How Do You Know When You Can Play Fast on a Guitar Without the Metronome?

Understanding the Relative Nature of Speed

Fast playing on the guitar is a relative term, largely influenced by the tempo of the music. Tempo refers to the speed at which a piece of music is played, and it's often symbolized by the ticks of a metronome. Just because you are playing more notes than another musician does not necessarily mean you are playing faster. It depends on the piece's tempo. For example, consider the infamous Fatback Groove. Initially, one might think the drummer is playing at a faster tempo, but a closer look reveals he is playing very slowly and only increasing to a normal speed. Therefore, he was not playing fast.

So, how do you determine if you can play fast without a metronome? You need to understand your beats and establish your tempo. A metronome app is an excellent tool to help you with this. If you can comfortably play a piece of music at a tempo of 120 beats per minute or higher, you are playing fast. This tempo is generally referred to as Allegro, which is the Italian term for 'fast.'

Self-Assessment and Goal Setting

When you genuinely think, 'I cannot believe I just played that,' you are likely achieving your performance goals. It's essential to record your performances using a high-quality app that records in 16 or 24-bit linear PCM to ensure you can evaluate your playing accurately. If you seek advice from others, it's a sign that you care deeply about improving your guitar skills, and that's fantastic!

When to Let Go of the Metronome

Consistently using a metronome is a great way to build your rhythm and timing. However, you should start to consider letting it go when you can play a piece of music at tempo without any hesitations or slowdowns, particularly during the more challenging sections. This indicates you have mastered the timing and rhythm of the piece, and you can rely on your internal sense of tempo rather than a mechanical reference.

Conclusion

Speed on the guitar is about more than just playing fast notes. It's about achieving a balance between technical proficiency and musical expression. The next time you're tempted to ask strangers online if you are playing fast enough, remember that the only true judge of your progress is yourself. Keep practicing, keep recording, and keep striving to improve!