6 ways to practice with a metronome like a pro

Ever get bored of playing with metronome? Maybe you’re just not doing it right. This is how you can make it fun and effective.

The metronome is one of the most used devices for practicing an instrument. It’s only function is to produce sounds that are equally spaced in time. You can adjust the tempo that is expressed in beats per minute or “bpm”. What a simple tool, but how much variety of application does it offer! Most beginners don’t realize how challenging and fun practicing with metronome can be.

Here are some ideas for you to try out in your practicing routine: 

– Playing on the beat

This means learning to play precisely together with the metronome. You’ll know that you’re together when you stop hearing the click. This is a skill you’ll need to feel the beat and its different “sides” (the “back side”, “center” and “top” of the beat). Note that it’s meant for practicing; playing music is not restricted to sounding like a metronome.  

– Leaving out beats

The simplest example of this is putting the metronome only on strong beats. That is 1&3 in 4/4 for instance. Further try to put it on the first beat of the measure only. You need to keep feeling the beat inside and then compare it with the metronome when it finally comes. This is a beginning of developing your internal time. 

– Putting the metronome on weak beats

Same as the previous one, except that you put the metronome on weak beats this time. Like 2&4 in 4/4. Later try only the 4th and only the 2nd. Get comfortable with feeling the backbeat. 

– Putting the metronome on upbeats

 After you’ve tried all the downbeats why not try putting it on the “and” of four? This means the last eighth-note of 4/4. Try all the “ands” and see which ones give you more trouble. Practice those!

– Putting the metronome on extreme slow tempos

This is an extension of leaving out the beats to the point of leaving out measures. Try playing along with the metronome on “one” of every two bars. You can try other beats as well. After that, try one click every four bars. This is a serious testing of your internal beat.

– Putting metronome on odd groupings

Try putting the metronome on the first of every three quarter notes in 4/4. This will give you a sense of tempo, but instead of giving you a certain beat all the time it will be different with each click. Try groups of 5. Do the same with eighth-notes (or other subdivisions?). This exercise is to challenge your inner beat. Don’t let the odd groupings throw you and make you lose the “one”! 

This is just a short list of ideas for making most of your practice time with metronome. Contact a teacher at MyMusicSchool.com for more tips and creative exercises you can do at home!