In the music world, its common knowledge that it’s beneficial to practice with a metronome. It can help develop consistency. However, many players find using a metronome difficult and irritating! (we’ve all been there!!)

If you are struggling to execute any basic isolated techniques such as pressing a key, left hand fretting & right hand picking/strumming, wrist strokes, rebound strokes, general memorization, etc.; the metronome may not be useful in that moment.

The challenge is coordinating several moving parts. 

1. Right Hand [physical technique]
   1. w/pick
   2. Thumb (p)   
   3. Index (i)
   4. Middle (m)   
   5. Ring (a)
2. Left Hand[physical technique]
   1. Index
   2. Middle
   3. Ring
   4. Pinky
3. Memorization of melody, notes, or sequences[mental & physical technique]
4. Metronome[external]

When learning something new(melody, chord change, scale, arpeggio, drum rudiment, etc), it helps to turn the metronome off to experience the natural flow. 

***Once tapped into a relaxed flow state, turn on the metronome to get the repetition***

• Go for 2 min(w/ timer), 
• stretch for 30 seconds
• drop the speed 5-10bpm or change to slower subdivision [1 min w/ timer]
• Repeat slow down for a few more rounds then speed back up 

Going SLOW to a metronome is more challenging than the flow of a MEDIUM pace. 

• Start at medium pace, then go slower as your first attempt at changing speeds

Isolate

the individual components

Isolate the individual components of technique with & without a metronome. Then you will have rock solid coordination when you start to combine moves.

Check out the blogs Reduce Variables and  Fully-Digest Information for more detail on the art of practice.

Enjoy!

-Cody

Afterthought:

Often in a lesson, the student will ask ‘what speed?’ when I ask them to turn on the metronome. I ask them what they are doing at home when no one is there to tell them what tempo?

Learn to use the tap tempo function; or just do whatever you need to do to get relatively close to the pulse of your flow state, or the song you are working on. 

This is a listening skill you can develop for yourself. It takes some imagination. 

Sit in silence for a moment. Literally imagine the sound you want, and find its pulse on the metronome. Your imagination will get better the more you develop your inner voice.