im a semi experienced pychedelic/jazz guitarist, keyboardist. i know most theory as far as scales and chord construction and that stuff but i have never practiced using proper timing. i just need to know if proper timing is that important or if i could get by without knowing it, or if the pros use it. i would prefer information from some expirienced musicians, thanks
indeedy playing in time is very important it sounds kinda awful if you dont. I had a bad experience in our school band once when i counted in wrong!
It is possible to get by without knowing the proper times, if by proper times you mean the names given to certain rhythms. You can play in time without knowing the names, I mean. You may experience difficulty in situations where you're playing with musicians who refuse to speak in anything but proper terms, in which case they'll have no time for your gross incompetence, no matter how good you are.
you should always tap your foot on the "two" and the "four" beat till you have it naturally ingrained into you. try it...its harder than you think. but it sure makes you groove better. when you play out of time on purpose, to sort of go against the time and create tension you still should keep that foot going so the pulse is there.
