@japov

I did years of metronome practice, and it definitely got into my brain. This might not be a timing problem, maybe just not counting correctly. 

All I'm saying is don't be afraid of technology. Programs like "ChordPulse" will allow you to actually SEE what you're doing in real time. Plus, it's a really fun writing tool... it's basically like having the rhythm section of a keyboard on your computer.

You seem determined, I'm sure you'll figure it out 🙂

@japov

No, not afraid of technology, I will try it. But I want to be able to have correct timing when I'm at any open mic, with no technological aids. Since I did so much metronome practice, I am not sure I need more, but maybe I do. I think if I just keep trying to pay attention and count, it might eventually work out. I hope. It's possible I changed the time signature in places to something bizarro. I want to straighten it out into consistent 4/4.

I am so glad you noticed this. No one else did, with all the songs I have sung at open mics. It isn't very obvious I guess.

Example; That rough phone recording I just posted, "Burning on the Bayou", when I first recorded that I thought it sounded pretty cool... however, now I can tell that the timing is a bit "wonkey" lol. Having perfect pitch is not nearly as rare as having perfect timing. I have to record to a click-track, then play along with drums to work out my own timing issues. Sometimes that leads me into odd "timing events/changes" that are actually interesting and fit the music quite well. But mostly I'm just correcting myself  🙂

@japov

Yeah it's true we can't get complacent about timing. I had been working mostly on singing and phrasing in recent years, so I guess I forgot how important timing is. What I'm doing starting today is keeping time with my foot, and that seems to help. Just being aware is half the battle.

I have been keeping time with my foot, and that seems to fix it. I don't have any problem with strumming, just with finger-picking. So I'll keep on doing this foot counting with the finger-picking songs, until maybe eventually I don't need to.

But I am SO glad this was pointed out to me. I think I had a vague feeling something was wrong, but didn't know what.

Goes to show we need constructive criticism.

Well, it's easy to be a critic lol... 🙂

Looking forward to your next one Polly!

Posted by: @japov

Well, it's easy to be a critic lol... 🙂

Looking forward to your next one Polly!

No, it isn't easy to be a good critic. I really do appreciate it. I feel so much more confident now, with my foot keeping things nice and even.

Hi @japov, I recorded it again after trying to straighten out the timing. 

https://1drv.ms/u/s!AvhYtsmGPbdOlDSO-LCmRxue510f

@japov

Yes I sometimes use simpler patterns on other songs. But most of the time I like to use this 8-note pattern. I realize this recording is still not perfect, especially in the instrumental areas. But I think most of the vocal areas are pretty close to 4/4, and I am able to play along with a lot of it using a simple pattern. It might seem like the timing is off because this 8-note pattern is syncopated, with the accents on beats one and seven.

Well anyway, dunno. I have been paying a lot of attention to timing since you first mentioned it, and I'm pretty sure it's getting better. I probably should not have posted anything until I got it perfect.

Lovely. Enjoyed it.

@ckiphen

Thanks!

De NADA. Good song. Luved the guitar.