great to have an abundance of backing tracks, and in so many different styles. The only caveat is look out for poor quality tracks.
Practicing along backing tracks will never ruin your musical flexibility. Infact, with proper assessment and the right approach, backing tracks are a great assets especially to improve one's melodic approach . Buckethead is one supreme example to disapprove this theory . He only plays with his own backing tracks and makes legendary songs .
I totally agree. In my opinion he's thinking everyone is a dedicated classical guitarist in training....maybe at a prestigious music school. I just want to sound good and have fun! I certainly don't mind having a crutch or getting some help from a good backing track!
*His own* backing track. Where does he get it? Your own example ruins your statement
@@mishame156 ur grammatically wrong sentence ruins your existence.
@@mboyer68 no he's speaking to jazz guitarists. Very specifically to jazz guitarists. And he says so repeatedly.
@@nickallbritton3796 Ahh, thank you:)
I practised with a metronome only for a short while. The drummer in the band I joined didn't play like the metronome... tempo changes, slowing down, speeding up, coming out of a fill a micro beat too early or late, parting company with his drum stool after a long gig [cramp]... I do sometimes use the metronome as a sort of click track when singing unaccompanied! Backing tracks are good, bad or ugly in musicality... they do have a good place in learning and practising. Enjoyed your thought provoking video.
Great tip about perceiving the "Click" as 2nd triplet and so on. It's bound to push one's rhythmic confidence to new heights. While this video deals a lot with the subdivisions, developing a strong "Pulse" is also something that can be worked on. Often I've seen beginners/intermediates depend quite a bit on a metronome or backing track to play tightly.
There's a little game I like to play. Take any tune, tap the beat with a finger. While the music still plays, mute it. Keep the beat with your finger, through ONE WHOLE BAR of silence. Then turn up the music on beat "1"(..2,3,4). Pay attention to how tight and precise your finger taps are, correct them if needed. Once you feel comfortable with one bar of silence, increase the the number of bars.
Challenge Mode 1:
Miles Davis' "So What" (album "Kind of Blue" 59') has a trumpet solo. This solo is introduced with a cymbal hit from the drummer. How many bars of silence can you manage before that cymbal hits?
Challenge Mode 2:
With a musicians friend, take turns. The player WAITS (no tapping) through the silence, and "CLAP!" on beat 1 when the music enters again. If it is tooooo easy, let the other person try his/her utmost to clap/sing with the purpose of throwing the other person off the beat. When one bar becomes trivial, increase the silenced bars. Keep scores! ;)
It's a simple concept, really. We can't develop a strong individual musical pulse, _with_ a reference beat/click, as we just create dependency. We can't develop it _without_ a reference beat, as it is impossible to evaluate our progress. But the two options in contrast, creates a self-checking solution. I'm sure you can make up more exercises/games.
Enjoying your content...
Hygge dér! =D
Thanks! All good exercises. I do really believe that training subdivision is a stronger concept than pulse, but that is just my experience of course.
Glad i found this video before i started practicing with B-Tracks now i only use Metronome or by tapping my feet
You're very welcome Ryo! Good luck with it! 🙂
This is insightful, detailed and well organized for me, as a beginner-intermediate musician. Neither too easy, nor too hard, but with room to grow.
You're very welcome Yves! I am glad you like it! 🙂
i think i watch this video about a year ago, and didnt pay too much attention (cause im still struggle on basics)
but now im more mature and want to have better groove/precision, this is what I need. thanks! (and thanks for coming Taiwan)
Takeaways
- if you play with too much information, and rely too much, you are not responsible on what you play neither trained to be precise.
- 07:15 dotted metonome is insane!! 11:52 omg
Great lesson. I've always been a little leery about all the polished backing tracks available and your explanations were enlightening.
Completely agree that the old fashioned metronome is still the best. Long ago in my youth, if I was working on or creating something specialized I would make my own backing tracks using an old fashioned cassette tape recorder. Even these I think were more conducive to learning than all the modern backing tracks.
Thanks for this!
You're very welcome Ian! I am glad you like it! 🙂
Hello Jens,
Greetings from Madrid.
I am so grateful with you. Your channel is quite interesting and very useful.
Thanks a lot!!!
Happy to hear that Tomas! I am glad you enjoy the videos! 👍
You remind me of a lecture Al DeMeola gave on timing . I do see your points . But I still think backing tracks definitely has a place in practicing . It has improved my lead playing tremendously . I also play 2 hours everyday at a minimum .
Of course! I am only talking about this in the context of working on your time. In a lot of topics you can actually argue that you should strive not to use backing tracks and rely on your inner ear and time.
But for the rest it is also good to just have fun jamming over a track. 🙂
I know exactly the lesson you are talking about. He even said you need to learn to tap your foot to the tempo and not whatever you are doing on the the neck.
We live in a day of shredders where a barrage of notes sans definition and rhythm is seen as virtuous.
just watched this after the recommendation from your email, great video---thank you jens!
Awesome! Thank you!
Very helpful however, I'm more concerned with you hanging a guitar over a radiator!
That's only a problem if the radiator is actually on right? 🙂
It's funny how so many people in the comments are totally missing your point in the video. Great lesson, I've been working hard at improving my rhythm and feel so this lesson was really helpful.
