How to Use a Click Track to Maximize Live Performance

Performing along with a click track is a smart way to tighten up your playing, and it doesn't have to be complicated. Veteran performer Nick D'Virgilio shares some expert advice on using a click track for live performance.

0:00 - Intro
1:29 - When & How
2:34 - Ways To Listen
3:10 - Quater & Eighth Note Examples
4:46 - Splitting Tracks In Mono
5:22 - PolyNome Pro
7:30 - Adding Loops
9:00 - Thanks For Watching

[djjazzyjeff]

My drummer and I (I'm the lead singer/guitarist) have been experimenting with practicing with clicks lately, and we were concerned about the click getting annoying or not being able to hear it well enough in our ears. But we've come to the conclusion that when you're playing right on top of it, it sort of disappears into the music. So it's not annoying at all, and if you can really "hear" the click, that means you're not in time! Lol

[josuearagon]

Nick is what you call a perfect drummer! He knows when to add the sauce and when to just to keep it pure and simple!

[ThinkShift]

Hey Nick, you are one of only a handful of professionals I know who combine raw talent with a natural ability to explain the concepts. You also have a terrific speaking style with great intonation and energy...thanks and way to go!!

[lynhooks]

keep in mind a click track does not have to to a single click sound. using Percussion tracks with shakers, Claps, congas and sub kicks tone samples help drive the groove. also they can be played thru the PA live to enhance your bands performance.

[TheUnMarketingGroup]

That’s one of the best produced click track videos on YouTube. Well done!

[davidnace]

Another great instructional video from Sweetwater. As a professional player I learn something every time I dial up one of these. Thanks Nick, You bring a lot of great energy and knowledge to these! It’s one thing to talk about it it’s another thing to be able to talk about it so fluently and turn around and demonstrate it. Thank you!

[afrohop]

Great video. Nick is a pro and explains everything well. I like how he references real life situations and makes it all relevant. Always very articulate which makes it all easy to understand and relate to.

[petercriscuolo]

I used to be dead set against the click track but becoming a professional drummer it is essential that your timing is perfect.It' is also about attitude.One must be willing to be open to tools to help drummers & all musicians alike become their best.

[aerosmith]

Those drums are tuned so lovely! It must be awesome to just kick back and get lost in that sound! Love your videos Nick! Very informative man, thank you!

[BenjaminGib]

Thanks Sweetwater and Nick for always making excellent videos!

[Salantsoundstudios]

Nick, you are seriously freaking great drummer man! Love the vids and love the shop!

[j-shwaadkins]

Well that was very informative. Ever since I saw Breaking Benjamin live I wondered what they meant by they didn't use click tracks. Now I have no opinion on using it but when I saw Shinedown I'm pretty sure they may have used them. Their show was amazing but I did notice that Breaking Benjamin's show was different in sound I guess is the way to put it.

[dougdale]

Nick, you can do a Masterclass! Awesome video. TY!

[DomainObject]

Great video. This explained a lot. Thanks.

[xTathoonx]

wish i could play drums so softly so tenderly and so cool like you

[FanaticDrummer]

Loving these Starclassics getting their use!

[richievega]

The second option at 2:19 is exactly the reason this concept does NOT work well with anything less than seasoned pros & drummers that have extremely solid time.

[meatyvibes]

Hi Nick,
Great video. I’m the drummer in my band and we are about to drop our new album and my job is to bring the backing tracks to the stage as a lot of the time, the studio musicians who played the extras can’t come or fit them on a particular stage. The issue is(apart from me being at the beginning stage of this technical journey) is some of the songs where not recorded to a click track so what are some of your suggestions in bringing the backing tracks to a live situation. They will be played from an SOD-SX. Cheers

[jwalkproduction]

I’m going crazy trying to figure out where the drum mics are!

[joshuafranczyk]

I was just curious what sort of microphone setup and placement is being used for this kit, really digging the sound but I don't see any mics on the drums or cymbals nor can I see what you're all using overhead?