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I find the metronome boring. I know the importance of keeping proper time so I bought a cheap keyboard that has the electronic drums built in. You can get these cheap and it is more fun, and sounds better, for me to play with drums to keep time than a metronome.

My question is... Do you see a downside to using a drum machine in place of the metronome? I know the upside is that I'm more likely to use it than the metronome.


Mike

Hi Mike,

No problem with using synth drums in place of a metronome My guess is they are pretty accurate, and definitely more fun to play along with. I might also recommend playing along with the original recording of whatever you are working on but the chances of it being in perfect time are slim.

Neil

MikeBarney83 wrote:

I find the metronome boring. I know the importance of keeping proper time so I bought a cheap keyboard that has the electronic drums built in. You can get these cheap and it is more fun, and sounds better, for me to play with drums to keep time than a metronome.

My question is... Do you see a downside to using a drum machine in place of the metronome? I know the upside is that I'm more likely to use it than the metronome.


Mike

Mike:

Never thought of that, but is sounds like a great idea. My son has a keyboard here right next to my practice area. Never occurred to me. Thanks for making the comment! Also, thanks for commenting Neil. I would have been curious about that. Gonna give it a go tonight and see how it feels.

Karma to ya Mike!

B)

Thanks Neil for the fast reply.


Mike

I hear ya mike about the boring metronome. I too have a keyboard in my guitar room sits behind me gathering dust, maybe I need to clean it up and start using that. Good idea.

Karma to you

Good on ya mate

Very cool idea, Mike.

Thanks.

I'm curious if anyone tried playing with a keyboard/synth this week.

I pulled my daughter's old Yamaha PSR260 out of the garage, and the possibilities exceed my comprehension. I did play some this week with drums, bass, and accompaniment. The results were pretty interesting, but probably more complex than I can process just yet. But applying Mike's basic principle, it worked really well for practice.

I think the simplest application would be drums backing up some of the campfire songs. I may try such a video and see how it turns out.

Anyone else try it out?

wrench

I've used midi files (with all the parts except guitar bit) out of my laptop... can be fun. When I get the chance I'll play along with a pre-programmed keyboard... feel like you're playing in a band. Definately helps with keeping time. But mostly I'm unplugged.

I have a program on my computer that has a built in drum machine and I use that when I remember. I also have a four track recording machine and I will record 1 track with the drums and then overdub the guitar part. It is a great way to force yourself to play in time and then listen back to see how it sounds.

I also use the four track to overdub other guitar parts (capoed to various frets or barre chords over open chords) a great way to learn timing and play around with guitar arranging.

Ric

rcsnydley wrote:

I have a program on my computer that has a built in drum machine and I use that when I remember. I also have a four track recording machine and I will record 1 track with the drums and then overdub the guitar part. It is a great way to force yourself to play in time and then listen back to see how it sounds.

I also use the four track to overdub other guitar parts (capoed to various frets or barre chords over open chords) a great way to learn timing and play around with guitar arranging.

Ric

hey Rick, in time i will ask you about that program, but first,''you record on your computer''???