Reddit mentions of Rhythmic Training

ALWAYS start out slow (any piece that you're playing should be a piece you're comfortable playing both slow and fast), and don't freak out if there's 572156th rests. I always listen to a piece on Youtube (if there is one), and mark up my score.

I've been playing for 8 years and I am still honing and sharpening my feel and pulse. Don't ever freak out-you're a beginner with a very common problem.

Like @ttovotsttnt (how do you tag people pls halp), metronomes are a great tool to help with rhythm and pulse. Get a cheap one-with a dial, or a one where you push buttons to adjust.

Finally, SIGHT-READING! A very, very good way to hone your feel and pulse is to sight-read rhythms. Get this book (https://www.amazon.com/Rhythmic-Training-Robert-Starer/dp/0769293751) to help you. I use this once every time I practice as a warm-up. Left hand as beat, right hand as rhythm. (For a challenge, say the beats as you use your hands too).

I wish you the best of luck in succeeding in vioWINNING at life.

Rhythmic Training by Robert Starer

From a purely musical perspective, from that of the professional musician, it's offensive to hear amateur "DJ's" claiming they have musical skill. And it IS musical skill. I used to go to Clubs when I was in conservatory, to Tunnel and Twilo and Roxy. There was a marked difference between DJ ProducersBoyToy and Danny Tenaglia or Junior Vasquez. Yes, there is a talent, a sense for something that goes beyond music, but it is conveyed through music.


It is music, and it's a skill. Probably an extremely talent-dependent skill, but you're not going to convince me DJ's never get better and sensing and feeding the crowd's energy over time.
The DJ RandomTools at bars these days... if you can't even match a beat, if you can't make a continuous rhythm or a flow that makes sense... you may as well let iTunes take care of playing your playlist.
Some of the greatest DJ's couldn't match beats? Or didn't as an aesthetic choice? Or couldn't because they took one pill too many?


If you can't match beats, buy this book:
http://www.amazon.com/Rhythmic-Training-Robert-Starer/dp/0769293751
Just looking at it the image makes my eyes water. It's legendary. I think every music school/department uses it. If you can get 1/4 way through this book, matching beats will be nothing.

Timing is the most important, and often the most neglected skill as well. If you can play in time, you can hang with a band, even if you can only play one note. Don't just learn how to feel time, learn to count it and communicate it as well. Practice playing with a metronome until you go crazy, practice figuring out strange or complex rhythms. Practice taking phrases from music or even sounds that you hear and writing out the rhythm to them.

Also, become best friends with the rhythm book