Timing exercises?

[guitarrob]

Hey guys, I would like to improve my timing skills.
Do you guys have any recommendations for good exercises to help solidify and tighten up my timing? I can't find my Metronome but I bought a new one.
I am looking around for suggestions and lessons to help improve timing also but I would appreciate any insight.

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: Timing exercises?

Funk strumming patterns help you get a good feel for different rhythms and for placing accents. Set your metronome to click on each 1/4 note at a reasonably slow BPM and then strum four times per beat:

| = beat of metronome
s = strum of chord

|---|---|---|---
ssssssssssssssss    - basic pattern strumming every 16th note

s---s---s---s---    - basic pattern strumming on the beat

--s---s---s---s-    - basic pattern strumming off the beat

ss-ss-ss-ss-ss-s    - strumming with 3 note pattern

s--s--s--s--s--s    - strumming with another 3 note pattern

-ss-s-s-ss-s-s-s    - mixing 3 note patterns


Remember to try combining patterns above to make more complicated bits to play:
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---
s---s---s---s-----s---s---s---s-

-ss-s-s-ss-s-s-ss-s---s---s---s-

etc.

If you're really on with your rhythm, you'll notice that when playing on the beat you won't be able to hear the metronome . . . the guitar noise will completely cover it up. Get each pattern down really well at slow speeds, then keep increasing the metronome speeds until your hands and mind get used to the feeling of being locked in to the strumming.

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: Timing exercises?

As a general rule when practicing or learning anything new. . . you should always be using a metronome (digital/analog/drummer). People have a tendency to play stuff too fast at first and don't get the timing right. Once you've learned something the wrong way it takes twice as long to slow it down and iron out all the mistakes you're making.

 

[guitarrob]

Re: Timing exercises?

I have a nice new digital metronome on the way.
I have all the theories down and divisions, I just want to tighten up my understanding and usage of correct timings for rythym and leads.

I appreciate your help.

 

[FretFire]

Re: Timing exercises?

If you practice near a computer - http://www.metronomeonline.com/

 

[Lazarus1140]

Re: Timing exercises?

I quit timing my exercises because the constant reminders that I could only endure twenty minutes on the eliptical machine were starting to depress me.

 

[Vasshu the humanoid typhoon]

Re: Timing exercises?

If you can, borrow time on a real drumkit
It is a great thing to play drums...just to get the basics down.
And if going the monotone way of the metronome...try to be less mechanical when playing off it....my old teacher always told me to make it swing...even if it was as stiffas$ machine

Hook up with a drummer too....nothing beats jamming straight rhythm stuff with a drummer.

 

[guitarrob]

Re: Timing exercises?

A metronome is a good tool, but is is only a tool.

A great guitarist once told me, it is best to be able to follow strict time before trying to play outside of it or pushing/pulling the pulse.

 

[GuitarStv]

Re: Timing exercises?

I have a nice new digital metronome on the way.
I have all the theories down and divisions, I just want to tighten up my understanding and usage of correct timings for rythym and leads.

I appreciate your help.

I'm not sure I understand what you're asking for help about here. . . All complex rythm and timing is built from a solid understanding of basic subdivisions of beats. 'Correct' timing really varies with the player, style, and song.

 

[guitarrob]

Re: Timing exercises?

I'm not sure I understand what you're asking for help about here. . . All complex rythm and timing is built from a solid understanding of basic subdivisions of beats. 'Correct' timing really varies with the player, style, and song.

Yeah sorry, I guess I am not that clear in the posting.
I foudn some infotmation that works for what I was after.
I was just looking for some exercises to help tighten up certain timing divisions. If that makes sense.
ANyway, thanx for trying to help.