Thank you Orlando! It is funny, but I also get that the title is provocative. I think the backing track vs learning curve thing should be talked more about and at least it makes some people think 😁
Jens,
Not everyone agrees with the clicks fall on beats 2 and 4 approach.
As Guitarist James Chirillo (1st guitar chair - Jazz at Lincoln Center) explains The Role of the Rhythm Guitar in a Big Band
ruclips.net/video/G3Yrd1ipjBM/видео.html
Also -
Jazz Guitarist Mark Stefani (noted Performer, Educator and Writer - Columns in Just Jazz Guitar Magazine) -
Using a Metronome -
www.visionmusic.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=223&highlight=remler
"...
Lenny,
If you must use a metronome, which I don't recommend, have it click on 1 and 3 or just 1 if the tempo is really fast.
The idea is always to react to those beats (aka "call & response"),
and the idea of practicing with it clicking on 2 and 4 is one of the biggest myths in music education.
- Mark
"...
"...
From Larry_DC
Mark, Can you elaborate on that? Before there were jam tracks I used a metronome religiously while developing speed and timing skills.
A couple of issues ago in Just Jazz Guitar the "beats 2 and 4" method was suggested.
Larry,
No problem. This is something that Henry (Johnson) and I have discussed at length.
Despite what you and others may have read or heard in some supposedly "credible" guitar circles, the premise when improvising is to react to the strong beats (1 & 3),
not the backbeats (2 & 4).
Since you're just getting into the bass, listen to any good jazz bass solo to hear how they answer those strong beats in their phrasing.
''Same goes for good horn and keyboard improvisers.
Frankly, I don't know where this myth ever got started that you should use a metronome or tap your foot on 2 & 4, because doing so just gets in the way of your phrasing.
Of course, if you ever watch an accomplished jazz guitarist tap their foot while playing, you'll note that it's often in cut-time on 1 & 3, or at very fast tempos simply on the first beat.
There are exceptions.
Emily Remler made a big deal out of 2 & 4 (metronome) in an early educational video, but later changed her philosophy after soliciting advice from players like HJ and others
And with all due respect to Pat Metheny, there's a video where he puts a metronome down on the stage and then proceeds to play several choruses of a capella swing blues with it ticking on 2 & 4. Now, his adoring fans in the audience may roar in approval, but to my ear it sounds like a total mess from a phrasing standpoint.
Conclusion? Whatever works, I suppose. However, this is something that I've given a lot of thought to, and like anything else I learn most by observing my mentors. It's all kind of a moot point, because I fully agree with Brian (Gorecki) that using a metronome is no fun and that ensemble backup is the way to go.
All for now... ,
- Mark
..."
Well, I think you are misunderstanding what I am saying.
I don't really care how you feel or react the beat. However it is a fact that you have to be able to improvise with a metronome on any beat, which is also why I say that if you put it on the heavy beats all the time it is too easy. 2 & 4, 2nd triplet or dotted quarter notes are only there to get your feeling of the beat stronger. I am not taking any part of any semi-religious jazz discussion on that, in my book you need to do all of them anyway so it is a truly pointless discussion..
As for backing track vs metronome being boring: That is really up to your own imagination. It's not the metronome that is boring it is what you can't hear inside that's missing, and if you start playing reharmonizations then backing tracks quickly become a limitation rather than a support.
Another thing that I suspect you are missing is that I don't say never to use backing tracks, I am just saying that there are extremely important things you don't train if you do. Timing is only one of them.
The point simply is to be as relaxed and natural as we can. Feeling the beat - tapping the foot - on beat one and three is very natural - accenting - "clapping" on beat two and four is natural. Tapping the foot on beat two and four is not. Clapping - or "accenting" on the two and four is feeling syncopation - which the core essence of jazz time - but feeling the beat on one and three is being "grounded."
Barry Harris: Eyes of the Masters Series 1 | The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music -
** Fast forward to time 3:00 **
ruclips.net/video/jeWO0vYTmsI/видео.html
Hal Galper Master Class - Rhythm and Syncopation - Syncopation - the true innovation of Jazz Music
ruclips.net/video/a2XnB5G6oSc/видео.html
Mark, If you think that is related to my video, then you didn't understand the video.
OMG! Way over my comprehension.
Congrats on having that level of mastery!
I've been gigging with backing tracks for many years. He's right, I do tend to lean on the backing track a lot. Lazy I guess, sloppy too. Recently I've been having a go with a great singer at some Open Mic gigs. I now find my timing sucks and is quite evident that playing so long with backing tracks is the cause, because my timing was never a problem in my early years before I discovered backing tracks.
I'll take the advice and practice with a metronome in future.
Thank you John! Sometimes we need to use backing tracks like that for gigs.
And you should consider giving yourself the credit that your timing did not get worse, you just got better so now you notice? I find that we all grow like that as well! 🙂
Guthrie Govan practiced with almost exclusively backing tracks he says in an interview he did with Andertons. Backing tracks can definitely help you
You should do what you think works for you 🙂
Using backing tracks is a lot of fun, and can also give you something playing in isolation can’t. Confidence. Yes, it’s easier to sound good when there is a brilliant group of musicians on a backing track to accompany you, but that can do wonders for for your confidence and encourage you to be more expressive and experimental. If you want to learn what you are really sounding like, then record what you play against the BT and see what that sounds like against a click track only. You’ll need to line up the technology properly to do that.
