There was a joke that used to go around (and probably still does) that went like this:
Q. How do you know when a drummer is knocking at the door?
A. The knocking gets faster the longer it goes on.
The reality is, however, that it is not just a phenomenon that happens to drummers – it happens to guitarists also. The uncontrolled tempo rush is like a black hole that draws us into an ever increasing tempo, even to the point where we can no longer breathe. Your body then begins to tense, your fingers tighten, and then you start to stumble. It is just like running downhill –it is very hard to slow down.
What we need to do is to learn to control our tempo. One of the best ways to do this is to practice with a metronome. This can be very hard to get accustomed to because it sounds like the metronome will not keep time. The reality is, however, it is YOU! The book of proverbs has a valuable insight:
Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. Proverbs 27:6.
You may think that the metronome is your worst enemy because it exposes your inability to keep time. However, the metronome can become your trusted friend that will mark your footsteps through the flux of time, ensuring you will not drift into the vortex of the perpetual accelerando.
very interesting stuff.
i was very pleased to find this site. i wanted to thank you for this great read!! i am definitely enjoying every little bit of it and i have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post.
You can certainly see your expertise in the paintings you write. The arena hopes for even more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to mention how they believe. Always follow your heart.
Yes Angelo…but how do you get a Guitarist to turn down?
………put some music in front of them
Ive noticed that a lot of muso’s can start the song too fast which makes it hard for everyone trying to play along , sometimes 3 deep breaths would be a good idea before starting, starting too slow and speeding up to tempo is difficult ! starting too fast and slowing everyone down is difficult, maybe ever harder!
obviously starting and finishing at the correct tempo is what we should all be trying to do ! great point angelo !
Hello, i think that i saw you visited my blog so i came to “return the favor”.I am trying to find things to enhance my web site!I suppose its ok to use some of your ideas!!
It is ok to use it, juct acknowledge it and provide the link back.
I play to a click track when laying down basic tracks in the studio … and that’s as it should be. Live, it can all be a bit looser.