Recommended Metronomes

Anyone familiar with the practice philosophy and approaches taught here at GuitarPrinciples knows that the metronome is the heart of your "Correct Practice". It is not optional, it is essential.

This is the style of metronome I recommend, and I use myself. It works well with the Basic Practice Approach taught in The Principles, because the big dial allows for the repeated changing of the tempo required by this practice approach, which is the primary method for building good playing habits and reflexes through the proper use of Muscle Memory.

When using the Basic Practice Approach, it is necessary to change speeds quickly, sometimes notch by notch, and sometimes by larger leaps, as in 60 to 80 to 100. For this reason, digital metronomes are not suited to the Basic Practice Approach.

Further, metronomes with small dials are much harder to operate, so this is the style I always have my students get. Below you will find a number of models, beginning with the entry level Sabine, which will do the job, and a number of other choices available as well.

The Seiko's are extremely well made, and last forever. The last model is the "Cadillac" of metronomes, with many advanced features for more advanced practicing strategies.

Why MUST I use a metronome to become a better player?

Click on any photo below to BUY IT NOW!

Sabine Zipbeat-6000 Digital Metronome

Digital circuitry assures perfect beat rate accuracy, and the loud clear tone makes practicing easy with any instrument.

Bright, multifunction display gives you a visual clue for the beat, and you can switch from 2 alternating LEDs to 8 LEDs that sweep back and forth.

Includes a built-in pitch pipe, free earphone and 9V battery.

PRICE: under $20

SQ50 Seiko Compact Quartz Metronome

Portable quartz metronome. A-440Hz frequency tone (standard "A") that simplifies the tuning of just about any instrument. A tempo range from 40 to 208 beats per minute is easily set from the 39 position rotary dial. Visual and audible combination. Includes earphone jack.

This one is VERY recommended, great value for the price, and impressive reviews on Amazon.

PRICE: under $30

SQ70 Seiko Digital Metronome

The SQ70 has all of the features a musician needs, and then some. The tempo range is a wide 40-208 beats per minute, controlled by a large transparent dial. The large speaker features volume control and the lights make keeping time that much easier. Includes earphone jack and lasting battery.

Price: under $80

Sony TCM-210DV Standard Cassette Voice Recorder

GuitarPrinciples recommends the Sony TCM210DV (the latest model at this writing) for immediate half speed playback, to check yourself during practice. A tool to use especially for the Basic Practice Approach.

Features double recording time, Voice Operated Recording (VOR), playback speed control, and one-touch recording and playback. It uses full size cassettes, has front panel controls, and is more convenient than using computer software.

Fundamental aspects of technique, illustrated using classic songs you know and love (according to The Principles, of course!)

Powerful Secrets! to improve your playing!

Important info on reaching with the index or pinky, and its relation to arm position.

These are essential, and basic, techniques for the rock guitarist. Many people do them wrong, find out if you are one of them!

The classical and casual positions with electric, acoustic, and classical guitars.

There are always lots of questions about how to apply The Principles to a standing position. Here are pictures of me standing with an electric, and using different strap lengths.

Pictures of good left hand positions for various playing situations.

Video clips of the Walking Exercises from "The Principles".

Video clip of Foundation Exercise # 10, The 6 note Arpeggio".

See the proper form of this difficult chord.

There is much confusion as to the "correct" left hand position for guitar. That is because there is no such thing as THE correct left hand position for guitar!

Find out why you need to have those distal joints in shape for this chord, and also why you don't!

In 30 years of teaching, I have rarely (perhaps never) seen a left hand that wasn't crippled with bad form in one way or another, especially when it comes to doing major scales. This workshop student was no exception......

A common error in technique for students, and contributing factor to a lot of playing problems.

What does good tone and bad tone on an acoustic guitar sound like anyway?

Often, we must squeeze our fingers into some rather unaccommodating positions on the guitar. We know we are supposed to strive to get our fingers "right behind the fret" as we play, but, like so many things in life, we have to bend the rules sometimes (it ain't a perfect world!).