Apparently you need more confidence to actually post a video of how exactly expressive and experimental your playing has become using backing tracks. You must agree that it is ironic given your comment :)
@@JensLarsen what a terrible comment Jens
I agree with @MrSaiD1991 ,
That sounded very manipulative. I think you should apologize
Excelent video! You are absolutely right! I play guitar for 35 years, the last 20 teaching it. I always say to my students that, for timing and precision, nothing compares with the old metronome. I tell them to use backtracking just to have fun with it, but to a serious aproach, go to metronome.
Thank you Douglas! That is indeed it in a nutshell!
Metronomes are also good for tracking progress with a lick, song, etc. Start slowly and build up to the songs' tempo.
I totally agree. I've always thought that about backing tracks or even playing along with a song with the music full blast. I noticed a lot of guitarist hide behind those sort of things instead of playing it raw.
True, Actually I think it's more about not being aware of the problem than really trying to hide behind a full backing track. It's more like lazyness turning into a problem.
Jens Larsen meee as fuck hahaha
When I try to practice playing the chords of a song as a backing guitar, I use the metronome in like 60 bpm and let the beat play on 2 and 4. When I try to improvise over a song, I like to use the backing track because I like to feel the swing that the rest of the instruments achieve. Simple as that...
That's fine. Eventually you want to be able to feel swing without a backing track 🙂
Jens Larsen truuuu
@@JensLarsen One of the things I like about DrumGenius is that different drum loops project swing in very different ways - from Max Roach to Philly Joe Jones to Jimmy Cobb to Jack Dejohnette. I hear my practice shift with each loop.
BTW - I'm a pianist much more than a guitarist - and I'm loving your approach to explaining concepts. I hope to return to the Netherlands in the not too distant future - hope to catch you in the Hague.
@@larrylewicki4053 Thanks Larry! That could be fun, I am probably in the Hague if I don't need to be in Denmark :)
All my fellow peers practice with backing tracks and I always tell them it's better to practice with a metronome and to ensure timing and to ensure that you memorize the changes! Great video again
Thank you Eduardo! I guess it is good just to start with your self and maybe you can lead by example?
Before I watched the entire video - I was ready to argue the point about the use of backing tracks. But in listening to the entire video (and remembering my first jazz instructors suggestions of working on the 2 & 4) I can begin to recognize some shortcomings of my playing. While I do really like working with iRealB, as an example, I always notice how great I sound in the basement but when I'm out playing with the band - it's a bit more challenging. So while I will continue to work with backing tracks, I think there's a lot to be said for simply playing over a beat and listening for the lines and harmony that one creates. One the flip side, one can use a backing track and pull out the piano track and simply have a bass and drums - which is a bit of a compromise to the discussion in the comments. Over a backing track (including the chordal instrument), one can miss the mark and still sound good. In respectful reply to some of the other comments so far - yes playing with real people is ideal but it can be difficult to do. Some players are either too shy or don't have enough competency to hang with more capable musicians and I'm not convinced that many/most musicians are altruistic enough to spend their time while someone is still in the learning stage (versus the performing stage). Next is that I think playing on 2 & 4 is a more intermediate or advanced technique......likely one that isn't as suitable for beginners. Practice does need to be satisfying (and I use the term satisfying over enjoyable......practice and moving beyond your comfort zone requires some degree of work) which implies a degree of enjoyment, struggle and ultimately overcoming skill and knowledge barriers. Many times, while practicing, I'm noodling and having a good time versus working on areas that I struggle with on stage. Ultimately, my true goal is to become a better player. I feel that working on the 2&4, as suggested is a way to help improve that process. Thanks Jens, for this reminder.
Thanks Max!
I am certainly not aiming at beginners with this. Beginners don't work on their timing at this level.
Also: notice that I am really going at why backing tracks don't help you with the timing and precision in this video. The harmony thing I do mention, but that is (in my opinion) not as important.
So I don't say never use backing tracks, I just say that if you are working on your time then think about it!
A metronome is still a backing track!! I'm only half serious, but I got something even better for developing rhythm (in my opinion): a foot cymbal. With practice your foot becomes (almost robotically) an adjustable metronome, and then you challenge yourself to play chords, solos, melodies, exercises.....and you yourself are 100% responsible for the rhythm. It's been internalized. For me, this has improved my rhythm (far) more than anything else. Great video, by the way.
Thanks man! You do have a point of course! I also spend some time working on playing a rhythm or singing something while I solo to practice having two layers going at the same time and that does work really well for your timing! A bit similar to playing salsa stuff and having the clave in your foot.
Well-timed lesson! I needed this.
You're very welcome!
Pun intended?
Please forgive me for my reply. Yes, sadly it was intended!
I agree with you about backing tracks regarding beginners, but for advanced players, Backing tracks are So valuable. I use backing tracks and love them. I love taking the tempo up to 1.75. on the slower tracks. I have been playing for 43 yrs, and I've NEVER used a metronome to practice. I don't recommend this for everyone, but I could always feel rhythms and tempos when I started? And I have never counted things in my head, when playing live or recording, or practiced? I always heard or felt it in my head, or instinctively.
Well, you can just check it out with some of the exercises in the video. If you play with complete backing tracks all the time then you probably don't know if your timing is really precise or independent
Great video! There are so many comfort zones in practicing guitar that you can spend years in without actually improving. It's difficult to break out of them yourself so I always appreciate insight which pinpoints exactly what is the limiting factor in a given exercise method and at the same time points towards a way of compensating that deficiency through other exercises.
