Start with a Wittner Metronome

You only have to learn three skills to be a proficient user of the metronome. In this order, you must master:

1. Getting started with the beat
2. Staying in synchronization with the beat
3. Changing the setting and playing with the beat anew

In the video you can see these three skills demonstrated.

For another metronome video, one that shows how to use it for slower tunes, like blues, go to

http://youtu.be/Ugs5Lx92zUU

I like recommending the Wittner because it needs no batteries or electric outlet. It's easy to use, and even intuitive, after a little practice. It produces a good, loud, tock sound. It can sit on a flat surface with a lot of stability. And, finally, it has an appealing visual shape.

If you are a practicing music student, it can become a most useful tool. You can learn certain pieces more quickly using a metronome. And it's steady beat will let you know if you tend to lag behind or move ahead of a steady speed.

Start Using a Metronome

If you want to learn how to use a metronome you can pick up some ideas on You Tube. I posted one such tutorial video, with some comments here.

It's a bit longish. And it follows a traditional music notation pathway.

I find in teaching that the first thing a student needs to learn is start on the beat.
Then comes playing with the beat.

You learn how not to surge ahead or lag behind. When you have those two skills
mastered you can begin using the metronome in earnest. You play a tune or a section
of music with a steady pace. Then, you increase the speed just a little and play through again.

When I practice I usually set my numerical beats per minute to an increase of two when I do
this. Sometimes the increase seems minimal. Sometimes it seems like a big step up.
I haven't figured out why that is.

The metronome is a valuable tool. Make sure you get one you are going to enjoy using.