The online metronome provides accurate beat timing using the Web Audio API. Set your BPM and time signature, use tap tempo to match a song's speed, or use the tempo markings reference to find the right feel for a piece.
Metronome
Tempo Markings
How to Use a Metronome for Practice
A metronome trains your internal sense of time — the foundation of all musical performance. Even professional musicians practice with metronomes regularly to maintain rhythmic precision and catch timing tendencies they can't hear themselves.
Start Slow, Then Speed Up
Set the metronome to a tempo where you can play the passage correctly every time. If you're making mistakes, the tempo is too fast. Increase by 5 BPM only after playing through without errors 3 times in a row. This builds muscle memory correctly rather than reinforcing mistakes.
Using Tap Tempo
Tap along with a recording to measure its BPM. Tap at least 8 times for accuracy — the calculator averages your taps. Once you have the song's BPM, you can practice at that exact speed or slower. Tap tempo is also useful for setting a consistent starting tempo before recording or performing with a backing track.
FAQ
Is this online metronome free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required. Works in any modern browser.
What BPM is Allegro?
Allegro is typically 120-168 BPM (fast and lively). The most common tempos: Largo 40-60, Andante 76-108, Moderato 108-120, Allegro 120-168, Presto 168+. These are classical markings — in modern practice, exact BPM targets vary by style and context.
How does tap tempo work?
Tap tempo lets you tap a button in rhythm with a song or performance to measure its BPM. The metronome averages the time between multiple taps to calculate the beats per minute. Tap at least 4 times for accuracy — more taps give a better average.
What time signature should I use?
4/4 is the most common time signature — 4 beats per measure, quarter note gets one beat. 3/4 is waltz time (3 beats). 6/8 has a swinging feel with 2 groups of 3 eighth notes. Use 4/4 for most pop, rock, and jazz; 3/4 for waltzes and some classical pieces; 6/8 for jigs and compound rhythms.
Can I use this metronome for practice?
Yes. Start at a slow BPM where you can play cleanly and accurately, then gradually increase by 5-10 BPM as you master each speed. This is the most effective way to build technique and speed without ingraining mistakes.