Metronome
Keep perfect rhythm while practising music with adjustable BPM and multiple time signatures. Set tempo, choose 2/4 to 6/8, and use tap tempo to match any song.
What is a Metronome?
Keep steady time while practising any instrument. This metronome uses the Web Audio API's precision scheduling system (AudioContext.currentTime) for sample-accurate timing — it won't drift even during long practice sessions. The first beat of each measure can be accented with a louder, higher-pitched click for clear downbeat reference. Support for common time signatures (2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 6/8) covers most musical situations. Use the BPM slider or +/- buttons for precise tempo adjustment, or tap the "Tap tempo" button rhythmically to match the tempo of a song you're learning. The tempo preset labels (Largo, Adagio, Andante, Moderato, Allegro, Presto) follow standard musical terminology and serve as both quick-select buttons and an educational reference. For timed practice sessions, pair with the countdown timer.
Common Uses
- Music practice at correct tempo: Beginners use a metronome to learn pieces at 50–60% of target speed before gradually increasing to performance tempo.
- Sight-reading training: Set the metronome to a slow, steady beat to practise reading new music accurately before adding expressive dynamics.
- Drum rudiment practice: Drummers use a metronome to drill paradiddles, flams, and rudiments at increasing BPMs to build speed and consistency.
- Band and ensemble synchronisation: Ensemble rehearsals start at a shared reference tempo to ensure all players have a consistent beat baseline.
- Recording session preparation: Producers set the DAW tempo by first matching it to a live metronome reference before laying down click tracks.
- Exam preparation (ABRSM/Trinity): Music exam syllabi specify tempo ranges — use the metronome to confirm your performance falls within the required BPM.
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy: Physiotherapists use rhythmic auditory stimulation at specific BPMs to assist gait training and motor rhythm rehabilitation.
FAQ
How accurate is the metronome?
It uses AudioContext.currentTime for scheduling, which is accurate to the audio sample level (1/44100th of a second). This is the same precision used by professional digital audio workstations. You won't hear any drift.
What is tap tempo?
Tap the button rhythmically at the tempo you want. The metronome calculates the average time between your taps and sets the BPM accordingly. Useful for matching the tempo of a song.
What time signature should I use?
4/4 is the most common in pop, rock, and jazz. 3/4 is used for waltzes and some folk music. 6/8 is common in jigs and some ballads. 2/4 is used in marches and polkas.
Does the metronome store any data?
No. Tempo and time signature settings exist only in the browser tab's memory. Nothing is sent to a server or stored after you close the tab.
How accurate is the browser metronome timing?
The metronome uses the Web Audio API's precise scheduling, which is significantly more accurate than setTimeout. Timing accuracy is within a few milliseconds, suitable for practice though not for professional studio recording.
By the Numbers
- Standard tempo markings: Largo (40–60 BPM), Andante (76–108 BPM), Allegro (120–156 BPM), Presto (168–200 BPM)
- Johann Nepomuk Maelzel was granted a patent for the mechanical metronome in 1815 (Smithsonian collections)
- Research shows musicians who practice with a metronome demonstrate significantly better rhythmic accuracy in performance assessments (Journal of Research in Music Education)
- The average adult resting heart rate of 60–100 BPM falls in the Andante to Moderato tempo range