How to Play Drums With a Metronome

By eHow Arts & Entertainment Editor

Rate: (0 Ratings)

Lots of drummers call the metronome their "best friend." After all, drummers are in the business of creating good, consistent rhythms, and a metronome is a machine that provides mechanically accurate tempos. It makes perfect sense that a drummer should never be without his metronome, at least until he finds his own ability to hold good tempo throughout a song.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Step1
Set up your machine. In the old days, metronomes were pendulum-style mechanical objects. These days they're mostly digital and need power. Have batteries on hand to make sure your metronome doesn't run out of juice.
Step2
Get close to the metronome. Chances are, in the midst of play, you won't be able to hear the metronome, so you'll have to be able to see it. One way is to tape a metronome onto a tom or drum close to you. If that's not possible, try to attach it somewhere close by (a wall or table). You can also search for larger-screen metronomes that are easier to follow visually.
Step3
Choose a tempo by using keys and buttons on your digital device. It's best to start slow, so you can make sure you are able to follow along. Then, when you've gotten the drift of that steady left-right motion of the digital pendulum, you can speed up to whatever tempo you like.
Step4
Use special features to match tempo to genre. Lots of metronomes have extra settings like bossa nova, samba or tango. These can sometimes come in handy for songs that need a jazzed-up tempo.
Step5
Ask your fellow musicians, especially the bass guitar player, about tempo. Don't just follow the metronome blindly; that's not what it's for. The metronome is a tool used to find a good rhythm for your song and then re-set the machine to comply.

Post a Comment

POST A COMMENT

Request a New How-To Article

Looking for more How To information? Chances are there’s an eHow member who knows how to do what you’re looking to do. Submit an article request now!

eHow Article:  How to Play Drums With a Metronome

eHow Arts & Entertainment Editor

Related Ads