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 the instrument, but to do it cleanly and efficiently, to get in time, to feel the rhythm. Thanks to the metronome, control is gained over the hands and fingers. 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 why is it needed?
Meaning of the word and scope
First you need to figure out what this device is and what role it plays in the music 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). He is just an indispensable assistant for beginners to master playing the guitar, bass, and drum kit. It is an accurate reference point for the pace. Using the metronome does not allow the musician to "run forward." When learning a new part or composition, a great option is to start at a slow pace to clearly play every note. As you improve, it’s worth accelerating the pace to get closer to the original work.
Each musician has his own internal 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 a familiar way?
Good old classic
The metronome, original for most, is a device made in the form of a pyramid, on one side of which there is a pendulum with a small weight. The frequency of the metronome hits depends on the location of the weight. The higher the weight, the less likely it will be to strike, and vice versa. Behind the pendulum is a scale for establishing the frequency of impacts. 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 form 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 Melzel for the great musician Ludwig Van Beethoven, who was deaf and could only count the rhythm on the swinging pendulum of the metronome. Although this is only one of the theories, since the principle of the device itself was invented long before Meltzel.
What are the advantages of mechanics?
Thanks to the pendulum swinging in different directions, even a musician who is very keen on the game will be able to track the movement even with the corner of his eye. The device also has a very convenient shape, a small sophisticated pyramid fits easily into the pocket of the guitar case and harmoniously fits into the rehearsal room, creating a creative atmosphere. A very nice mechanical click is not annoying, unlike the sound of some electronic analogs, and perfectly suits the sound of any instrument. By the way, it is this mechanical sound that is so harmonious that it helps to focus and even meditate.
The mechanical metronome is very easy to use and understandable even to a novice musician. He has a clockwork, so he doesn't need batteries.
Electronic upgrade, or competitor
The electronic metronome is a relatively new device that has already managed to win the hearts of many musicians. He is preferred by those who play electronic instruments. Its advantage is in a compact size, so that the device fits in any case. It is also supplemented with various functions, such as an accent (and its shift to any rhythm), tuning fork, in some hybrid models, there is a tuner (a device for tuning musical instruments) complete with a metronome. The sound made by such a metronome can be different: squeak, knock, click, etc.
The modern market of electronic metronomes can satisfy any vagaries of beginners and experienced musicians, presenting the products of various companies of all shapes, colors and sizes for every taste and budget.
Electronic metronomes for drummers
These devices differ from the others in incredibly advanced functionality. Drummers must control both arms and legs at the same time, and the parts are different for each limb. For this purpose, in special metronomes, a function is established for them where, using faders (special sliders), you can set the rhythm for each individual arm or leg. Also, these devices are equipped with an option for memorizing rhythms.
Metronome on a computer or favorite gadget
Progress does not stand still. The age of digital technology has reached such devices. The software metronome is a new stage in the development of devices of this kind. Now it’s not at all necessary to purchase the device. And it’s absolutely not a problem if you forgot it at home and did not take it to a rehearsal. Now you can install the metronome on a computer, smartphone or other gadget, as well as find free online. A large number of different options for every taste can be found for yourself on the Internet. Virtual metronomes also perform their function perfectly, generating sound signals at a given tempo, they can still use visual effects. The convenience of such metronomes is really invaluable.
Is it necessary or can you do?
There are two groups of musicians: the former use the metronome almost always, the latter do not use at all or very rarely. Which of them is right and how great is the use of the metronome? Those who do not use it believe that there is no need to restrict playing only to the rhythm, because in this way it is difficult to show your creativity and virtuosity. Or they simply don’t know about him, or didn’t think about using such a device. However, those musicians who often use it are of the opinion that the metronome helps improve clarity and increase the speed of playing a musical instrument. In some ways, one and the other 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 the rhythm. The metronome is an important step in achieving accuracy and purity of the game. One click of the metronome corresponds to one note. Ideally, a silent effect is created if the notes fall precisely into the clicks of the metronome. Thus, 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 assistant for improving the game. Being engaged without this device, you can develop imagination, creating incredible and irregular solo parts. But still it’s worth sharing the activities with and without the metronome in order to reach its full potential.