Rob Luft on how to practice exercises

Practice Tips for Developing Tempo

One thing I've always thought about practicing is that if you do the slower tempo, practice first with a metronome, really nail it, and be accurate. You will develop the faster tempos without hesitation.

Key Insight:

Practice things slowly and accurately, and the faster tempos will take care of themselves.

Example: C Major Scale

Let's take the C major scale, C Ionian, the most simple scale on an instrument like the piano. Here we are:

1. Use a Metronome:

   • I want you to take a metronome, maybe you have an app for it on your phone, and set it to a slow tempo.
   • For example, set your metronome to 60 beats per minute.

2. Practice Playing the C Major Scale:

   • Try the following variations:
     • Two strokes per note
     • Three notes per stroke
     • Four notes per stroke
     • Double it up
     • Five notes per stroke, etc.

If you take care of these slower tempos and work on things at the base tempo, when it comes to playing fast, these things will take care of themselves. That's what I've got to say for you here.

Applying the Techniques

If I was learning a piece such as "Scarred for Life" and I wanted to incorporate my reggae playing and my scar playing, I might:

• Work on each individual phrase at a slow, methodical tempo.
• Eventually, when you reach my stage in the development of your playing, you will be able to look at the sheet music, read it off, and things will sound accurate, musical, and clear straight away.

Final Thoughts

Just enjoy yourselves, take your own time, don't rush things, and let yourself develop at a musical and natural pace.

Have fun!