ARTIST FEATURE: Eduardo Baltar Soares is a contemporary classical guitarist, pedagogue, researcher and performer of Portuguese folk music. Based in Portugal his music is loved world-wide for its vivid riffs and beautiful melodic content. Let’s see what he thinks about rhythm and time in music!

1) Why is rhythm important?

Rhythm is a structural and primordial element of Music and Art. It is present in several forms of human expressions from theater to painting. In fact, our body is made of rhythm, a vital pulse that regulates us.

2) How do you practice your rhythm and sense of time?

For me rhythm is motion. In order to have a strong feeling of pulse I think it’s essential to dance and sing before playing. If our body really feels the pulse then the process of working the choreography of our fingers becomes more fluent.

3) What are your favorite rhythmic exercises?

The metronome is a very useful tool. I use it to practice slowly and to mark different parts of the beat – I actually very rarely use it to mark the first beat. Playing while walking is also a very effective way of practicing. And of course dancing is always fun!

4) Can you name one thing that you like about the metronome on Metronome Online?

Extremely accessible and accurate tool. Excellent for students that don’t have a metronome and like to keep track of their practice.

VIDEO: Check out Portugalicia, a song celebrating classical and Portuguese guitar played by Eduardo and his duo partner Joao!