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Everyone has heard me sing the praises of the metronome.
But there’s another “cheat” I use to play in time. And it’s analogous to something MMA fighters and boxers do.
But let’s back up. It’s rare that I share “here’s a lick I’ve been working on” lessons these days, because…who cares about me? I’d far rather share an interview with somebody great, or a video about them.
But occasionally people will ask me a question so frequently I decide it should be its own lesson. Such was the case with this week’s topic: time playing.
Sure - practice with the metronome, and use all the crazy tricks we’ve discussed over the years…
…but I’d lying if I said there weren’t certain “copes” that help me stay in time during a performance. And one of the biggest is simply subdividing with my body.
And it just so happens I took notice of a simple “lick” I play quite frequently. It’s analogous to how boxers put a hand out to gauge distance. With this series of 3 “taps” on the snare, I’m both orienting my hand in space so I have a better idea where the drum is when I “wind up” for a rimshot…
…and also orienting my ear in time, so I can “lock up” with the pulse more easily. Particularly when I’m coming out of another subdivision.
It’s a “cope” and a “cheat”, for sure. But I think it’s funky.
See what you think!