Truth Boxes

Truth box #1: The METRONOME

The metronome is the first gadget you should buy to assist you in your practicing. When choosing a metronome, here are a few features to look for:

• Choose a machine that gives a clear, easy-to-hear click. Machines that provide subdivisions or metrical groupings of beats are helpful at times.
• A volume control can be very helpful.
• I prefer using a dial instead of a button to change tempo markings. On many machines, using a button to change tempos can be a real nuisance.
• Another useful feature is a metronome that clicks in time from the moment it is turned on. This feature is particularly helpful if you are taping yourself. As you listen to yourself on tape, you may want to turn on the metronome to check your rhythmic accuracy. Surprisingly, many machines generate their first click somewhat randomly after being turned on thus making it impossible to synchronize metronome with tape.

See also: "Living with the Truth Box"

Truth box #2: The TUNER

It is now possible to get an excellent quality tuner for a very reasonable price. While using a tuner, it is important to remember that you should use the tuner to help make your ears more sensitive. Sometimes musicians get hooked on the tuner, staring at it constantly to make sure they are right in tune. Often they get into the bad habit of constantly fidgeting with their pitch to the detriment of their tone quality. Remember, if your tone is not centered it is unlikely your pitch will ever be consistent. Don't sacrifice tone for pitch!

See also: "Intonation"

Truth box #3: TAPE RECORDER

Although high end professional tape recorders are priced out of the reach of most young musicians, it is surprising what can be learned even from a $20 model right off the Walmart shelves. Even with a cheap tape recorder, you can check your rhythm, listen to your phrasing and catch uncentered notes. You can also work on intonation. I have tried out several inexpensive tape recorders and have found, for example, that most of them played back in tune. I played a note into a tuner while recording myself and then played back the recorded note (on the same machine!) while checking the tuner.

Almost all inexpensive and mid-priced machines do have one clear drawback, however. They contain audio compression circuitry which tends to boost soft sounds and decrease loud ones. As a result, your first recorded note will probably sound distorted and much louder. Once the compression circuitry automatically reduces the record level, you'll sound softer but somewhat muffled. Therefore you cannot trust most tape recorders to give you accurate information about your dynamic levels or tone quality. This aside, there is much to be learned from taping yourself during practice sessions.