Playing with a metronome

[Thrust]

I've been trying to speed up my chops by playing with a metronome but I'm having a bit of trouble.

My problem is when I get so fast I literally can't tell if I'm playing with the click or not. This is particularly problematic playing 16th notes. For instance, when I set the metronome around 100bpm (ok....it's fast for me ) I'm pretty sure I'm playing with the click but I don't know how to "verify" that I'm in time. I've tried the thing with tapping my foot with the click but after one or two foot "taps" my foot starts tapping in time with my picking hand....it's weird.

Any tips?

On a related note, I started taking lessons again and my instructor is pushing me to work daily on chromatic warm-up exercises followed by 3 note-per-string scale exercises using a metronome. I started learning the solo to Over the Mountain last night and was shocked at how easily I picked up on it....I've never really had such an easy time with a piece--I'm stoked!

[Nazgul]

For alternate-picking 16ths with metronome accent every 4th note. That's the note that is together with metronome click. It should always be either a down-pick or an up-pick (depends how you start).

you could also play something like that:
12-0-0-0-10-0-0-0-8-0-0-0-7-0-0-0.....
fretted note must fall under the click.

[Sunbane]

I have exactly the same problem. Maybe my metronome is just too quiet or something - it just doesn't work. I just go with the ol' foot tapping, but I'm no shredder either...

[Jack Napalm]

I had a similar problem until recently, well I still have the problem but not as bad. I used to pick too hard, all the time. I lightened my attack and it has really helped and actually sounds better. Your accents will actually sound accented.

[sl2lover]

Wow am I the only one that's never used a metronome or drum machine??

[Thrust]

Hmm, I've tried accentuating the pick attack on the first note of the sequence but I either hear the attack or the click but can't tell if they're in time. I'll try the suggested "lighter" picking and see what happens.

[MattyCakes]

i get lost playing 6 notes per beat sometimes. you have to start really slow. 40 bpm, get your technique right and then move up. you will build muscle memory and in turn playing with the click will seem like nothing. seriosuly dont skip right up to 100bpm because its your max now. it will hurt you in the long run

[JC_Denton]

asd

I have exactly the same problem. Maybe my metronome is just too quiet or something - it just doesn't work. I just go with the ol' foot tapping, but I'm no shredder either...

It is not about how quiet the metrnome is , as far you can hear it you should be able to follow the click.

[JC_Denton]

Try first playing 16 th notes with legato (4 notes per string) every click is the first note of next string. Then start picking . When you are alt picking 4 note per string 16 th notes then on the first note of each string you always downpick(with the click).

[Brick]

ya man i have the same problem.

[AdRock]

Try first playing 16 th notes with legato (4 notes per string) every click is the first note of next string. Then start picking . When you are alt picking 4 note per string 16 th notes then on the first note of each string you always downpick(with the click).

That's exactly how I do it and it works great.

[Spivonious]

Does your metronome have a light that blinks with the beat? If so, put it where you can see it while you're playing. That way you can line up the visual if you have trouble hearing the aural.

[Nazgul]

Does your metronome have a light that blinks with the beat? If so, put it where you can see it while you're playing. That way you can line up the visual if you have trouble hearing the aural.

I can't follow the metronome that blinks. I can play along the "clicking" one fine though.

[Snow007]

What helped me was guitar pro with the metronome.

I'll write out (or download) any song or excercise I want to practice and play along while gradually increasing the tempo as I improve.

I can see the tab and just have the metronome clicks as it goes through, or I can see the tab and hear the tab through as a midi while playing with metronome clicks (or no clicks). But I have a lot of options and I change things around.

I'm not a professional but that's what's helped me advance.

[omwdc]

you guys are fast