As a side note: you talk about soloing, comping and beboping through various rythms. What exactly do you mean by comping and playing bebop?
Thank you! In this context Comping is playing chords in a jazz style, and bebop is (probably, I don't remember where I said that) improvising in a bebop style which is a form of jazz 🙂
Does that help?
Oh I see. Thanks!
No worries! If you want a link to some bebop lessons or examples just let me know ☺️
Great vid but what worked for me was playing along with jazz greats.Difficult at first( my ears aren't the greatest) but you eventually subconsciously pick up their time ,phrasing and ideas.When u can get their solo under your fingers 75%,then and only then try it on a play along.Changed my playing completely.
That's great! If it works then it works! 🙂👍
It’s totally accurate, I could clearly hear my mistakes while playing with the metronome, mistakes which I wasn’t aware of while playing with drums/backings.
On the other hand, I could hear those mistakes after recording myself with the backing track.
I kind of knew about it but it was pretty interesting to trying it out and compare.
Great video!
Thanks! Glad you found it useful! 🙂
This a so fundamental... but so important , thanks Jens
Thank you Ian! 🙂 Glad you appreciate it!
I hope the dotted quarter note exercise will help me, the first tries now surprised me because I thought I couldn't do it, but it worked (I played notes only on 1 and 3 for the most part)
thank you!
I think you should get a lot from it, it was really useful for me at least! It is indeed very tricky in the beginning 🙂
Let me know how you get on!
I have been playing guitar for over five years and unfortunately ,I haven't used much of the metronome. I'm just starting to finally explore jazz (I've been more into elements of blues, folk, reggae, country and classic rock)and the related book about learning jazz guitar that I've begun reading advises me to use the metronome a lot.It's good to see these viewpoints from you, considering that I will have to do backing tracks(something I also have very little experience using in general) when learning jazz .
Don't worry about it! It's about how you move on from here not what you have already done 🙂
wow!! Great lesson Jens. An eye opener and definitely useful for all musicians and guitarists. Thank you
Thank you! I am glad you found it useful! 👍
Well, there's a lot to say about that clip. Maybe I split it up into several comments. First of all ... Thanks, dear Jens. This is a very inspiring clip again. It makes me run to my guitar and figure it out. I consider this as a good sign 😀
What does the blue fuzzy tie do? Thanks.
It's hairband that I use as a mute for open strings, but it does not really do anything when it is behind the nut- I sometimes use it while recording or practicing legato.
Jens reply sums it well & I use mine along with a couple of other decorations for that split second where luck gets me over a hurdle in live music... regardless of what goes awry we move forward as though it was rehearsed - even when not used to mute it is a friend that I have had for years... although I am sure some pros will think this mojo is nonsense lol - great question ♫
Another great topic... I am using backing tracks to support our duo... he covers the keyboards with Yamaha Arranger drums & I am pre-recording my bass & rhythm so we can concentrate on vocals & lead/key breaks live - but when we have our drummer we can make moderate timing adjustments for effect that are limited with backing tracks -
I think you do what ever you need to do for gigs, this is more about studying :)
Actually just hearing your note choices without the backing track makes you really listen to if you are playing is coherent. In my opinion outlining the changes is much more apparent without the backing track.
Thanks buddy!! I'm going fine practicing with metronome and keep up with the original song to get better timing and rhythm.
You got this!
Very ironic, but I went from a metronome to backing tracks and my rhythm and timing actually improved.
Well if that change helped you then that's great! At one point I am sure you will experience the same jump going back 🙂
I thought so too until I actually measured it :-). I found it useful to record myself in a DAW playing a piece without a backing track and metronome where in each bar I play an accented, (and short) single note on the same relative position and then `shift' the bars after recording. You can then measure the difference in the notes. I do this with a 12-bar blues and for each bar where one is not in-time I recommend 1 hour of metronome timing training and 100 push-ups to be completed by the end of the week.
Totally get what ur saying!! But I've been drummer for 19 years played in bands! Played guitar my uncle shown me when I was a kid,last 6 years I've been back and fore to it but past 2 years I've been playing constantly I improved better when playing to backing tracks it really improved my playing only time I use metranome is when I do my scales learning solos from likes of kiss ACDC I'm not the best but I try hard,and want to improve my playing I'll start to take ur information on board thanks
I agree with with to a certain point about the title. I will be the devil's advocate. Scott Henderson said: "I don't recommend metronomes - they're annoying and don't represent the real world - drum machines are much better. I've practiced with sequencers for so many years that now my time is pretty good." By the way, great lesson!
+Rodolfo Amaral If your timing is as good as Scotts then feel free not to use one if you want to improve your timing then maybe you might want to think about it...
Great Video! This same skill can be developed by simply practicing your licks and phrasing to the snare drum of a drum loop. When you listen to most songs, all your melodic instruments follow the backbeat and your rhythm instruments follow the downbeat(kick). Your lead vocals ,guitar solos and overdub/ harmony parts typically follow the snare drum. By picking any drum beat and listening to the snare only and phrasing your licks and ideas around that allows you time to think about what rhythmic choices you have without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. This practice will instantly help to improve your rhythm/ phrasing on guitar .2 cents
I get what you mean and I mostly agree, but not all music is played with a back beat or is in 4/4 though 🙂
As a bassist, the greatest weakness of too many guitarists I've worked with is timing and rhythm.
