Best metronomes according to redditors
We found 47 Reddit comments discussing the best metronomes. We ranked the 29 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 47 Reddit comments discussing the best metronomes. We ranked the 29 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
Probably a Dr. Beat or something similar.
Ah yes, a Dr. Beat met.
A Metronome.
Not designed as a running wearable, but I clip this to my shirt. Link
I'm not a super great player, but here goes:
If you are looking to get better at creating grooves and basslines: I started off pretty simple; I would just turn on my drum machine and start messing around in a scale with just quarter notes, once I found a series of notes I liked I would start messing with note duration, then I would start adding ghost notes and octaves.
If you don't have a drum machine you can get a decent one pretty cheap; https://www.amazon.com/Korg-KORG-BEATBOY-Beatboy-Tuner-Metronome/dp/B00F0GQ6TS
If you struggle knowing scale shapes up the neck, a fellow redditor (big shoutout to /u/kiyoshigawa ) made a tool for that: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1IajtpPZ98HNMM_XqQE0gNwmeT8OzI0KIWdwo6KMBPOA/edit?usp=sharing and the original thread can be found here: https://www.reddit.com/r/Bass/comments/4u2mf2/scales_for_everyone/?st=itce5rk9&sh=892fe668
This is what worked for me, and a number of other people, but everyone is different. Hope this helps!
You may not like this tip but....learn how to read music and some basic theory. You can basically never be as accurate when you learn by ear compared to learning from a score, because performers might take all sorts of liberties that aren't really part of the actual music.
So to answer you question, while it took time technically to execute good phrase structures and accurate rhythms, it also wasn't really that difficult because it's all laid out on the score and doesn't really take much effort on my part.
That's not to say I don't struggle with tricky rhythms or phrases, but I can take it apart methodically and eventually get it, because I understand what is going on with the music. I personally find that way easier than trying to just learn by rote, especially knowing that my ears aren't always perfect.
Edit: Oh, and I just thought of another point with rhythm/timing -- invest in a metronome! Something like this is pretty inexpensive and can be extremely helpful for practice. It's really important to start slow and work up to your final tempo, and a metronome can help keep you in check and make sure you're keeping a steady beat, especially when you're working slowly.
Check out something like this to track what tempo he's playing: https://www.amazon.com/Backbeater-Advanced-Metronome-Drummers-Smartphone/dp/B07L96JY1G/
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That's a cool option because it lets you gradually work your frenzied guitarist back to a root tempo, giving you that baseline.
If he really needs an actual metronome, this is an excellent option: https://www.amazon.com/Soundbrenner-Pulse-Vibrating-Metronome-Instruments/dp/B01AQNIOO4/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_267_t_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=ZPZM8WM1DYH20WPDN42E
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It's like a watch that vibrates tempo pulses onto your wrist. Way better than headphones.
Here's one that would do that: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0772RLRR9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_CymUDbC37Y0DP
I'm completely out of my element when it comes to metronome's. Anyone used either of these and have an opinion?
https://www.amazon.com/KLIQ-MetroPitch-Metronome-Instruments-Chromatic/dp/B072636YXX/ref=sr_1_8?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1543171663&sr=1-8&keywords=metronome&th=1
https://www.amazon.com/Seiko-SQ50-V-Quartz-Metronome/dp/B000LFCXL8/ref=sr_1_4?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1543171771&sr=1-4&keywords=metronome&refinements=p_72%3A1248939011
An old fashioned mechanical metronome would be pretty cool. Something like this
Why don't you try getting one of those mechanical metronomes? They look cool but are still very useful. Here's one listing from Amazon for $35, but there are many more.
http://www.amazon.com/Conductor-Mechanical-Metronome-Audible-Pyramid/dp/B00UR5AHCE/ref=sr_1_6?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1450414591&sr=1-6&keywords=metronome+mechanical
Three suggestions to help you learn your target cadence:
From the flute-beatboxing guy.
Edit: You don't actually need to be able to play the flute for this to be useful.
Also, a metronome will be useful to get some beat/rhythm. I've found a free app for both Android and ipod/iphone/ipad. Here's one for mac and one for PC. If you prefer the real version, here's a digital one and an pendulum one.
Don't worry, I used to do that all the time! That's one reason why it's beneficial to use a metronome. Mine looks like a green flying saucer. I've had it for about ten years. You can alternatively download a free metronome app for iPhone or android (or any OS presumably).
> But I find that a metronome helps me think. Is that strange?
This is the purpose of a metronome. Contrary to popular belief, it is not your enemy. It is your friend.
