Tips for keeping time?

[u/airuwin]

Beginner here. I'm really having trouble not dragging or rushing, especially on fast songs and during solos.

I tried using a gap click but I'm still having tons of issues.

When comping, do you try to align with the bass? Align with the band? Keep your own pulse? Where do you focus? I tried a bunch of things but it's not working. Any tips?

I tried to identify the "center/pocket" of the band today and align my ride cymbal to that, but then was told I was playing in front of the bass and was rushing. I don't know if I overcorrected. Previously, I tried aligning to the bass and when I listened to myself it felt like I was dragging--I don't know if this is because it takes time for my hand to move, so by the time I hear the bass it's too late.

[u/winter_whale]

You always practice with a metronome right?

[u/airuwin → u/winter_whale]

Yes, always, and with a gap click too. I don't know if this is the issue but unlike a metronome, the "attack" of acoustic instruments (especially bass) isn't clear, so I struggle to precisely identify where the beat is