What's a good bpm for this song?

erik · Posted 27 Jul 2007 11:31 am

I'm going to redo this song I'm changing it a bit and it's too slow. I think this was recorded at 78bpm in 4/4 time. I just tried it at 80, but wonder if that is too slow also. Would like opinion from experienced players. TIA

added: Here is a short test clip with a bouncier arrangement at 84bpm. Let me know if this is a better approach. Scratch demo, sub-standard playing/singing.
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-johnson

Tony Prior · From: Charlotte NC

Hi erik, I listened to your song, obviously you wrote it.

the beat kinda reminds me of an early Merle or Waylon tune. If it is indeed at 78 ( I didn't check it ) or so I would raise the bpm up a bit.

good job

tp

Dave Mudgett · From: Central Pennsylvania and Gallatin, Tennessee

I listened - FWIW, my Zoom rhythm machine synched up to the recording at more like 86 BPM.

I agree that it drags a bit, but I don't think it's just speed - I think the rhythmic feel needs to be snappier - a bit more syncopated - and you need to stay on top of it more. I think the tempo could be upped fractionally - I played along with a similar feel on the rhythm machine and liked 6 BPM faster, which kept a relaxed but snappy feel. I also tried some slightly faster tempos which, to my tastes, might be OK, but changed the feel from what you seem to be going for.

Just my opinions, of course.

erik · Posted 27 Jul 2007 5:13 pm

I posted this here a long time ago, like '01 or '02. It was never how I originally intended but after I posted it I got lazy and never redid it. It was done on a ZOOM recorder and duh, I guess I could have tried syncing up with it myself. It does appear to be 86. I did however want feedback on whether it should be sped up. It will be more syncopated. I will also raise the key a half step for the last verse. Thanks for your input.
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-johnson

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