Here’s a question for you -- "What sets a professional guitar player apart from a non-professional?" The answer is not as cut and dry as it may seem. There are actually many factors that propel one guitar player to the studio and big stage while another seems to be held back to small local clubs. The difference can range from playing technique, understanding of music theory and chord structure, and no small amount of pure luck of being in the right place at the right time. However, I believe there is one factor that is often overlooked and is extremely important to not only professional guitar players, but to all professional musicians regardless of the instrument they play. A great sense of timing is paramount, and can make all the difference between a good musician and a great instrumentalist.

I have played many clubs, and seen many other bands play. I have seen great guitar players with incredible technique and skill, but their timing was off enough to throw the entire bands sound into chaos. At the other end of the spectrum, I have heard players who lacked the finer technical skills, but their timing was tight and focused. Given the choice, I would rather listen to a less pyrotechnic musician who added to the energy of the bands overall sound, than a proficient player who can not stay with the beat.

Many teachers will tell you to practice with a metronome to hone your timing efficiency. They are absolutely correct; although I would also point out that I find metronomes to be a considerable bore. To make this process for fun, interesting, and even more realistic, I suggest the use of a drum machine. Alesis recently sent me their new SR18 drum machine for review, and I decided to approach this review from an angle that I have not seen any other reviewer consider. I chose to review the SR18 from the viewpoint of a powerful timing tool; a tool which I believe has the ability to positively impact a musician’s sense of timing greatly.