• eighth notes
• sixteenth notes
• quarter-note
triplets
(6 notes per
(12 notes per
measure)
•
eighth-note
triplets
measure)
•
sixteenth-note triplets (24 notes per
measure)
Once
you’re
comfortable
with
each
subdivision, practice mixing them up and
alternating between them. As you do this,
pay close attention to ensure that you’re not
rushing or dragging the tempo - particularly
during the first few beats of each new
rhythmic pattern.
3. Play with the metronome clicks on only
beats 1 and 3 at a variety of tempos (hint:
reduce the metronome’s bpm setting to half
of the intended tempo). Then, leaving the
same metronome setting, hear the clicks as
beats 2 and 4, and practice grooving with
those clicks serving as the backbeat.
4. Play that first exercise (the one from David
Hungate) with the metronome click on beat 2
only. Then go back and play with it on beat 3.
Then beat 4. Isn’t it interesting how different
“As a guitarist in a worship band, I always
want to play to the best of my ability
and to sound as good as possible.
God wants you to give him your best in
worship; we want to give you the best
gear for the job.”
it feels depending upon where the click
is landing?
5. Set the metronome to 90 bpm again and
practice alternating back and forth between
a measure of straight sixteenth notes and a
measure of shuffled sixteenth notes. Listen
for flams or other rhythmic inconsistencies.
It’s always helpful to record yourself playing
these and listen back without your instrument
in your hands. Listen for flams and try
to adjust your playing to minimize these
rhythmic inconsistencies. These recordings
can be a source of encouragement when
taken at regular intervals (weekly?) as you’ll
likely soon discover that your timekeeping is
making good progress!
Norm Stockton
bassist/clinician/solo artist based in Orange County,
CA. Following his long tenure as bassist with Lincoln
Brewster, Norm has been focused on equipping
bassists through his instructional site
(www.
ArtOfGroove.com His book, The Worship Bass
Book, is published by Hal Leonard.
www.normstockton.com
Jeremie Murrn
owner
Five Star Guitars
Small Business Administration’s
2016 Oregon Small Business
Person of the Year
FiveStarGuitars.com
Instruments
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(800) 317-4637