Free Online Metronome
A precise practice metronome with adjustable tempo and beats per bar — crisp clicks, no download.
Tip: tap the tempo with your keyboard — press the spacebar on each beat to set the BPM.
How to use the metronome
- Set your tempo with the BPM slider (or tap the spacebar to the beat).
- Choose beats per bar to match your time signature.
- Press Start — the first beat of each bar plays a higher accent click.
- Practice along, then nudge the tempo up as you improve.
How to practice with a metronome
Start painfully slow — about half the speed you think you can handle — and only raise the tempo when a passage feels effortless. The classic method is to bump the BPM by 4–8 each day on difficult sections. Use the accent beat to internalize time signatures: count "1-2-3-4" with the louder click landing on 1. For groove work, try setting the metronome to half time (clicks on beats 2 and 4) so you supply the pulse yourself. And remember the metronome is a mirror, not a judge: rushing usually means tension, so slow down, relax your hands, and let the click do the counting.
Frequently asked questions
What BPM should a beginner start at?
Around 60–80 BPM for most exercises. Speed means nothing without accuracy — master it slow first.
Why does the first beat sound different?
It is the accent beat marking the start of each bar, which helps you feel the time signature while playing.
Can I use this for odd time signatures?
Yes — set beats per bar up to 8. For signatures like 7/8, count the subdivisions yourself against the clicks.
Is an online metronome as accurate as a physical one?
This one uses the Web Audio clock with lookahead scheduling, so timing stays tight regardless of what your browser is doing.