It may be easier to land gigs if you can learn to play both with and without a click track. I've been approached many times about my solid grooves and know that part of it is because I can play to a click track. This developed my groove and helped me be more of a pocket drummer, even when I'm not using the click. Let's face it no one wants to play with a drummer/percussionist who can't keep time.
When first using a click track, I was so focused on the click that I wasn't playing to the best of my ability and felt boxed in. When I tried to get out of the box I would stray from the click. The most important thing to remember is to not focus on the click itself, but to be a part of it as if it is another instrument. Practice at all tempos with different styles, this will help you develop your groove and timing for any given situation. You may find that the slower the tempo the harder it will be to stay on the click. I encourage you to work on the slow tempos so that you may have musical creativity in the open spaces. Be persistent and you will catch on. Practice playing around the click track. Start in the pocket, try playing ahead and behind the beat while keeping time with the click track. You'll be amazed at what you will discover. The more you practice to a click track it will become a part of you. Remember, don't be afraid to experiment and always have fun.
There is a time to use a click track and a time not to. Some musicians don't like to use them because they're playing more of a feel session, and the click track may make the sound to rigid. Other times a studio or band may require that you use a click because they are wanting a consistent tempo that does not stray.
When you have used a click track you will play by feel better. You will find the freedom is still there, but you have a solid timing that has become ingrained.
There have been times I have come across gigs that required a click track and I was ready for them. I've actually landed gigs because I can play to a click when others could not. I am finding it is either more relevant these days to be able to play a click. Or it may be that I am hearing about it more because I can play this way. Most often in studio situations, you will be asked or possibly required, to play to a click track. I find there is no better compliment, than when the band and producer that hired you says, how happy they are that they don't have to spend hours lining up the drum track to the song.
It is important to keep in mind, that some musicians may not be capable of keeping up to you and your click. It may be more complimentary in these situations to be flexible by following what is being played, playing by feel and keeping unity with the other musicians.
Purchasing a Metronome:
There are several styles of click tracks available to purchase, choose one that best fits you. Make sure you get one that has headphone jack and several time signatures. The most common time signatures used are; 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, and 6/8. These can be found in the basic unit. I use a Yamaha Clickstation and really like it. It is programable for set lists and has all the time signatures mentioned above plus more. It has a aux in and a trig in which can be plugged into a headphone amp or a sound system. Metronomes vary in price and style, so research them and make decisions according to your needs. "Now go get your drum on."