This is a great video to help fix this.
Thank you very much :) People in bands know what I am talking about!
I think any time something is out there that makes you want to pick up a guitar is a good thing, thanks for the video!
It is all about what you want to do and where you set the bar 🙂
try playing some crazy progressive rock like genesis with weird rhythms with your drummer, thats a good way to improvise between the beats and will give you good timing
+Amaredeus I LV JC What do you think modern jazz is like? ☺️
That depends, I really like Julian Lage (his session "live in los angeles" is sublime). And Scofield of course, the music is very emotional and when its precise it comes to you. Sometimes jazz songs have to go through a steep "weird" or a almost dissonant patch to give the ending of the song the right timing for a great finish. Very deep music.
You can extend the idea of putting the click of a metronome off the beat to other subdivisions of the beat. You can start with all the accents then remove them as you internalize the subdivision till you're left with the last one before the beat. Some examples: 16th notes you can use the 1st and 4th notes. 16th note quintuplets you can use the 1st, 3rd, and 5th,.16th note setuplets you can use the 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th. I find that when you can lock with just the first and last accent for these higher divisions the rest of the notes of the subdivision are really even.
Yes, you can do a lot of different variations on the metronome exercises and they will all be a good workout! 🙂👍
But practicing only with a metronome can also ruin a lot and here is why: I'm a bass player for ten years (before I played guitar for 6 years) I started playing with my fathers band, in which everybody was very expierienced (playing for 30+ years). 'The drummer (he had studied drumming and was a drum teacher)had excellent timing and I always listened to him when I was playing. So from the very beginning I was confronted with a band situation and I learned a lot from them. Now I'm playing in 4 different bands with 4 different drummers. So now to my point (Sry for the long introduction but I think thats importent for my point of view to this topic): I once had a 2 months break of playing with bands. In this time I was only practicing with a metronome and my, I refer to it as mechanical time, got really good. But when I started playing in bands again, I suddenly had problems playing with the band, because I was so focused on my time, that I forgot to listen to the other players and It was now much harder for me to cope with minor tempo changes. It took some time again to get In my groove and natural time again. So I think that exercising with a metronome is good to get some foundation, but playing with a band is a whole other expierience because you are dealing with humans, whith are not always perfect in time and thats what makes music feel alive. I told that to the drummer of my fathers band, and he agreed with me. He also said that he doesn't wanna play with his colleagues from university, because they are so focused on playing perfect, that it just sounds like elevator music. (Sry for the long story :-))
I don't suggest only working with a metronome. I suggest working on it if you are working on precision in timing. I am certainly also not suggesting it is supposed to replace actually playing music. It all belongs in there in my opinion, I just want to point out to all the people who only use backing tracks (and that is quite a lot) that they can learn more by trying to work on their timing.
Thanks for the answer. Yeah I agree with you. I always forget that there are people who are just playing over backing tracks. For me backing tracks are more a tool to fool around and try weird scales, which I wouldn' t do jamming with the band :D
No worries :) Thanks for checking out the video! 🙂
The most important thing about guitar playing is to move your whole arm in a steady, robotic up and down motion. Even better to use your whole upper body and really lean into the rhythm. You can accent the offbeats while wiggling the head with a right/left motion
Maybe you should start making tutorials? 🙂
It's worth noting that a snare drum is usually on the 2 and 4. Playing with a metronome on 2 and 4 not only helps you more than every quarter note because it requires more attention, but it gives you the right simulation on what to listen for when in an actual band. The snare cuts through the mix better than anything else because of its unique sound. Use it too your advantage!
+Cole Rees Yes! Except that the snare is not on 2 & 4 in Jazz and many other style of music ☺️
Jens Larsen Yes, very true. Jazz is one of the hardest styles of music and I know nothing about it. Lots of rock, blues, pop, country, and rap all use the 2 and 4 snare as a great time indicator, as well as a foundation for listeners to keep them on track. What do jazz musicians use to keep such a steady rhythm, since they don't have a constant snare (and usually varying tempos)? Their guitar pieces have such great flow that it's almost like they ignore a tempo and just feel the beat.
I was just teasing you. I think more styles have less clear grooves like jazz. In jazz we rely on being together and feeling time inside and then interaction to make sure that we are together.
Excellent lesson!!
Glad you liked it!
The metronome is a tried and true tool for practice. Great for practicing scales and patterns Use the backing tracks for fun and try all those scales and patterns that you practiced with a metronome they will flow even easier. solid info on this video,
Thank you Jim! 🙂
Tried and true because backing tracks are a recent thing.
why not simply setting metronome to 8th or 16th? works for me in training difficult stuff.
If you check out the first part of the video where I talk about learning to feel sub-division internally then you have the reason why 🙂
Are you feeling it now mr krabs?
Maybe?
Sorry, I don't know what you mean...?
Jens Larsen its a meme. Have you ever watched sponge bob squarepants cartoon? You kept saying you have to “feel it” which reminds me of when the cartoon asks the other cartoon if he’s “feeling it”
Ah ok. Sorry, I am to old for sponge bob and my kids are too you, so I didn't get the reference
Thanks for trying! I'll try to do better next time! 😄
Jens Larsen no worries, was just making a joke. It’s kind of obscure to the world of music, it would be bonus for me if you got the joke
One of the best videos I've come across on RUclips. Superb content and explanation.
