Super newbie metronome question
I'm on the very first lessons and have no musical background. I downloaded a soundbrenner metronome app. The lesson says to set it to 60bpm, but doesn't talk about time signature. Should it be 4/4? Also, when should it be a draw x2 per beat and then blow x2 per beat? My ears aren't tuned yet and it seems as though David is playing faster than me when I do a single draw/blow per beat. The road ahead seems long when my questions are so basic!
McCuneHarp: You're in for a whole fun new world. Welcome. If you're just starting out with no music background, here's a spot to work from: Don't worry about what sound pitches (i.e., high frequency, low frequency) the dots on the score signify. Just start by listenting to notes that are a single beat long. I.e. "quarter notes," 'cause in a single "measure" (the areas along the sheet music that are bracketed by a vertical bar that goes across all five lines) that's in 4/4 time, there are four of 'em. Those are the notes that are solid black dots with a single, lone straight "tail" either hanging down from them or flipping up from them (from the left edge of the dot). E.g., the tail isn't connected to anything like a horizontal bar, and doesn't have any kind of little hook or curl on it. If the tail is connected to something, or has a hook or curl on it, that usually means that it is faster, i.e., doesn't last a whole beat. But don't worry about that for now. If you watch those dots while listening to David, you'll start learning the rhythm stuff. And think about downloading the Amazing Slow Downer program (David has a lesson posted on how to use it), where you can slow down the speed of his tracks without changing the pitch (e.g., you don't have to switch to a differently-tuned harp). Just be starting to figure out the "quarter notes," you'll already be speaking (and thinking) more musical phrases than the equivalent of "Where is the bathroom?," "Where to I get on the bus?" "Do you know the way to San Jose?," and about ten other common phrases in a new spoken language!
Yes use 4/4.
I’m not sure what lesson you are referencing, but if you’re on level 1 then chances are David has suggested you try playing the scale to the metronome. David lets people play at there own speed, so if he suggested 60 bpm then that is more likely a goal to hit, not necessarily a place to start.
The Solo Harmonica studies are supposed to be done with a metronome and is required if you are doing the LOA submissions. However, I recommend learning to play the exercise then learn to play it to the metronome.
I’m not sure what you mean by x2 per beat?
This question might be better posted in the Ask the Instructor forum. David is quick to respond and its what he is there for. Not trying to run you off from hear, but lesson specific questions are best answered by the master himself.
Brian in Tennessee
Hello, is it possible to get the lessons in German language?
Best regards, Gerhard
Gerhard: This question is probably best asked of David on the Ask Instructor David Barrett Forum thread, but if he's unable to teach in German, he does have instructors in Germany that he has accredited. Look at the list at https://www.bluesharmonica.com/teacher-accreditation
4/4 is the usual time signature good blues, rock etc.
Next to the treble clef in the music score PDF you should also see the time signature as two big 4 numbers, one above the other. You can see it (with other important musical notation symbols) for example here: https://press.rebus.community/sightreadingforguitar/chapter/chapter-1/