Yes. We all must "literally count" the subdivided beat or "pulse" of the song while playing.

As with most other things in learning to play, this must be done conciously and usually at slower tempos at first, until it becomes an ingrained habit.

The beginning student, sometimes is necessary for the teacher to get the point across by counting out loud while they attempt to play the piece, "one and two and three and four and..."

Practice with a metronome. Start at a slow tempo that allows for you to always keep it even and on beat. Increase speed a little at a time with the repetitions.


--Mac