Metronome

[afrocubarico]

Hey guys,
This may sound like a stupid question but please bare with me as I'm still wet behind the ears. I just got a metronome so that I can practice with and develop timing. It has 2-3 and 3-2 Rumba/Son Clave notes.

My question is, how do I effectively use a metronome? One of the problems I'm also having is that as I play, I could barely hear the metronome. I want to use this device effectively but I am not sure how. Any help would really be appreciated.

afrocubarico

[Jure]

U can download and use metronome program on computer with earphones or plug the computer on sound system to gain volume,...

J

[korman]

I suppose your metronome is electronic (since it comes with clave). What model is it? I'd be interested too. Electronic ones sometimes come with headphone socket. That could help.

I too use computer as metronome (PercussionStudio program). I'm a beginner bongo player, so I have the computer play conga tumbao, maracas, clave or cascara, and play martillo and martillo variations along. Or for pure technical exercises like rolls, I'll have cowbell simulate the metronome clicks. I have been thinking about getting metronome as well because of its portability.

How to use it? Well, metronome usually marks the pulse for you, so you have to know how the pattern you are practicing relates to the pulse. The same, if it marks the clave. It is easiest to start with continuos pattern like tumbao or martillo, and the pulse on the metronome. Pick a low speed where you can hold the pattern even for some time (at least five minutes), and gradually increase the tempo.

[caballoballo]

Rumberos, I use the metronome to keep me in tempo while doing music notation reading (For example Syncopation )because if I speed too much,then the lesson may sound different than with beat of the metronome. I mean ,some notes will fall on beat when they should off beat.