Studying konnakol is a INVALUABLE tool as well, it truly opened up my playing in a whole new universe of sorts as well as developing beatboxing skills and using them to tweak my melody phrasing ideas etc.
+adam frost Thank you very much! Konnakol can indeed be a great help in internalizing rhythms ☺️
Metronome = the Humilitron
Exactly! 🙂
I’m going to use that! Perfect name!
Great class, I´ve been playing pop and rock for a number of years but never got into theory until recently. This is a great piece of music class. You´re an amazing teacher. Thank you so much.
+Leo Méndez México You are very welcome Leo! I am glad you like the video! ☺️
Hello. I read that drummers (when practicing) like to play so perfectly in the center of the beat that metronome click disappears (they call it buryng the click). Any thoughts about that?
You can do that too, but you have to have a soft metronome or a loud guitar 🙂
Play 8th notes on metronome
This tip really improved my playing and understanding a big part after only a month!!
Great! go for it!
@@JensLarsen Thank you very much for teaching. You are a great instructor!
Great video! Definitely made me think...but in a good way! What are your thoughts on practicing with headphones vs out loud through an amp/speaker/not headphones? Any hindrances or advantages that you've found as a player/teacher?
Thanks Russ! That's great, in fact that is what I hope it does: make you think.
There are differences between headphones/acoustic/through an amp, but I think you are 99% ok with using headphones. For me personally practicing without an amp too much was a problem at one point, because I started playing too hard.
Headphones are great for practicing because you get a much clearer and direct feedback, at least if your Amp and headphones are GOOD. It also cancels out any distractions from your eniveroment. And last but not least, you can play arround with your Amp settings without distracting others. So I see almost no disadvantage in using headphones to practice. But you should play without them forom time to time to get a feeling for how your sound is on the big speaker and how your settings may have to differ from the ones you are familar when you use headphones
An interesting topic. I was initially skeptical when I stumbled on your video but you do make a good argument. The only point that I would make for backing tracks regarding rhythm provided you don't 'lean on the backing track' is that it helps train to an external beat. This of course can be done with a metronome and I think greater emphasis should be placed on using a metronome. Practicing with one isn't as onerous as some think.
If someone thinks they have a good inner pulse, they should test it by practicing with a metronome. They may be surprised. I have heard musicians say that is sounds like the metronome is speeding up and slowing down which is quite telling.
Rhythm aside, I do think backing tracks have their place. They can be fun to practice with and for listening for chord changes, plus if you stumble, you can't cheat. The music goes on just like playing with a group.
Hate to admit it but he's right. Playing with backing tracks is so damn easy and so much fun!!!
Thank you! I am glad you get the point. If you want to play for fun then there is of course nothing wrong with backing tracks 🙂
Great video!!!
(Btw, is it a Yamaha Sgb hanging on the wall? How do you like it for playing jazz?)
Thank you Erik! That is indeed a Yamaha SG1000. I don't really use it for jazz to be honest, I bought it as a cheap Les Paul alternative for rock stuff. It is a great guitar! 🙂
Just Not! True ! But I do understand what your trying to say ..playing with a drum machine for about 10 years gave me great! meter education.
Totally agree!
Great video man! 👍
+Daniel Arnold Thank you Daniel! ☺️
I disagreed when I read the title of the video... then I agreed after watching the video.
+Mud Wiser Thank you! I think I would too!
Great videos! Keep it up!
Thank you Lucas! 🙂 I am glad you like the videos!
Very true for any genre, at least in my experience.
Too many backing tracks (90% of them on RUclips are by the same two guys - we all know who) are over produced with to much going on. Playing along with them is like sitting in with a band who don't really need you there at all.
Backing tracks are also so impersonal, lacking any feedback or spontaneity.
I get more effective practice with a drum loop only or a looper pedal with simple chords laid out.
Using backing is not a bad thing all the time though, it's just not the best way to practice effectively.
Great lesson Prof, I being practicing with backing tracks and switch to metronome, now I am understand why my friends told me I was never be able to play with others.
Thanks, Robert! Glad you find it useful! Go for it!
oh so we're going to get exciting/funny thumbnails from now on? ; )
Maybe! They are kinda fun to make! 🙂
Haha, same thought!
Most backing tracks I play to are bands like black sabbath ozzy golden earring and so on and so forth. Minus the guitar. I think it helps. Jam tracks I mess with every now and then and have fun with it. I had a music teacher tell me once on discussing music theory. He said musicians are very egotistical they like to think they understand things that others cant when in reality music theory isn't that hard. In one half hour he explained and showed me how the majors scales and modes worked and my mind was blown. Me thinks sometimes people thinks to much
the only backin' track i use to play along is within my brain....nowadays every young boy learnin' to play guitar is gonna be told they need a digital tunner and a metronome....what a mistake......what a great mistake, you have to build your own metronome and your own chord progression in mind...and train your ear for tunnin' your instrument...most of the young guitarists of today won't keep their guitar propperly tunned if they miss their tunnin' "machine"...sad...
Tune a floyd rose by ear and see how that works out lol
@@seantan9392 i'm mostly a Telecaster player...and i wouldn't know how to use a floyd rose....i'm an old fashioned one, mate....get a Tele and you will never worry about tunnin'
That's true! More of a strat man myself but tele's sound great!
@@seantan9392 I started with Strat in my back days but I changed to Tele....got three Tele's and one Strat...I also have a couple of gretsch's.....Tele and Strat are not guitars to be put in a war competition....i love them both, wouldn't say one is better than the other....but Telecaster is my sanctuary....neverthless i couldn't live without my Strat...
A metronome on the 2 and 4 is the absolute best!
+Martin Heath It certainly is! 😁
Anything to the extreme is not healthy. The title of this video makes it sound as if playing along with backing tracks will destroy rhythm and timing. C'mon, Jens. If one is gearing up for a live performance and wants to woodshed a solo along with some chords, backing tracks are a great vehicle. Don't try to tell everyone it will ruin them. Yes if that's ALL someone does, not healthy.
Don't be so extreme.
C'mon, you know that most people are only using backing tracks and need a wake up call. If not, have a look at some videos on instagram or facebook.
Who would want to post an instagram of themselves playing long tones? Or triads? No sir, you are way off base with your title -- if you said "backing tracks are good for simulation of playing out with a band for improvisation, but not a substitute for disciplined tone and technique methods" I would agree. And the other point is this -- not everyone wants to be Chris Potter. Some people are happy playing along with lousy tone to Whipping Post for 30 minutes. Good for them.
You play music with a metronome not only exercises! Be a bit creative please sir...
And why is it not allowed to provoke people to think about what is likely holding them back from improving their timing? Do I need a disclaimer saying "Warning! This video may cause you to think if you have mediocre musical skills!" 😄
If I had given it your title suggestion you would not have watched it and go away thinking about it. Look at how many people came to see it and liked it!
You're the one telling people what NOT to do. And when and where does it say that playing with a metronome and exercises are mutually exclusive? Most players I know practice their scales and intervals with a metronome. And they should also play without one to develop the metronome in their head,. And last I checked, most backing tracks are digital and thus have built in metronome function. Drop it dude, you're one of those guys that digs a deep hole until you can't dig any more, and instead of stopping, you go get a bigger shovel.
You didn't watch the video 😄 I am not telling them not to use backing tracks....
I would not go as far as to say backing tracks are 'bad' for timing. But I see that practicing with a metronome is very useful because there is no 'feel' associated with the beat of a metronome - that WE have to generate the feel against the steady beat of the metronome ourselves, while keeping in time. The metronome doesn't much influence 'feel'Conversely, most drum beats while being in steady time, DO influence feel which can be great but we can end up depending upon the drum track - to, as you say, lean on it.The hardest part of learning anything is being able to integrate what we learn with real life situations - to be fluent in a human setting - aka live music. I am all for your very wise advice re the metronome. But I also know that good feel, above all, will resonate with people. So I believe that working with a metronome to fine up timing is vital, but after that, break out the backing tracks and/or jam with decent musicians as well.
True and I actually talk about this at the end of the video. One thing though: If you are rushing then you probably won't swing either, and the metronome exercises are there to help you feel the beat. How you interpret the groove becomes much eaiser and stronger if that is already in place. I know that from experience :)
I´ve been useing backing tracks for 25 years and the real thing I´ve noticed is that I´ve improved a lot! Passed trought midi, mp3 and now I´m playing on wav PCM, 44100 hz, 16 bits per sample, even 1 channel. With them I´ve got some swinging rhythms that I never thought they exists. Now I can feel the richness of a good Chicago Blues and all the nuances about it. Sorry, friends. I´ve got my band into the amp an It´s very obedient and never ask for more money. Sorry again...
@@chopholtz4950 You wrong, gringo. I'm not looking for famous and outstanding. I'm just a creative musician, playing the reachest music of the world, with my best friends. Sorry, you'll never understand it. Nobody is perfect.😁👉👉
I know this channel is mainly aimed to music and everything related, but I've just got to say it: your miniature is hilarious. Good video, as always. Thank you.
Thank you Daniel! I am really experimenting with those at the moment 😄
Unfortunately on this one I have to disagree with Jens, I actually have made a living using backing tracks for over twelve years, do I like it? It’s OK, but I much prefer to play with real musicians, to bad the decline of the music industry thirteen years ago changed everything, and when you have responsibilities, you do what you can. As far as practice, I do agree that the click is perhaps more beneficial for practicing than tracks, but it seems to me that if you can get your practice in, it doesn’t really matter how you do it. But, here is the big but: practicing with musical tracks can divert your focus from practicing to playing, either is good, but the objective in the first place is to practice something new to be learned, not to play familiar things. I should be more disciplined about practicing with the click. But it’s all good, I love your channel and love the way you teach with enthusiasm and clarity. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
I don't think you are really disagreeing with me? I am not talking about performing at all, only about practicing and developing one aspect of your playing 🙂
Jens Larsen, indeed.
👍🏼
I don’t have an old school metronome, but I do have a modular synth with tempo syncing lfos and a sequencer. What you said in passing during the introduction; Taking responsibility for what is being played, is something that gives authority to the way that you sound. Coupled with being mindful of the actual notes you choose in relation to the specific chord voicings that are being played with. The distinction being playing WITH the chord changes, not over. Had to subscribe, I can’t wait to not suck at the guitar!
