Here's how to find out with a simple test.

Below is an 8 bar, quarter note bass line.  Below that is an MP3 practice track to play along to.

The kicker: the band stops playing at the end of Bar 6. Your job is to play the line and make sure you hit the downbeat when the chord progression returns to Bar 1.

If you can do that...congratulations, your "internal clock" is in a pretty good place.

If you can't do that however....it's something you need to work on. See below for more details.

Here's the audio file so you can test out your Internal Clock.

A 'rough and ready' version of the test is to hit 'play' and tap through and see how accurate you are at coming back in on the downbeat.

If you discovered that your Internal Clock needs some work, then my latest book can help you out.

It contains a sequential series of exercises to help you build, develop and maintain your internal clock. These exercises start with the quarter note groove you see above, progress to straight 8th note exercises, swing 8th note and 16th note.

There are also advanced exercises that help you move to 'Drop 12.' Plus there are over 300 MP3 practice tracks that match up with the sequential exercises.

Being able to keep steady time is a foundational skill that all drummers and all bass players should have.  TIME AND GROOVE FOR BASS GUITAR will help you develop that ability - click the link for your local Amazon store below to order it today.

Link to the book on  Amazon.com - click here

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Link to the book on Amazon.de - click here

Link to the book on Amazon.com.au - click here

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Link to the book on Amazon.es - click here

PS - here's what the exercise should sound like: