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Online Metronome

Tap in a tempo, set the meter, and subdivide the beat when you need to check your time.

BPM

1
2
3
4
20500ms per beat300

Tempo Guide

These are common modern ranges. The Italian words describe character, and metronome books disagree on exact numbers.

Grave20–40
Largo40–60
Adagio60–76
Andante76–108
Moderato108–120
Allegro120–156
Vivace156–176
Presto176–200
Prestissimo200–300

How to Use the Online Metronome

  1. Set your BPM using the slider, number input, quick presets, or fine-adjust buttons.
  2. Hit Start to begin. The beat indicators pulse on each beat. Beat 1 is larger and in the accent color, the rest are dark.
  3. Use Tap to set the tempo by tapping along to a song. Tap at least 3–4 times for an accurate reading.
  4. Change the time signature for waltz (3/4), marches (2/4), or compound meters (6/8).
  5. Add subdivisions (eighths, triplets, 16ths) for tighter practice.

Why Practice with a Metronome?

A metronome keeps you honest. It reveals timing inconsistencies that you can't hear when playing alone. Practicing with a metronome builds internal timing, the ability to keep a steady pulse without external help. This is the foundation of playing with other musicians.

Start slow. If you can't play a passage cleanly at 60 BPM, you can't play it cleanly at 120 BPM. Increase by 5–10 BPM once the current tempo feels comfortable and automatic.

  • Put the click on 2 and 4. For 120, set 60 in 2/4: the accented click is 2 and the lighter click is 4. You feel 1 and 3 yourself, and that is how a swing or funk drummer feels the pocket.
  • Move up only after three clean passes in a row. When a tempo falls apart, drop back 10 BPM and do not fight it.
  • In 6/8, “dotted quarter = 60” means set 180 here. 7/8 usually groups as 2+2+3 or 3+2+2. Count that aloud because the click accents only beat 1.

Understanding Time Signatures

  • 4/4 (Common Time): 4 beats per measure. The most common time signature in popular music.
  • 3/4 (Waltz Time): 3 beats per measure. Used in waltzes, some ballads, and folk songs.
  • 2/4 (March Time): 2 beats per measure. Marches and polkas.
  • 6/8 (Compound): Two main beats, each split into three eighth notes. Jigs and many ballads. This metronome counts all six, so a dotted quarter at 60 means setting 180. Beat 4 gets a lighter accent than beat 1.
  • 5/4: 5 beats per measure. Uncommon but iconic (“Take Five”, composed by Paul Desmond for the Dave Brubeck Quartet).
  • 7/8: 7 eighth-note beats. Progressive rock and Balkan music.

What Are Subdivisions?

Subdivisions divide each beat into smaller parts. They help you practice rhythmic precision:

  • Quarter: One click per beat. Standard metronome sound.
  • Eighth: Two clicks per beat. Helps with offbeat timing.
  • Triplet: Three clicks per beat. Essential for swing and shuffle feels.
  • 16th: Four clicks per beat. For very precise rhythmic work.

In 6/8 and 7/8 the beat is the eighth note, so the same four options are named Eighth, 16th, Triplet, and 32nd. A change made while the metronome is playing starts on the next beat, so the beat never moves.

Frequently Asked Questions

What BPM should I practice at?

Start at whatever tempo you can play the passage perfectly, even if that's 40 BPM. Increase by 5 BPM once it feels easy. Rushing to a fast tempo with sloppy execution trains bad habits.

How does Tap Tempo work?

Tap the Tap button rhythmically at least 3–4 times. The metronome calculates the average interval between your taps and sets the BPM accordingly. Great for matching the tempo of a song you're listening to.

Does this work on mobile?

Yes. The metronome uses the Web Audio API for precise timing. Touch the Start button to begin. Some mobile browsers require a user interaction before playing audio.

Is this metronome accurate?

Yes, while the tab is in front. Clicks are scheduled ahead of time on the Web Audio clock, which keeps the timing steady. Browsers may throttle background tabs, which can make clicks drop out, so keep this tab in front while you practice.

Is this free?

Yes. No signup, no downloads. Runs entirely in your browser.

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