One of the most important facets of music is time keeping. Without a good internal clock, you will have limited ability to play with other musicians. Music exists in time and space. Time refers to the pulse of the music, while space refers to the rhythmical components (notes and rests) that exist within a time span.

All musicians should focus on time keeping, but this is especially true of bass players since you lay down the groove of the music. One of the best ways to improve your time and your overall sense for music is to count beats aloud. Professionals do not count out loud when they perform; however, counting is crucial in the practice room, especially for beginners. Counting will help you to make sense of the rhythms you are reading.

As previously stated, when you see four quarter notes you should count the downbeats one, two, three, four. Counting divisions and subdivisions are also helpful. For instance, you know that eighth notes are counted one and, two and, three and, four and. Sixteenth notes are counted using the syllables one-ee-and-ah, two-ee-and-ah, three-ee-and-ah, four-ee-and-ah. See Figure 3-15.

Figure 3-15.

Counting sixteenth notes

No matter what, you must always count off before you begin playing. This applies to all styles of music. A tempo must be established before you begin playing a tune. Counting off solidifies the speed and helps to avoid unwanted tempo shifts as you play.