Timing Lesson ...

To develop a good solo you need phrases that contain rhythmic sequences and variations. A solo with a bunch of streaming notes with no regard to rhythm is quite boring and has no identity. A great sense of time is very important so your rhythms stay tight. So, how do we develop good time and rhythm?   

First, you need to practice with a metronome.    Practicing your scales, arpeggios, and ideas with a metronome is very helpful.    You could be slowing down or rushing certain phrases and sometimes you don’t have a clue you’re doing it! 

Practice academic concepts such as playing scales and arpeggios to the quarter note, eighth note and sixteenth note.    You can also play triplets. 

A technique I like to use is setting the metronome to a slow tempo and making each click beat 2 and 4.    This helps to give you a better feel, especially if you’re practicing licks and ideas. 

Another useful technique is to create what’s called a “bouncing ball” rhythm.    You may not use the rhythms in this exercise all the time, but it will develop a great sense of rhythmical awareness. 

Every 4 beats you will add a note per beat. 

First 4 – 1 note per beat (quarter notes) down strokes 

Second 4 – 2 notes per beat (eighth notes) alternate strokes 

Third 4 – 3 notes per beat (eighth note triplets) alternate strokes 

Fourth 4 – 4 notes per beat (sixteenth notes) alternate strokes 

Fifth 4 – 5 notes per beat (quintuplets) alternate strokes 

Sixth 4 – 6 notes per beat (sextuplets) alternate strokes 

Bouncing Ball Exercise

For a free online metronome click here