Metronome - what is it? Metronome for guitar and computer

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

In order to become a good musician, it is not always enough to acquire a musical instrument and learn musical notation. It is important not only to be able to play an instrument, but to do it cleanly and with high quality, to get in time, to feel the rhythm. Thanks to the metronome, control over the hands and fingers is gained. However, not only beginners prefer playing with a metronome, many famous and professional musicians have been honing their skills with this device for years. What is a metronome and what is it for?

Meaning of the word and scope

First you need to figure out what this device is and what role it plays in the musical field. A metronome is a device that counts a certain rhythm at a given speed, which varies from the slowest to the fastest (depending on the level of professionalism of the player). It is simply an indispensable assistant for beginners to master playing the guitar, bass guitar, and also the drum set. It is an accurate tempo guide. Using a metronome prevents the musician from "running ahead". When learning a new part or song, it's a good idea to start withslow tempo to play every note clearly. As you improve, you should speed up the pace to get closer to the original work.

Every musician has his own inner meter and sense of rhythm. If a musician does not feel his inner meter, and the sense of rhythm is chaotic, then he definitely cannot do without a metronome. Thus, with this device, you can achieve beautiful and clear sound. What is a metronome in the usual way?

Good old classic

An original for most metronome is a device made in the form of a pyramid, on one side of which there is a pendulum with a weight. The location of the weight determines the frequency of the metronome beats. The higher the weight is, the less often the blows will be, and vice versa. Behind the pendulum is a scale for setting the frequency of the beats. Previously, such pyramids - metronomes were quite bulky, stationary, made of wood. Now they are made more compact, and there are also models made of plastic. This is the simplest and most reliable type of this device, it is also called a mechanical metronome. It is believed that it was in this form that it was created by the inventor Mälzel for the great musician Ludwig van Beethoven, who was deaf and could only count the rhythm by the swinging pendulum of the metronome. Although this is only one of the theories, since the very principle of the device was invented long before Mälzel.

What are the benefits of mechanics?

Thanks to the pendulum swinging in different directions, even verya musician who is passionate about the game will be able to track the movement at least out of the corner of his eye. Also, the device has a very convenient shape, a small subtle pyramid can easily fit into the pocket of a guitar case and harmoniously fit into the rehearsal room, creating a creative atmosphere. A very pleasant mechanical click is not annoying, unlike the sound of some electronic counterparts, and will perfectly suit the sound of any instrument. By the way, this mechanical sound is so harmonious that it helps to concentrate and even meditate.

The mechanical metronome is very easy to use and understandable even for a novice musician. It has a clockwork so it doesn't need batteries.

Electronic modernization, or competitor

The electronic metronome is a relatively new device that has already captured the hearts of many musicians. He is preferred by those who play electronic instruments. Its advantage is its compact size, thanks to which the device fits into any case. It is also supplemented with a variety of functions, such as an accent (and its shift to any rhythm), a tuning fork, in some hybrid models, a metronome has a tuner (a device for tuning musical instruments) complete with a metronome. The sound produced by such a metronome can be different: squeak, knock, click, etc.

The modern market for electronic metronomes can satisfy any whim of beginners and experienced musicians, presenting products from various companies in all shapes, colors and sizes for anytaste and wallet.

Electronic metronomes for drummers

These devices differ from the rest in an incredibly advanced functionality. Drummers must control both arms and legs at the same time, and the parts are different for each limb. It is for this purpose that a function is installed for them in special metronomes, where with the help of faders (special sliders) you can set the rhythm for each individual hand or foot. Also, these devices are equipped with an option for memorizing rhythms.

Metronome on your computer or favorite gadget

Progress does not stand still. The digital age has reached such devices. The software metronome is a new stage in the development of devices of this kind. Now it is not necessary to purchase the device at all. And it’s not a problem at all if you forgot it at home and didn’t take it to a rehearsal. Now you can install a metronome on a computer, smartphone or other gadget, as well as find a free one online. A large number of different options for every taste can be chosen for yourself on the Internet. Virtual metronomes also perform their function perfectly, generating sound signals at a given tempo, and can also use visual effects. The convenience of such metronomes is truly invaluable.

Necessary or doable?

There are two groups of musicians: the first use the metronome almost always, the second do not use it at all or very rarely. Which of them is right and how great is the use of a metronome? Those who do not use it believe thatthere is no need to limit yourself to playing only rhythm, because it is difficult to show your creativity and virtuosity in this way. Or they simply do not know about it, or did not think about using such a device. However, those musicians who often use it are of the opinion that the metronome helps to improve clarity and increase the speed of playing a musical instrument. In a way, both are right, because there are basic elements and technical points that need to be studied and mastered, and only then brought to progress with the help of a metronome. This is the golden mean.

To bring the game to perfection, you must be able to play exactly to the rhythm. The metronome is an important step in achieving precision and clarity in playing. One click of the metronome corresponds to one note. Ideally, a silent effect is created if the notes hit exactly on the clicks of the metronome. In this way an absolute rhythm is achieved. This is, of course, a very important moment for playing in a team. A metronome for guitar, bass and drums is an absolutely indispensable tool for perfecting your playing. Practicing without this device, you can develop your imagination, creating incredible and non-rhythmic solo parts. But it's still worth separating classes with and without a metronome to reach your full potential.