Rocking in time - introducing the metronome!

Rhythm is the name of the game in most forms of music today, whether it be the constant pulse by your favorite band's drummer, the continually repeating hip hop loops you love so much, or the sometimes strict tempos of classical music. Keeping a steady beat isn't always easy to do, and it's helpful to practice with a metronome.

Perhaps you're familiar with the metronome, but, if not, allow me to briefly introduce you. The metronome will click perfect rhythm (loudly) at whatever tempo you set it at. Metronomes themselves have changed over the years, so don't just assume that the tick-tock pendulum style that your grandmother used is your only option. If fact I don't recommend that style at all. Most brands today run on either a 9V battery or a very small internal battery (similar to a watch battery, I think). Metronomes can be digital (meaning that you get to enter the tempo you wish to play at) or analog (meaning that the metronome tempos are pre-established and you just have to select one).

So much much should one of these cost? Prices vary. Depends on many things. Prices generally start around $20-25. but the priciest ones (like Dr. Beat) can cost up to $150. In fact, you can consolidate your technology by getting combination metronome/tuners, but my discussion on tuners will be another day!

The best style metronome, in my opinion is the one pictured above. It's only about $30 and it does everything I have ever needed in a metronome. It's also extremely durable. I can speak from experience on that because I personally practice with a metronome several hours daily and this one is my metronome of choice!