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Forums :: Ask Instructor David Barrett

Counting notes

2 replies [Last post]
Thu, 05/08/2014 - 22:15
Intervaltraining
Intervaltraining's picture
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Level 5
Joined: 10/25/2013

Morning David,

Might seem a bit of a daft question this, but here goes. Whether I'm playing a solo, an accompiament or study song, as I play the harmonica to the jam track, I tap my foot to the beat, but as I tap my foot I count the beats off in my head per bar 1,2,3,4 and repeat this process until the jam track ends. My question is, is there a better way of staying in time with the beat rather than keep counting out the beat in my head. Hope this makes sense.

Regards,

Paul

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Thu, 05/08/2014 - 22:59
#1
David Barrett
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ExpertHead InstructorTeacher 10Level 10
Joined: 12/20/2009
Answer

I think I know what you're getting at here.

If you can feel it, don't count it.

If you can't feel it, count it until you can feel it, and then stop counting it.

Does this make sense?

You only count it if you're having troubles with a rhythm. Once you dial it in, then the need to count it is no longer there, so you can "feel" it.

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Sat, 05/10/2014 - 02:12
#2
Intervaltraining
Intervaltraining's picture
Offline
Level 5
Joined: 10/25/2013
Counting Notes

Hi David,

That makes a lot of sense, many thanks,

Regards,

Paul

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