Metronome
Open in new tabA metronome is a device that produces a steady beat to help musicians keep time while playing or practicing.
Features
Adjustable tempo from 10 to 1200 BPM with fine control
Visual beat indicator synchronized with audio clicks
Support for different time signatures (2/4, 3/4, 4/4, etc.)
Export your sequences as MIDI or audio files for use in other applications
How to Use
- 1Set your desired tempo using the slider or +/- buttons
- 2Select one of the presets or import your own sequence
- 3Click the play button to start the metronome
- 4Practice playing in time with the beat, watching for the accent on the first beat of each measure
Metronome Tempo
Tempo refers to the speed at which a musical piece is performed. It is measured in beats per minute (BPM) and can significantly influence the character of a composition. Select a tempo to see more details.
Largo
40-60 BPMExtremely slow tempo emphasizing weight and gravity.
Adagio
66-76 BPMCalm and soothing tempo, conducive to reflection.
Andante
76-108 BPMA natural pace similar to human walking — balanced and calm.
Moderato
108-120 BPMA versatile tempo — neither lazy nor rushed.
Allegro
120-168 BPMLively, driving tempo — sets the rhythm for the body and heart.
Presto
168-200 BPMExpression, virtuosity, and adrenaline — extreme tempo.
Tips
Start Slowly
Begin at a comfortable tempo and gradually increase speed, building accuracy and confidence.
Be Consistent
Focus on maintaining a steady tempo rather than playing fast. Consistency matters more than speed.
Use Subdivisions
Practice counting subdivisions (eighths, sixteenths) to improve your sense of rhythm.
Meter
Meter is a rhythmic pattern of beats (measures) that gives music its structure and tempo. Different meters have different accent patterns and numbers of beats per measure. Select a meter to see more information about it.
The most common meter in Western music. Four quarter notes per measure.
Rhythmic Pattern:
The red color indicates an accent (strong beat), while the blue color indicates an unaccented (weak) part of the measure.
Musical Examples:
Common Usage:
Practice Techniques
Effective methods for practicing with a metronome
Slow Practice
Start practicing at a slow tempo to build accuracy and muscle memory before increasing speed.
Steps
- 1
Set the metronome to 50–60% of your target tempo
- 2
Play the piece focusing on precision
- 3
Gradually increase the tempo by 5–10 BPM
- 4
Only speed up once you can play cleanly
Benefits
- ●Builds muscle memory
- ●Improves precision
- ●Reduces tension
- ●Prevents bad habits
💡 Tips
- ●Be patient with the process
- ●Focus on clean execution
- ●Don’t rush the tempo increase
Subdivision Practice
Practice playing different note values to enhance rhythmic precision and internal timing.
Steps
- 1
Set the metronome to a moderate tempo
- 2
Play quarter notes for one bar
- 3
Switch to eighth notes for one bar
- 4
Continue with sixteenth notes
- 5
Mix different subdivisions
Benefits
- ●Enhances rhythmic precision
- ●Develops internal pulse
- ●Improves timing flexibility
- ●Builds rhythmic vocabulary
💡 Tips
- ●Count out loud while playing
- ●Use a metronome that clicks subdivisions
- ●Start with simple patterns
Accent Practice
Practice emphasizing different beats to improve dynamic control and rhythmic awareness.
Steps
- 1
Set the metronome to a comfortable tempo
- 2
Play with the accent on the first beat
- 3
Move the accent to beat 2, then 3, then 4
- 4
Practice accenting off-beats
- 5
Combine different accent patterns
Benefits
- ●Improves dynamic control
- ●Enhances rhythmic awareness
- ●Adds musical expression
- ●Builds coordination
💡 Tips
- ●Make accents clear but not harsh
- ●Keep unaccented notes steady
- ●Practice with different dynamics
Polyrhythm Practice
Practice playing multiple rhythmic patterns simultaneously to develop advanced coordination.
Steps
- 1
Start with simple 2 against 3 patterns
- 2
Use a metronome for a steady pulse
- 3
Practice each hand separately first
- 4
Combine both hands slowly
- 5
Gradually increase complexity
Benefits
- ●Builds advanced coordination
- ●Improves rhythmic independence
- ●Enhances musical sophistication
- ●Trains mental focus
💡 Tips
- ●Start very slowly
- ●Use counting systems
- ●Practice regularly in short sessions
Advanced Rhythmic Concepts
Explore complex rhythmic techniques for experienced musicians
2 Against 3
Basic polyrhythm where two equal rhythmic values are performed against three in the same time unit. Creates characteristic tension and is the foundation of many complex rhythms.
Pattern Visualization:
Legend:
Tips:
Divide the cycle into 6 equal parts. One hand plays on positions 1 and 4, the other on 1, 3, and 5. Notice both hands only play together on 'one'.
Practice each hand separately with a metronome to build stability and independence before combining both parts.
Start at very slow tempo (e.g., 40-50 BPM), focusing on precision rather than speed.
3 Against 4
Advanced polyrhythm involving three equal notes overlaid against four equal notes in the same time unit. Common in jazz and classical music.
Pattern Visualization:
Legend:
Tips:
Divide the cycle into 12 equal parts. Hand playing '3' strikes on positions 1, 5, and 9. Hand playing '4' strikes on 1, 4, 7, and 10. The only common point is the cycle start.
Stabilize the '4' rhythm in one hand as a steady pulse, then try to 'weave' the '3' rhythm with the other hand, focusing on its relationship to the base pulse.
Use different body parts to separate rhythms (e.g., foot playing pulse on 4, hand playing pulse on 3), which helps build coordination.
Important Notice for Musicians
These advanced techniques require solid rhythmic fundamentals and knowledge of music theory. Before attempting these exercises, ensure you have mastered basic rhythmic patterns in standard meters. Always start at slow tempos (40-60 BPM) and gradually increase speed. Regular practice with a metronome is crucial for success.
History of the Metronome
Discover the fascinating history of this essential musical tool.
Metronome Prototype
Étienne Loulié designed a device for measuring tempo
His 'chronomètre' was the first attempt to standardize musical tempo
Mälzel's Metronome
Johann N. Mälzel patented and popularized the metronome
Based on an earlier design by Dietrich Nikolaus Winkel
Beethoven and the Metronome
Ludwig van Beethoven was the first composer to use metronome markings
He included precise tempo indications in his works using Mälzel’s device
Electronic Metronomes
Development of electronic and digital metronomes
Greater precision, sound features, and customizable accents
Fun Facts
The Name 'Metronome'
Comes from Greek: 'metron' (measure) and 'nomos' (law, rule)
What Did They Look Like?
In the 19th century, metronomes had a wooden, pyramid-shaped case with a visible pendulum and a sliding weight to set the tempo. Their elegant design often resembled small table clocks.
Metronome Quiz
Test your knowledge of rhythm and metronomes