Common Tempo Markings
Why Use an Online Metronome?
A metronome is the most important practice tool for any musician. Whether you're learning guitar, drums, piano, or any other instrument, practicing with a metronome builds the internal clock that separates amateur players from professionals. Our free online metronome uses the Web Audio API for sample-accurate timing that won't drift, even during hour-long practice sessions.
How to Use This Metronome
- Set your tempo using the slider (30-250 BPM) or use Tap Tempo to match a song
- Choose a time signature - 4/4 for most music, 3/4 for waltzes, 6/8 for compound rhythms
- Click Play or press Spacebar to start the click track
- Practice slowly first - accuracy at 60 BPM beats sloppiness at 120 BPM
- Use Practice Mode to gradually increase tempo as you improve
Metronome for Guitar Practice
Guitar players benefit enormously from metronome practice. Use it for:
- Scale exercises: Set subdivisions to sixteenths and practice scales evenly
- Chord changes: Practice switching chords on beat 1 at a slow tempo
- Strumming patterns: Lock in your down-up strumming with the click
- Speed building: Use Practice Mode to increase from 60 to 120 BPM over 5 minutes
Metronome for Drummers
Every professional drummer practices with a click track. This metronome helps you:
- Develop internal timing: The visual beat counter helps you internalize the pulse
- Practice odd time signatures: 5/4, 7/8, and other complex meters
- Subdivisions: Practice ghost notes with eighth or sixteenth subdivisions
- Recording preparation: Get comfortable playing to a click before studio sessions
Common BPM Tempo Guide
Different musical styles typically use specific tempo ranges:
- 60-70 BPM: Ballads, slow songs, meditation music
- 80-100 BPM: Hip-hop, R&B, reggae
- 100-120 BPM: Pop, rock, most popular music
- 120-140 BPM: Dance, electronic, upbeat pop
- 140-180 BPM: Punk, metal, fast jazz
Tap Tempo: Find Any Song's BPM
Don't know the tempo of a song? Use our Tap Tempo feature. Simply tap the button (or press 'T') in time with the music, and the metronome will calculate the exact BPM. This is perfect for:
- Learning songs by ear
- Matching tempo for DJ mixing
- Finding the right practice speed
- Analyzing music for transcription
Practice Mode: Build Speed Safely
Our unique Practice Mode gradually increases the tempo over time. This technique, used by professional musicians and music teachers worldwide, helps you:
- Build speed without sacrificing accuracy
- Avoid injury from sudden tempo jumps
- Track your progress over practice sessions
- Stay motivated with achievable incremental goals
Keyboard Shortcuts
For faster workflow, use these keyboard shortcuts:
- Spacebar: Play/Pause
- Arrow Up/Down: Increase/Decrease BPM by 1
- T: Tap Tempo
- V: Toggle Visual Flash
- S: Save current settings as preset