If you're using it while writing, this may not matter, but when practicing I prefer the metronome to be loud so I don't have to worry about playing over it. This one is quite loud, which some people don't like. I also have a tiny clip-on one that's quieter and can carry with me in an instrument case.
Maybe take these comments with a grain of salt because I use them to practice, not write.
"Tempo" by Frozen Ape has been my metronome app for nearly a decade. I just absolutely love the features and personally couldn't see myself going back to a physical metronome. In your case, it has tones of different tone sets so you can likely find something that fits you needs soundwise.
Before that, I used (and abused) a Korg MA-20 for years. That that thing met an angry end at the side of a practice room wall many a times when I was young, immature, impatient, and not smart about my practice... but it survived every time. I'd just find the pieces and batteries and snap it all back together. The Korg MA-1 looks like it's the current model of that line.
The metronome I got was: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000B5MU4I/ref=oh_details_o06_s00_i00
I've only been using it about 2 weeks, so no promises on longevity, or resilience.
It beeps (and you can adjust the volume of the beep) and you set the particular bpm you want. I set it to 164, and make sure that one of my feet hits on each beep. If it works better for you to only have it beep for your right foot, you would set it for 82 (in my case).
That's the cadence, and then to go faster, you just kinda ... apply more power for each stride. Like when you're biking, you can maintain a certain number of rotations of your pedals, and when you want to go faster, you just apply more power, or increase your gear ... its kinda like that?
Again, I've only recently started playing around with it, and its not crazy easy to pick up the turn over without the cadence changing when you're not on a treadmill -- but its worth it in the long run (according to my PT, will report back in a few months :) ).
https://www.amazon.com/Zhehao-Metronome-Multifunctional-Adjustanle-Saxophone/dp/B07JPXRL7K/ref=pd_cp_267_3/139-7682320-2939740?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07JPXRL7K&pd_rd_r=9b221d17-3d51-4ab1-921c-e8fdb59f3bb2&pd_rd_w=K9Thz&pd_rd_wg=K8tIu&pf_rd_p=ef4dc990-a9ca-4945-ae0b-f8d549198ed6&pf_rd_r=JW4JZACJ822TQ9PTK7JB&psc=1&refRID=JW4JZACJ822TQ9PTK7JB
I agree with the other comment... While I used to really like the classic metronomes I found that digital ones (such as pro metronome, a phone app) are extremely helpful because you can break down different subdivisions of beats (1/8 notes, 1/16th notes, triplets)
That being said. If you are just starting out the wooden ones are cool, but pricey. The Yamaha QT 1 works well, and sounds like the wooden guys!
I used the dongle once and immediately bought the Shure BT cable for my 315s. I realise this doesn't really help you though.
Maybe this? Sucks that you have to though.
What do you mean by matching the tempo to the time signature? Are you confused about the relationship between these two things? What's wrong with a normal metronome like this one?
If you can afford it, a nice set of strings would always be appreciated! This set is one of the better combinations around. There is also an option to buy a silk bag for cheap if you buy those strings, but even that would be a great gift alone :)
Otherwise, If he likes to practice in the evening, a heavy duty mute maybe? I use the Artino Cello Practice Mute
If he needs a endpin stop, the Dycem Black Hole hasn't failed me yet!
What kind of level is he? You could buy him some nice sheet music! Are you musical? Buy something you can play together!
Does he have a metronome? A nice mechanical metronome like the TakTell Piccolo would be ideal!
Get a metronome. Set it to the slowest tempo that allows you to play the changes cleanly. Focus on the parts of the song you're struggling with. Slowly increase the tempo.
If you start falling behind the metronome or fluffing the changes, turn the tempo down until you can play it cleanly.
Loving these suggestions!
I would also add - even if you can only get behind a full kit once a week, you should get a practice pad and metronome to use every day when you're at home. There are plenty of pads that are virtually silent, and you can easily find a metronome you can plug headphones into.
If you can afford it, the Tama Rhythm Watch is arguably the best out there.
Good luck!
The greatest metronome in existence.
Everyone talks about timing, but nobody does anything but count. You can get a wearable metronome for less than $10
I like quartz metronomes. I've had this Seiko for five years, and it's great. Two tones, volume dial, and pretty tough. (I bought this after my 2nd Dr Beat II died)
I use this Korg MA-1 Metronome and it works fine for me:
http://www.amazon.com/Korg-MA1BL-Visual-Counting-Metronome/dp/B0055BMQG0/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1421195961&sr=8-5&keywords=metronome