Counting During a Song?

Question

When you are playing a song and you are counting, is it important to know the beat that you are on in a measure? (NOT while resting, WHILE PLAYING) By that I mean is it important to know if you are on beat 1,2 or 3 and so on??

Answer 1

You absolutely need to know the beat you are on. Whether you are a drummer, a guitar player, or a harpist, music has to be played with the correct accents and feel. The 2 and 4 beat are the back beat, if you want a groovy sound, you want to emphasize the back beat. Country music emphasizes the 1 and 3 beats. Without the accents, your music would lay flat and be sooooo boring.

Answer 2

I don't really think so, as long as you give the notes their full value it doesn't matter.

Answer 3

The better you are at counting while playing, the better you will be at sight reading music.  And it will also help you when hearing music (playing by ear)...to hear the exact rhythm that is being played.