How to Follow a Metronome When Playing Saxophone

There's no better way to learn rhythm and tempo on your saxophone than with the help of a metronome. Many beginners groan at the mere mention of its name, but this device is effective whether you're practicing a simple scale or a complex melody.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Familiarize yourself with the piece of music first and add the metronome later. You need to be comfortable playing the piece on your sax before you worry about nailing the tempo.

2. Play around with the speed of the metronome until you find the setting that allows you to play the piece all the way through without any mistakes. It will undoubtedly be slower than the actual tempo of the music but that's all right. The important thing is to learn to play the piece well with a smooth rhythm.

3. Tap your foot along with the metronome to better feel the tempo. Sometimes physically feeling the tempo can help you maintain the tempo.

4. Increase the speed gradually on the metronome, only two or three notches at a time, and try the song at the new tempo.

5. Continue to speed up the metronome each time you can play the piece on your alto sax without making any mistakes. Eventually you will work your way up to the actual tempo of the music.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't get discouraged if it takes you longer than expected to play the piece you selected at the appropriate tempo. If you're struggling, slow the metronome back down as you may have moved it up too quickly.
• If you choose one of the older manual metronomes, set it on a flat surface. If it's not level, it may not keep time properly. The more modern electronic models aren't quite so sensitive and can be placed just about anywhere.