Free Online Metronome
Keep perfect time with an adjustable BPM metronome, tap tempo, and visual beat pulse.
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How to Use This Metronome
- 1Set Your Tempo
Use the BPM slider or plus/minus buttons to choose a tempo between 40 and 240 BPM. Start lower than you think you need.
- 2Choose a Time Signature
Select 2, 3, 4, or 6 beats per measure to match the rhythm of what you're practicing.
- 3Use Tap Tempo
Tap the Tap Tempo button in time with a beat you hear or imagine. The metronome will calculate the BPM automatically.
- 4Start the Metronome
Click Start to hear the click and see the beat pulse light up. The downbeat (beat 1) is accented to help you keep your place.
- 5Build Speed Gradually
Practice until clean and consistent, then increase BPM in increments of 5–10. Never jump to full tempo before accuracy is there.
Italian Tempo Markings & BPM Guide
Common tempo terms and their approximate BPM ranges.
| Marking | BPM Range | Feel |
|---|---|---|
| Largo | 40–60 | Very slow and broad |
| Adagio | 66–76 | Slow and stately, expressive |
| Andante | 76–108 | Walking pace, moderate |
| Moderato | 108–120 | Moderate, unhurried |
| Allegretto | 112–120 | Moderately fast |
| Allegro | 120–156 | Fast and bright |
| Vivace | 156–176 | Lively and very fast |
| Presto | 168–200 | Very fast |
| Prestissimo | 200+ | Extremely fast |
Practice Tips
Start Slow
Play at a comfortable tempo first. Speed up only after you can play the passage cleanly and evenly.
Count Aloud
Saying the beat numbers or subdivisions out loud helps lock in timing and improves rhythmic accuracy.
Use Tap Tempo
Match the tempo of a song or exercise by tapping the tempo button instead of guessing the BPM.
Stay Relaxed
Keep your hands and body relaxed while you practice. Tension often causes timing to become uneven.
Practice Subdivisions
Set a slow tempo and mentally divide each click into 2 (eighth notes) or 4 (sixteenth notes). Tap your foot on the beat while your hands play the subdivisions to build rhythmic independence.
Record and Listen Back
Record yourself playing with the metronome and listen back. Small timing inconsistencies become obvious on playback that are hard to notice in the moment.
Common Time Signatures
Four beats per measure. The most common time signature in rock, pop, jazz, and classical music. Beat 1 is strongly accented.
Three beats per measure. Used in waltzes, minuets, and many classical pieces. Creates a circular, swaying feel — ONE two three, ONE two three.
Two beats per measure. Used in marches, polkas, and some folk music. Feels direct and forward-moving — ONE two, ONE two.
Six eighth-note beats grouped into two sets of three. Creates a flowing, triplet-based feel common in Irish jigs, ballads, and some classical works.
Metronome FAQ
Start slow enough that you can play cleanly without mistakes, then gradually increase. Beginners should aim for 60–80 BPM on most exercises. Only increase when your timing is consistent.
Tap the Tap Tempo button in time with the beat you want. The metronome averages the intervals between taps and automatically sets the BPM to match.
Yes. The metronome provides a steady click and visual pulse that works for any instrument — guitar, piano, violin, drums, voice, or any other. It's also useful for non-musical timing practice.
BPM stands for Beats Per Minute. It measures how fast a piece of music moves. 60 BPM equals one beat per second. Most popular music falls between 80 and 140 BPM.
Start at 60–80 BPM for most exercises. Play slowly until every note or chord change feels natural and clean. Then increase in steps of 5–10 BPM. Never rush to full tempo before accuracy is established.
Use 4/4 for most rock, pop, and classical pieces. Use 3/4 for waltzes. Use 2/4 for marches and polkas. Use 6/8 for music with a compound, triplet-based feel like Irish jigs.
A metronome builds rhythmic precision, reveals where your timing drifts, and trains your internal sense of pulse. Regular metronome practice reduces rushing and dragging and makes ensemble playing much more reliable.
4/4 has four beats per measure — the most common time signature. 3/4 has three beats, creating a waltz-like, circular feel. Set the metronome to 3 beats per measure and accent beat 1 to practice waltz timing.
Set a slow BPM and mentally divide each click into 2 (eighth notes) or 4 (sixteenth notes). Tap your foot on each click while your hands play the subdivisions. This builds independence between your internal pulse and physical movement.
Allegro typically falls between 120 and 156 BPM. Italian tempo markings range from Largo (40–60 BPM) through Andante (76–108 BPM) and Moderato (108–120 BPM) up to Presto (168–200 BPM) and Prestissimo (200+ BPM).
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