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Joined:
July 2002
Posts: 280
Location: Waterloo, IL | While I continue to teach myself how to play guitar, I would like something to help me keep my rhythm properly. I have paid a visit to the local guitar store, and listened to several different electronic metronomes. However, if there is very much noise at all around me, I have a hard time hearing the metronome. I am considering getting some type of drum machine to practice my guitar with, just to make sure I keep the proper rhythm. I am not looking for anything fancy, just something simple that will help me keep a good, steady beat that I can vary for different songs. I would also consider using a computer program for this. I am just looking for something simple, nothing fancy, just to help me keep a good, steady beat. Any suggestions or recommendations? |
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Joined:
January 2003
Posts: 1498
Location: San Bernardino, California | If you're having trouble hearing it this should help.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/sid=030901151537198081026108234766/g=home/search/detail/base_id/55062 |
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Joined:
June 2002
Posts: 6197
Location: Phoenix AZ | Here's a PC one you can download. Also works well if you plug headphones into your PC so you really hear the metronome "in your head". Maybe leave one side of the headphone off your ear if you're not hearing enough guitar.
http://music-theory.com/metronome.html
I've also found that playing along with a record or CD helps you develop a good sense of constant beat (and also covers up your mistakes).
Dave |
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Joined:
May 2002
Posts: 3005
Location: Las Cruces, NM | Chuck
Good question, but loaded in favor of machines, the very best way to learn rythym is to play with another PERSON, or persons, not a machine. My suggestion is to find venues and friends where you are forced to play with the group, Metronomes and keyboards keep perfect time, playing with friends makes perfect music.
Bailey |
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Joined:
December 2001
Posts: 7222
Location: The Great Pacific Northwest | Hmmm nice point Bailey, must be nice to have friends that will come over everyday for 4-6 hours to help practice scales.
I prefer to practice with a drum machine. I have software in the studio, but you can download some pretty decent MIDI songs online that have a very realistic feel and just make practice more fun.
For honing your skills afterward, or when you at least get close, then nothing beats playing with some folks. |
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Joined:
August 2003
Posts: 18
Location: blkyn usa | I've a metronome and after I got it and used it enthusiastically for the first month, I got bored with it. You know, tick tick tick ... I like playing along with a CD or record, better, it's more fun and I really don't use the metronome anymore. |
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Joined:
February 2003
Posts: 299
Location: Netherlands | I'd buy a drum machine AND play with records. A drum machine can do what a metronome can. This is not reversible however.
There are some interesting ones on ebay
http://cgi.ebay.nl/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2553848183&category=38069
http://cgi.ebay.nl/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2554470396&category=38090
http://cgi.ebay.nl/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2554624403&category=38069
http://cgi.ebay.nl/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2554721606&category=38069
http://cgi.ebay.nl/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2554719291&category=38069
All oldies, but considered to be the best in their time, good sounding and still sought after. They're all quite simple to today's standards, but are very effective at a price comparable to a good metronome.
Martin |
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Joined:
February 2002
Posts: 5750
Location: Scotland | The Alesis SR16 is an ideal machine for your purposes. Lots of good preprogrammed grooves in lots of different styles, great drum sounds & very user friendly. Technology like this dates very quickly but the fact that the SR16 has been in constant production since the early '90's speaks volumes. They can be had used for well under $100 |
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Joined:
August 2002
Posts: 8307
Location: Tennessee | I have an SR16 and like it a lot ... but ... I have a friend who has a Pandora which is really cool. In addition to drums, it also can lay down a bass and rhythm track, and it has some effects built in. Doiwnside to either one is that you have to send them through an amplification source. |
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Joined:
May 2002
Posts: 3005
Location: Las Cruces, NM | an43402
I'll go along with jammin with a record if you can't jam with friends, at least it is very close to playing with a band, and you can do it on those songs that you love and cherish, making it even more fun and a challange. I've enjoyed tremenduosly playing along with early Country Gentlemen tapes, and keeping up and even getting in a lick is very gratifying and productive.
Bailey |
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Metronome or Drum Machine
