Using a Metronome to Play a Basic Rock Beat

It’s tempting to think of a metronome as a device that simply shows you if you’re rushing or dragging. For a rock beat, the metronome gives you a steady point that never changes as your hands and feet move. Small variations in timing become easier to spot. For example, when the hi-hat gradually gets ahead of the metronome, or the snare starts getting behind it, you can catch it before it becomes acceptable.

Start at a speed that almost feels too slow. Count out four quarter note clicks, then begin playing eighth notes on the hi-hat only. Continue this pattern for a few measures. Then add the snare on 2 and 4. After these two elements have settled, add some very simple kick drum patterns without speeding up the metronome. By building up slowly, you will still be able to hear the metronome.

Listen to how your snare and kick interact with the metronome. When the snare hits perfectly with the metronome, the click can become lost in the sound of the drum. If you hear the metronome click before or after the snare, you have played slightly early or late. The same is true for the kick drum. You don’t need to get the timing 100% right. It’s much more important to learn how to recognize when you’ve played out of time.

The kick drum is where the beat tends to fall apart. The hi-hat might start to rush, or your focus could become so concentrated on the kick drum that the snare lags behind. In these situations, drop an element instead of repeating the entire pattern over and over. Leave the hi-hat and kick drum in the pattern until you get them locked in, then bring the snare back. Dividing your coordination into different groups will help you isolate which component is causing problems.

Don’t immediately increase the metronome setting when you have a good sounding measure. Continue the pattern for a number of measures to see if you can maintain the tempo consistently. Also be aware of your grip, hand movement, and stick height. Playing along with a metronome can cause you to tighten up, which can lead to harder strokes and uneven rebounds. Play softly so that you can easily hear any discrepancies in your timing and avoid focusing on loudness instead of technique.

Record yourself with the metronome before you finish. Listen to the recording without playing along and observe the distance between the hi-hats, the placement of the backbeat, and what happens around the kick drum. If there is consistency from measure to measure, you’re on the right track. If there is any inconsistency, keep the metronome at the same tempo and practice that specific aspect of the beat instead of speeding up.