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Control Your Tempo
(C) 2005 by Charlie Read
Webster’s
New Collegiate Dictionary defines rhythm
as “the aspect of music comprising all the elements (as accent, meter,
and tempo) that relate to forward movement.”
In this article I want to concentrate on the element we call tempo. Tempo is defined as “the rate of speed of a musical piece or passage indicated by one of a series of directions (as largo, presto, or allegro) and often by an exact metronome marking.”
So there you have it: the rate of speed…how fast or how slow the musician is to play throughout the song.
Besides the terms mentioned above (largo, etc.) we indicate the rate in “beats per minute” (BPM). We can get a feel by thinking of 60 BPM, wherein we would count a beat every second. Obviously, 120 BPM would be twice as fast - 2 beats every second.
I have noticed that several students struggle with keeping proper rhythm, particularly in keeping a steady, unchanging tempo. While this is something that cannot be taught, still the old saying “practice makes perfect” is true. Proper rhythm is as vital to music as proper pitch! New players can benefit from using a metronome by focusing on an exterior “time keeper” rather than their (often inaccurate) “inner” sense.
Some students complain about using a metronome, saying it “throws them off.” But the truth is that the student is actually straying from the beat or there would be no problem.
But the lowly metronome is not only for beginners. It is an excellent practice tool for the veteran player as well. In learning some fast or intricate chops, there is no substitute for playing a riff or lead slowly and methodically with a metronome. By gradually increasing the rate of speed at which the selection is played, the accuracy can be maintained in the process.
Lots of players want to tear into a riff, but they may be sacrificing clarity and accuracy. For beginner or pro, a metronome is a necessary tool of the trade.