Great! Hope you find something you can use 🙂 I would just get a free metronome app for your phone 🙂
Using backing tracks will NOT ruin your timing. Unless one is a troglodyte...
+Gusrid The Guitar Player Do we just have to take your word for it or can you actually back up your statement?
Jens Larsen
To be fair Sir, you actually didn't back up your own argument other than with your opinion and subjective experience, which is anecdotal at best.. Do I just have to take your word for it? What can be asserted without evidence can also be dismissed without it. I see your point, and I understand what you're trying to say but your video title is unsubstantiated. I like generally like your content, but I hate clickbaitish video titles. Something I think you can appreciate. Have a nice day Sir!
Nice! that's more like it!
It is a bit more than my opinion. Having good time is the ability to have a strong and precise sense of subdivision and being able to translate that your playing. I think it stands to reason that playing on top of a backing track that spoon-feeds you all the subdivisions is not going to develop that aspect of your musicality. Hence the metronome exercises later in the video that train exactly that.
As for the title: I think this topic needs attention for a lot of people trying (and somewhat failing) to play guitar and this type of title reaches more people. Bad news sells and if I provoke a few lazy people only practicing with backing tracks then that's only good!
Jens Larsen
Well Mr.Larsen, I agree with everything else in the video. And I do agree that ONLY playing to backing tracks is counterproductive. What I disagreed with was the categorical statement in the title and some of the reasoning behind it. Otherwise, I think you touched on some very interesting and important points. As to the provoking, I guess you're right. If there is someone who only practises to backing tracks, they need this video. Keep up the good video Mr Larsen. I look forward to more interesting videos. And thank you for being able to be in disagreement with someone without resorting to rudeness. That's rare these days, and I appreciate it. Cheers!
Likewise! I usually try to enjoy a good discussion! 🙂
I agree that practising with the metronome is important for being locked in and synchronising muscle memory but a backing track is essential for being able to improvise over chords and tune your ear and explore outside the box. I think ass a fusion guitar player and being able to play over anything backing tracks over different genres are the way to go!
Ear training is better than backing tracks for learning to hear the harmony so that you can make music over the chords.
@@JensLarsen What do you mean precisely but this? Would a backing track of a song with essentially the lead being removed not be good for ear training or are you talking about specific types of backing tracks where maybe a chord progression is played but chord voicings and voice leading aren't really being focused on?
@@MrSF247 It is not the same as learning stuff by ear, otherwise you would be able to transcribe anything by just listening to the radio.
As a drummer I like to program the metronome so that it switches between playing for 1 bar and not playing for 1 bar. That way you are really forced to keep time.
That's indeed a good one! I use that as well! 🙂
Do you have a metronome or a metronome app for a phone? If its the app, which one do you use? If its a metronome, could you tell me its name or brand?
id like to try this, cuz i realised my rhythm and strumming or timing or both suck on guitar, especially when strum pattern is a bit more complicated and im now trying to practice with metronome
you can program a random click for example with a software instrument on logic. you can make it as challenging as you want this way. for example the click is on 1 then one bar rest then it's on two etc.
I'm always working on melody. When I discover something I like, then I drill it into my fingers. I just never got use to a metronome.
Sure! Whatever works for you is what you should be doing!
100/10 I was always kind of afraid by using the metronome other than 4/4 but this video made me very curious on trying it out. I just discover a new whole world thanks Jens!
You're very welcome Armando! I am glad you like it and can put it to use like this! 🙂
I’m upset at this title. You almost lost a subscriber, I told myself “no way Jens is lying to so many guitarists, the worst thing you can do is to nOt play to a metronome or a track”. So. I don’t blame you for trying to keep your views in this age of RUclips but damn son misleading title. Great information though!! And I suppose that’s what matters in the end
It's actually a real concern at higher level education that too many students use backing tracks and have a weak sense of time.
So as you can imagine I don't find the title that misleading, provocative yes, misleading: not really.
I totally agree. Backingtracks are nice for people who dont have a band for practice 24/7. more inspirational than without. Both playing with a metronome and metronome are important. There is even more information when playing with a band. There are a lot of nice stuff on this channel. I dont understand why Jens have started this black and white headlines. Maybe to be provocative to get more viewers. i think he looses that one.
It's a very important point he makes. But I would amend it a bit and say you should play with backing tracks and basic simple beats, so you can subdivide and superdivide because practicing with too sparce a beat can give you other kinds of problems.
Certainly you need to start somewhere :) You can ofcourse also just set the metronome on the beat 🙂
Metronome for dinner; backing track for dessert.
Expect to have a lot of angry people in the comments Jens. Especially those who only read the title!
+Not Right Music Did I make the video telling you not to eat fat food when You're favourite is french fries? ☺️
Thank you. Immensely helpful. I always felt that my timing is bad because when I started playing guitar, I didn’t use metronome. So, after years of practicing with imprecision, I always have to second guess myself. Always doubting my own timing even when it is correct.
You're very welcome! I am glad you like it and could put it to use! 🙂
I use backing tracks because I don't have any friends. And with backing tracks I can pretend I have friends and we are in a band.
+Smitty Haha! Did you ever consider that a metronome could be a real friend and nit just make believe?
I’ll be your friend Smitty -
Smitty that was funny,
I think you're absolutely right. Gotta work on that. Thanks.
Thank you Dave! I think we all have from time to time 😁