Music Lesson: Preparing for "Piston"

Great! So this example now takes from the song Piston that we will be playing.

Importance of Counting

• You can see there are two quarter note rests in a row.
• Our counting will be very important so that we're not getting into the next bar too quickly.
• Really feel confident about feeling the space when we're not playing, and try to keep the timing solid.

Using Backing Tracks and Metronomes

• Listen to the backing track.
• Use it—your friend!
• The metronome is also a helpful tool.

Try It Together

Let's try this one: 1, 2, 3, 4.

Awareness of Timing

Also, while playing with the track, I realized that because the metronome drops out at the end of the fourth bar, if you're not counting there, you're going to get into trouble—which I nearly did myself.

• Thankfully, I was counting, so I was okay!
• It's really good that they've taken the metronome out at that point, as we can almost become too dependent on hearing the metronome and feeling that comfort of the tempo.

Practice with Confidence

If the metronome drops out, we can be left feeling a little all at sea—confused about where we are.

This is a really good thing to practice with.