Free Online Metronome
A free metronome with subdivisions that helps musicians keep time with adjustable tempos and time signatures.
Due to iOS restrictions, the metronome audio does not function properly on Apple mobile phones and tablets. Please use a laptop, desktop computer, or an Android mobile device instead.
Subdivision
Accent Settings
Tempo Markings
Error:
Online Metronome with subdivision
Professional timing for musicians. A free metronome to enhance your rhythm practice, featuring time signatures, subdivisions, and patterns.
Related Online Music Tools & Virtual Instruments
-
Virtual Piano
Practice piano anywhere, anytime with our online piano keyboard
-
MIDI Converter
Convert audio files to MIDI format using AI technology, for FREE
-
MIDI Player
Designed to play back MIDI files with audio and visualization
-
Music Visualizer
Online music video maker for visualizing musical patterns and rhythms
-
MIDI to Audio (MP3 & WAV)
Convert MIDI to MP3 or WAV audio files for free
Online Metronome: Your Ultimate Music Practice Companion
Welcome to our online interactive metronome page, designed to enhance your musical journey. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned musician, our metronome is here to help you master rhythm, improve timing, and elevate your practice sessions.
What is a Metronome?
A metronome is a tool that produces a steady pulse, measured in beats per minute (BPM), to help musicians play rhythms accurately. It's essential for developing timing, ensuring consistent tempo, and mastering complex passages.
How to Use Our Metronome
- Set the Tempo: Adjust the BPM slider to your desired tempo. You can also tap the "Tap Tempo" button to match the tempo of a song you're learning.
- Choose Time Signature: Select the number of beats per measure to match the time signature of your piece.
- Select Subdivisions: Practice with quarter notes, eighth notes, triplets, or sixteenth notes by choosing the appropriate subdivision.
- Start Practicing: Click the "Start" button and begin playing along with the metronome.
- Additional features: Additionally you can customize the sound output by selecting one of the predefined sound options. You can also remove the accent sound of the first beat.
Benefits of Using a Metronome
- Improves Timing: Develop a strong internal sense of rhythm.
- Builds Consistency: Maintain a steady tempo throughout your performance.
- Enhances Precision: Master difficult passages by practicing slowly and increasing speed gradually.
- Supports Group Play: Sync better with other musicians during ensemble performances.
Tips for Practicing with a Metronome
- Start Slow: Begin at a tempo where you can play comfortably without mistakes.
- Incremental Increases: Gradually increase the BPM as you become more confident.
- Focus on Problem Areas: Isolate challenging sections and work on them separately.
- Use Subdivisions: Practice different rhythmic patterns to improve versatility.
Understanding Tempo Markings
Tempo markings indicate the speed of a piece. They are often written in Italian and correspond to specific BPM ranges:
- Grave: Very slow (20–40 BPM)
- Largo: Slow and broad (40–60 BPM)
- Larghetto: Broadly (60–66 BPM)
- Adagio: Slow and stately (66–76 BPM)
- Andante: Walking pace (76–108 BPM)
- Moderato: Moderate speed (108–120 BPM)
- Allegretto: Fast and bright (120–140 BPM)
- Allegro: Fast, quick and bright (140–168 BPM)
- Vivace: Lively and fast (168–176 BPM)
- Presto: Very fast (176–200 BPM)
- Prestissimo: Very, very fast (200+ BPM)
Exploring Time Signatures
Time signatures define how many beats are in a measure and which note value represents one beat.
- Simple Time: Beats divided into two (e.g., 2/4, 3/4, 4/4)
- Compound Time: Beats divided into three (e.g., 6/8, 9/8, 12/8)
- Complex Time: Irregular beats per measure (e.g., 5/4, 7/8)
Time signatures ranges:
- 2/4: Simple, 2 quarter notes per measure (Simple Duple Time Signature)
- 3/4: Simple, 3 quarter notes per measure (Simple Triple Time Signature)
- 4/4: Simple, 4 quarter notes per measure (Simple Quadruple Time Signature)
- 5/4: Simple, 5 quarter notes per measure (Complex Time Signature)
- 6/8: Compound, 2 dotted quarter notes per measure (Compound if triple subdivided, can also be subdivided in simple ways)
- 7/8: Complex Time Signature
- 8/8: Complex Time Signature
- 9/8: Compound, 3 dotted quarter notes per measure (Compound if triple subdivided, can also be subdivided in complex and simple ways)
- 10/8: Complex Time Signature
- 11/8: Complex Time Signature
- 12/8: Compound, 4 dotted quarter notes per measure (Compound if triple subdivided, can also be subdivided in complex and simple ways)
- 13/8: Complex Time Signature
Creative Practice Ideas
- Accent Shifts: Change the accentuation to practice syncopation.
- Mute Function: Use a metronome that mutes certain beats to test your internal timing.
- Alternate Tempos: Practice the same piece at different tempos to enhance adaptability.
Why Practice with a Metronome?
- Develops Discipline: Encourages consistent practice habits.
- Enhances Musicality: Helps interpret tempo markings accurately.
- Prepares for Performances: Builds confidence in timing for live settings.
- Facilitates Recording: Essential for studio sessions to keep tracks in sync.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
A metronome provides a consistent beat to help musicians maintain a steady tempo while practicing, ensuring accurate rhythm and timing.
-
Consider whether you prefer a mechanical, electronic, or online metronome. Online metronomes are convenient and often free, compatible with various devices.
-
Incorporate the metronome into your regular practice sessions, especially when working on timing, complex rhythms, or new pieces.
-
Yes, by starting at a slower tempo and gradually increasing the BPM, you can improve your speed while maintaining accuracy.
-
Subdivisions break down the main beats into smaller units (e.g., eighth notes, triplets), helping you practice more complex rhythms.
-
Accenting the first beat helps you identify the downbeat in each measure, which is useful for staying aligned with the time signature.
-
A metronome helps individual musicians maintain consistent timing, making it easier to synchronize when playing in a group.
-
While not necessary for every practice session, using a metronome is highly beneficial when working on timing, rhythm, and new or challenging pieces.
-
For genres like classical or jazz, where tempo may fluctuate, use the metronome to establish a foundational tempo before adding expressive timing variations.
-
Start with a moderate tempo around 60–80 BPM, adjusting based on your comfort level with the piece you're practicing.