Does keeping time with your foot effect your playing?
Moderators: Classitar, pied_piper, Phineas
Does keeping time with your foot effect your playing?
Sometimes I can play better and faster if I don't keep time with my foot but most of the time I need to for accuracy. So is there a better way to keep time that doesn't hold you back? I know I could use a metronome but that's not always practicle, especially when playing with a group.
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fluteguy18
- Posts: 2311
- Joined: Sun Jul 16, 2006 3:11 pm
I would perhaps try tapping only with your toe. It takes less coordination, and is more discreet [if you are wearing shoes, you seldomly see someone's toe tapping inside]. Otherwise, I recommend practicing the music with a metronome very slowly so you get the rythms right. Then, speed it up. Thus, you should be able to sort of internalize the rythm, resulting in the ability to not need the metronome for that piece anymore.
Otherwise, to me it sounds as if you need to work on your internal sense of rythm, beat, and pulse. So, I would listen to a lot of music that has a clear beat to it [techno music, and other 'dance' music is great in the beginning] then progress to music with a less defined beat to it. If you do this, make sure you are listening for the pulse, not neccessarily the music or the words [if any].
But, don't become afraid to use the metronome. I still use one all of the time when I am learning a piece. It helps me make sure my rythms are correct. Just make sure you dont become dependant on it.
Otherwise, to me it sounds as if you need to work on your internal sense of rythm, beat, and pulse. So, I would listen to a lot of music that has a clear beat to it [techno music, and other 'dance' music is great in the beginning] then progress to music with a less defined beat to it. If you do this, make sure you are listening for the pulse, not neccessarily the music or the words [if any].
But, don't become afraid to use the metronome. I still use one all of the time when I am learning a piece. It helps me make sure my rythms are correct. Just make sure you dont become dependant on it.
sinebar
Come to my hood, we will straighten out your rhythm!(I know, that was chessy....but easy
)
On a serious note, I will tap my foot if I am on a long rest, but not while playing. Depending on your playing situation, there is always something keeping time. A conductor, a dancer, a drummer percussion, bass player, etc..... It is up to you to figure out what that is, and follow it. Past that, if you are playing solo. you just have to know the piece/tune you are playing well enough to play it at a consistent rhythm.
The problem with tapping your foot is distraction. Not only to yourself, but possibly to others in a section/group.
I think Fluteguy's advice is solid, just had to add my 2 copper pennies.
Phineas
Come to my hood, we will straighten out your rhythm!(I know, that was chessy....but easy
)On a serious note, I will tap my foot if I am on a long rest, but not while playing. Depending on your playing situation, there is always something keeping time. A conductor, a dancer, a drummer percussion, bass player, etc..... It is up to you to figure out what that is, and follow it. Past that, if you are playing solo. you just have to know the piece/tune you are playing well enough to play it at a consistent rhythm.
The problem with tapping your foot is distraction. Not only to yourself, but possibly to others in a section/group.
I think Fluteguy's advice is solid, just had to add my 2 copper pennies.
Phineas