There is an age-old recipe for developing good timing: Practice piano with a metronome! When practicing on a digital piano, you have the advantage of a built-in metronome. Nevertheless, it is worth taking a look at the range and possibilities of digital metronomes.
Along with a piano stool or bench, a metronome is one of the classic accessories you need to play the piano. If you want to learn to play rhythmically and accurately, you should always practice with a metronome. Often, misinterpretations of notation become apparent only when working through a piece with metronome accompaniment.
You can also use a metronome to systematically practice a newly learned piece. Start with a slower tempo and increase it a little each time you can play the critical passages cleanly and fluently. In general, practicing piano with a metronome will train your sense of rhythm.
It also gives you a better sense of timing when you play the piano – even when you play the piece you practiced without a metronome. In addition, you can use a metronome silently during a performance, whether you are playing solo on stage or live in concert. However, choosing the right metronome can be challenging, as there are many different approaches and technical possibilities.
An analog metronome may seem a little old-fashioned these days, but it never really goes out of style. Mechanical metronomes are roughly pyramid-shaped and look great on a piano – or a digital piano, for that matter. They are powered by a mainspring, like a mechanical clock, and do not require electricity.
Mechanical metronomes produce a percussive ‘click’ with each beat—perfect for playing piano to. In addition, a bell rings on the ‘1’ with a choice of different time signatures. You also set the tempo mechanically by moving the weight of the pendulum to the desired position on the scale. The latter contains not only the tempo but also different tempo ranges, such as Andante, Allegro, Moderato, etc.
There is an important difference between digital and mechanical metronomes: Digital metronomes often emit a short sound impulse on the beat, which can have a recognizable pitch. This can be distracting when playing the piano, depending on the key you are in. However, digital metronomes offer several advantages:
Quite a lot! As a universal tool, you can also use your smartphone or tablet as a metronome. Metronome apps are extremely versatile and very affordable – some are even free if you are willing to put up with a little advertising. Soundbrenner, for example, offers an app for their PULSE wristband metronome that you can use even without the device.
Classic look – easy handling like a mechanical clock. Ads can be deactivated for 1.99.
This app is based on the look of digital metronomes and is very easy to use. The tap function for intuitively entering the tempo is an advantage for band rehearsals. It is actually absolutely free, but limited to iOS devices.
This metronome can really do a lot and you are overwhelmed with product and subscription offers from Soundbrenner when you start the app. But sponge over it! Otherwise, the app can be used without limits. However, anyone working on music and band projects should take a look at the PULSE wearable metronome from Soundbrenner.
Many other devices include a metronome as an additional feature. For example, almost every modern tuner comes with a metronome, and you can get a basic one for as little as 10 Euros. You’ll also often see a metronome listed as a feature of portable recorders.
Visual or vibrating metronomes are useful for acoustic recordings, while silent metronomes are ideal for concert situations. Of course, these devices are not primarily designed for piano practice, but even using a silent metronome requires practice.
The Soundbrenner Pulse is the professional solution. Worn like a wristwatch, it transmits the beat to the skin through vibrations. Not only can you control it wirelessly from an app, but you can also control multiple devices centrally – ideal for bands and also for use with software sequencers, etc.
Alternatively, you can use in-ear or digital metronomes with a headphone jack on stage.
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