What is a metronome?
A metronome is a device that gives a steady pulse to help musicians play in time. The pulse is measured in BPM (beats-per-minute). A tempo marking of 60 BPM is equalled to one beat per second, while 120 BPM equals two beats per second.
A metronome can be used as a practice tool and can help you to maintain a steady tempo while learning difficult passages. Also, you can use it in live performances and recording studios to ensure an accurate tempo throughout the performance or session.
Use the metronome
Start by choosing a tempo using the slider or, the left and right arrow keys on your keyboard. Alternately, you can click on the “Tap” button at the desired tempo or by using the “t” key on your keyboard.
Choose the number of beats per measure at the bottom. Most music can have 4, 3 or 2 beats per measure, in music notation denoted by time signatures such as 4/4, 3/4, 2/4 and 2/2. You can always select 1 if you don’t know the number of beats per measure.
You can use the metronome to:
- Search the tempo indicated in the score. Set the metronome to the indicated tempo, establish the tempo, and stop the metronome before you start playing.
- Learn to play in time. Set the metronome to play 3 bars and mute 1 bar. Play a piece you know well and keep the tempo in the muted bar. Level up the difficulty by setting the numbers to 1/1 (played/muted), 2/2, and 4/4 respectively.