Off Topic, but How Can I Get a Feel for Rhythm?

kronosuser3407 · Post by **kronosuser3407** » Tue Dec 30, 2014 11:27 pm

Hello,

I have trouble trying to feel rhythm while I am playing. I recently started playing the bass guitar, and it is important for me to keep time. I haven't used a metronome in years (which I should be using every time) and I started using it today and I just can't get a feel when I am playing. For example, I was playing a piece that is in 6/4 and I know I am supposed to accent once every quarter note. I always feel that I am out of time. Any help?

geoelectro · Post by **geoelectro** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 12:44 am

Playing in time is harder than one might think. Also, some people seem to do it naturally while others really struggle with it.

One thing that helped me was to play with other players. I had to learn to hear the "band clock" and not just mine. Of coarse with youtube etc. you can play along with many types of players. Still, there is something about playing with another person live that helps you to hear the rhythm.

It comes down to practice I think. The more you do it the easier it gets.

Geo

jazlover · Post by **jazlover** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 1:39 am

Playing often with a bass player with whom you both can be honest with each other is very important. When you are not with him, buddy up with Mr Metronome.

The magic "playing in time" makes a band either great or mediocre. Working on that aspect is a must, IMHO. I also recommend listening to the music you play with more of a focus on "feeling the groove". Sometimes we are so focused on the voicing of the chord or the next chord that we stop listening. I strongly recommend having the finger memory and the progressions down (in your mind)... to a point where you are able to "totally lock in" with the others. All of us musicians have to do this. I hope this doesn't sound condescending. I don't mean it that way. Good luck!

SanderXpander · Post by **SanderXpander** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 3:09 am

Play slow tempos. Start with 4/4. Have a drumbeat or metronome going. Close your eyes, and preferably have a recording running so you can listen back later. If you use a computer based DAW, you can see very clearly against the timeline where you are off.

If you're playing improvisations or somewhat improvised comping, try to not make it to complicated, rhythmically. Think about every phrase before you play it.

Also, there are a lot of software tools that help you practice rhythmic exercises. Those really made a big difference for me. If you know how a rhythmic phrase "works" you won't be gambling it anymore.

Niarf · Post by **Niarf** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 10:50 am

I had the same problem, I tried to solve this, it's better but not far as good, so an advice :

Pratice pratice Pratice pratice Pratice pratice Pratice pratice Pratice pratice Pratice pratice Pratice pratice Pratice pratice Pratice pratice Pratice pratice Pratice pratice Pratice pratice Pratice pratice Pratice pratice Pratice pratice Pratice pratice Pratice pratice Pratice pratice Pratice pratice Pratice pratice

=)

psionic311 · Post by **psionic311** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 12:40 pm

Tap your foot.

Swing your body back and forth each beat.

Or bob your head slightly, down up down up down up. If the piece is lively, emphasize the "up" like in ska or reggae to get that feel inside.

Point is, using a metronome or drumbeat for an external reference, you should internalize the tempo by manifesting the beat with your body.

If playing 4/4, feel each beat, but really emphasize the 2 and 4 as backbeats, to get the "groove".

Feel it. Don't over think it. HTH

psionic311 · Post by **psionic311** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 12:42 pm

Niarf wrote:I had the same problem, I tried to solve this, it's better but not far as good, so an advice :

Pratice pratice Pratice pratice Pratice pratice Pratice pratice Pratice pratice Pratice pratice Pratice pratice Pratice pratice Pratice pratice Pratice pratice Pratice pratice Pratice pratice Pratice pratice Pratice pratice Pratice pratice Pratice pratice Pratice pratice Pratice pratice Pratice pratice Pratice pratice

=)

praCtice praCtice praCtice praCtice

jeremykeys · Post by **jeremykeys** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 1:12 pm

Here's an idea that I know many people have used successfully. Play along with a straight 4/4 drum track and record both yourself and the drum track.
That way when you listen, you can hear exactly what it is that you need to work on.

nowtime · Post by **nowtime** » Wed Dec 31, 2014 4:06 pm

This will help you go to a new level in your body.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/096388012 ... c_redir=T1