If you choose precision when performing music, then you will focus on rhythm; if speed, then on tempo.
Why?!
Yes, because precision can be developed if you play rhythmically correctly. But speed is a specific quality that affects both the decrease in tempo and its increase.
Genres that focus on rhythm include reggae, blues, chanson, bard and army songs, and folk songs.
Orientation to tempo is natural: jazz, punk rock, rock and roll, pop music.
I would like to point out that in any genre one thing will prevail, while the rest is secondary.
So, in blues, the main thing is a sense of rhythm (getting it going), but in rock ‘n’ roll, speed is key.
I hear someone starting to mutter that rhythm and tempo are inseparable across genres. Well, yes, they are inseparable, but one always takes precedence.
At the beginning of your training, you will focus on either speed or precision. And it will be the same for everyone.
In the first case, you will play rhythmically, technically, and practically, but slowly. Speed will come with time.
In the second case, you will play quickly, and at first, arrhythmically and without technique. With constant practice, technique will come.
It all depends on the type of music you play or want to play: the genre, the tempo, the rhythmic pattern, and the required technique.
Example:
If we’re talking about simply playing the chords of famous songs, there’s no need to waste time on clean playing or practicing tempo speed.
The basis will be the skills of fighting and singing.
— You’ll only need to learn the basic chords (triads)
— Memorize their position on the fretboard (often no lower than the fifth fret)
— Get used to the pressure and transitions
— “Reinforce the strumming” in your right hand
— Learn to sing in tune, following the rhythmic pattern.
And that’s it!
You shouldn’t clutter your training with unnecessary things that are not directly related to the objectives of your training.
If you want to play army songs, don’t delve into the depths of speed playing for now. If you want to cut punk rock, don’t clutter your training with too many strums. Learn one thing, feel like you want to, and switch. Finish there, feel like you want to do something else, and start something new.
Don’t mix up your skills, and then you’ll start developing very quickly.
The most important thing is not to jump from one to another, otherwise, after nibbling away, you’ll never be able to figure out which “fruit” is truly “tasty.”
How did you start learning to play musical instruments? Was it precision or speed? Please let us know.
I have two programs that teach either speed or accuracy. If you want to try them, subscribe.
