The metronome is an accessory that helps musicians to better maintain the rhythm; it emits a constant rhythmic sound useful for players or singers to respect the tempo of a piece in an appropriate way. Using it regularly during practice sessions can make it easier to master the performance of a piece and improve performance. Every musician should know how to use a metronome.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Choosing the Metronome
Step 1. Learn about the different types of metronome
There are pocket digital ones, manual mechanical ones, smartphone applications or you can also give up all these and opt for a drum machine; depending on your needs, some models may be more effective than others.
In general, the mechanical ones tend to have more basic characteristics and are really good for many classical instruments in an orchestra. The digital ones offer many features especially suited to modern musicians
Step 2. Determine what other features you need
Consider the instrument you play. There is a wide variety of metronomes on the market and for good reason. Depending on the musical instrument and your personal preferences, you can find only a few that are suitable for you; for example, if you are a drummer, you need a product with a headphone jack, an output cable, or the ability to control the volume.
- If you have a stringed instrument that needs to be tuned, you can choose a metronome that also incorporates a tuner.
- If you need a metronome on the go, a pocket-sized digital model is more suitable than a mechanical, hand-wound model.
- If you find that visual cues help you predict the beat and keep the beat better, consider choosing a mechanical metronome. Watching the pendulum swing as you play can help you see the beat.
- Make sure the model you buy has the ability to choose the tempo and beats per minute (BPM) that match your needs.
Step 3. Try it before you buy
During practice, you often listen to the metronome, even 100 times per minute based on the speed of the song; it is therefore important to try it first, to make sure it emits a sound you can work with. Some digital models emit a high-pitched beep, while many make a noise similar to the "knock" of a very loud watch.
- Try playing by activating the metronome and see if the sound it emits helps you keep time without getting nervous or distracting from your performance.
- There are also several free apps that have the metronome function. Try searching the Play Store.
Part 2 of 3: Setting up the Metronome
Step 1. Set the time
Most digital metronomes use the BPM criterion - beats per minute - to measure the speed of the song. Some metronome apps that you can download on your smartphone allow you to set the rhythm by simply touching the screen.
- On most quartz models, the BPM is indicated on the edge of the dial; within the different options, there are terms that are traditionally used to describe time, such as Allegro and Andante.
- On hand-wound models it is sufficient to slide the weight of the metal bar up to the notch corresponding to the desired time or on the one indicated on the score that you have to try.
Step 2. Set the time notation
Many digital models allow you to select the rhythm, but most of the manual ones do not. Time notation is represented by two numbers that are written in a manner similar to a mathematical fraction; the upper one indicates the number of beats in a measure, the lower one represents the beat value.
- For example, a 4/4 tune means there are four quarter notes in a measure, while 2/4 notation means there are two quarter notes.
- Some songs may have multiple time notations; to play them with a metronome you have to break them into sections and reset the device to set it to the new rhythm.
Step 3. Set the volume
This is a particularly important step, especially if the metronome is digital. You have to find a level that is not hidden by the music, but which at the same time does not dominate it. Many pendulum or mechanical metronomes do not have the ability to adjust the volume, but players can follow the swing of the finger to keep the rhythm correctly, even if they are unable to hear the noise. Some electronic devices also have an LED light that turns on and off in time with the beat.
Part 3 of 3: Practicing with the Metronome
Step 1. Familiarize yourself with the notes of the song before using the metronome
In the beginning, practice playing the song without paying special attention to the timing. Once you have learned the notes, chords and gained a good knowledge of the song to be able to perform it, you can begin to focus more on the performance, respecting the correct rhythm.
Step 2. Start slowly
Practicing slowly allows you to get to play faster later. The first few times set a rate of 60 or 80 BPM.
Listen to the cadence of the metronome for a few moments before you start playing; you can also stamp your foot or listen to the metronome to help you synchronize your internal clock
Step 3. Focus on the problem areas
The difficulty level of a piece is never constant throughout the score; some sections can be more complicated than others. Use the metronome at a slow speed and set it to one note at a time until your hands begin to become more familiar with the necessary movements.
You can also try playing one note at a time, adding the others gradually, to overcome the more difficult passages. Start playing only the first note of the song, play it again, then add the second note and stop; then start again with the first two notes and then add the third and so on. Continue like this until you get to play the whole song
Step 4. Increase the speed
When you have become familiar with the piece and feel more comfortable playing it slowly, increase the tempo; however, make sure to accelerate gradually. The first time it increases by only 5 BPM compared to the previous rhythm; play the song as many times as needed until you become confident with this new rhythm. Afterwards, increase again, but continue with gradual increases until you get to play the song at the right speed.
Make sure you play hard and progress gradually
Step 5. Test yourself
When you feel like you've learned a song well, you can try playing it with the metronome. You may find that you can't play some passages perfectly as you thought you would; work on these difficult spots to improve your artistic skills.
Advice
- Listen to the beat of the metronome even if you are not playing; in this way, you can develop a constant and regular "internal clock", especially if you read the score while following the metronome.
- Some people find its insistent sound very annoying; avoid leaving it on for a long time if it irritates family members or other tenants.
