A metronome is a device or app that produces a steady click, pulse, or beat at a set tempo measured in BPM (beats per minute). Musicians use it to practice keeping consistent time, align with other players, and gradually build speed. This online metronome runs in the browser using the Web Audio API — no mechanical parts, no batteries required.

How do I use this metronome?

Set a BPM using the number display, scroll wheel, or arrow keys. Choose a time signature from the menu (4/4 is the default). Press Play or tap Space to start. Beat 1 of each bar plays with an accent. If you do not know your target BPM, use Tap Tempo: tap the button in rhythm and the metronome calculates the tempo from your taps.

BPM stands for beats per minute — it measures how fast or slow a tempo is. A metronome set to 60 BPM plays one beat per second. Higher BPM means faster tempo.

What are common tempo markings and their BPM ranges?

Common tempo markings: Largo (40–60 BPM), Adagio (66–76 BPM), Andante (76–108 BPM), Moderato (108–120 BPM), Allegro (120–156 BPM), Vivace (156–176 BPM), Presto (168–200 BPM).

Tap tempo lets you set the BPM by tapping a button in rhythm. The metronome calculates the average interval between your taps and sets the tempo accordingly — useful when you know how a piece feels but not its exact BPM.

Is an online metronome accurate?

Yes. This metronome uses the Web Audio API for sample-accurate scheduling — each click is timed by the browser's audio engine rather than a JavaScript timer, making it as precise as a dedicated hardware metronome for all practical purposes.

What is swing in music?

Swing shifts the timing of subdivisions so that pairs of notes fall unevenly — the first note is held longer and the second is shorter. It gives music a laid-back, shuffled feel common in jazz and blues. A swing value of 0% is straight time; higher values increase the uneven feel.

What does Tempo Ramp do?

Tempo Ramp steps the BPM by a fixed amount at regular bar intervals — for example, +5 BPM every 8 bars — starting from a chosen BPM. Ideal for tempo training: start a passage slowly and let the metronome accelerate automatically. An optional second stage applies a different change rate once a switch BPM is reached. An optional Stop BPM caps the progression at a chosen value.

What time signatures does this metronome support?

This metronome supports nine time signatures: 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 5/4, and 7/4 (simple meters), plus 6/8, 7/8, 9/8, and 12/8 (compound meters). Beat 1 plays with an accent, and 11 subdivision patterns are available: quarter, eighths, eighth-note triplet, sixteenths, shuffle triplet, dotted eighth + sixteenth, sixteenth + dotted eighth (Scotch snap), eighth + two sixteenths, two sixteenths + eighth, quintuplet, and septuplet.

What is a Scotch snap?

A Scotch snap is a rhythm where a short note (a sixteenth) is followed by a longer note (a dotted eighth), creating a sharp short-long attack that lands directly on the beat. It is the defining rhythm of Scottish strathspey dance music — hence the name — and also turns up in Cajun fiddle, Bartók, and contemporary hip-hop and trap drum programming. To practice it on this metronome, select subdivision 7 (sixteenth + dotted eighth). The first click hits the beat, the second click follows quickly, and most of the beat is silent before the next downbeat.

What is a shuffle triplet and how do I practice it?

A shuffle triplet replaces a pair of straight eighth notes with the first and third notes of an eighth-note triplet — the middle triplet note is silent. The result is the classic long-short swing feel heard in blues, jazz shuffles, and early rock and roll. Unlike swing (which shifts subdivisions gradually by percentage), a shuffle locks the rhythm into a strict 2:1 ratio across each beat. To practice on this metronome, select subdivision 5 (shuffle triplet). Start at 60–80 BPM until the placement of the off-beat feels automatic, then raise the tempo.

What is the dotted eighth + sixteenth rhythm?

Dotted eighth + sixteenth is a long-short pattern where the first note lasts three-quarters of the beat and the second note lasts the remaining quarter. It is the defining rhythm of military marches, French overtures, and Baroque keyboard music. To practice on this metronome, select subdivision 6. The first click sits on the beat, the second click pops in just before the next downbeat. The Scotch snap (subdivision 7) is the same two notes reversed — short-long instead of long-short.

What are quintuplets and septuplets?

A quintuplet divides one beat into five equal notes; a septuplet divides it into seven. Both belong to a family called tuplets and appear regularly in contemporary classical music, modern jazz solos, and progressive rock and metal. They are notoriously difficult to feel naturally because, unlike duplets, triplets, or quadruplets, they do not subdivide cleanly into smaller groups. To practice on this metronome, select subdivision 10 (quintuplet) or 11 (septuplet). Start at 40–60 BPM and listen to where the off-beat clicks fall against the main pulse.

How do I practice odd subdivisions like 5 or 7 per beat?

Start at a tempo slow enough to clearly hear every subdivision click — typically 40–60 BPM. Set the subdivision to 10 (quintuplet) or 11 (septuplet) and listen for several bars without playing anything; let your body absorb the placement of the off-beats first. Next, clap or tap quietly along with every subdivision click. Once that feels stable, play scales or simple licks at the same tempo, locking each note to a subdivision. Many players vocalize syllables like ta-ka-di-mi-ti for quintuplets and ta-ki-ta-ki-ta-ki-ta for septuplets. Raise the BPM by 4–5 only after the slower tempo feels automatic.

What is the difference between 3/4 and 6/8 time?

Both have six eighth-note subdivisions per bar but they group differently. In 3/4 (simple triple), beats group in threes with a strong emphasis on beat 1. In 6/8 (compound duple), beats group in twos of three, giving a rolling, lilting feel common in jigs and ballads. This metronome supports both — select the time signature from the menu.

What are groove patterns and how do I use them?

Groove patterns are pre-programmed rhythmic templates drawn from world music traditions — Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, West African, Middle Eastern, Caribbean, funk, and more. Select a pattern from the Groove menu and the metronome plays that rhythmic figure against your chosen time signature and BPM. Useful for learning a style's underlying rhythm or accompanying practice sessions.

What click sounds are available, and is there a cat meow metronome?

There are 11 click sounds to choose from: studio click, wood block, sine tone, beep, hi-hat, rimshot, clave, marimba, bell, vibraphone, and cat meow. The cat meow sound is worth trying — select it from the Sound menu in Settings to replace every beat with a real meow. It also unlocks a full cat-mode theme with animated visuals, cat-themed labels, and a scrolling cat facts ticker.

What is a good BPM to practice at?

Start 20–30% below your target performance tempo — slow enough that every note is accurate and relaxed. A common approach: set the metronome to a speed where you make zero mistakes, practise until it feels easy, then raise the BPM by 5 and repeat. For most pieces, 60–80 BPM is a productive starting point before building toward performance speed.

Can I use a metronome for jazz?

Yes — jazz musicians regularly practise with a metronome for time feel and subdivision accuracy. This metronome's swing control shifts subdivisions to a laid-back, shuffled feel typical of jazz and blues. You can also layer Afro-Cuban groove patterns such as son clave or habanera for authentic Latin jazz rhythm work.

What does 4/4 time mean?

4/4 time means four beats per bar, with the quarter note receiving one beat. It is the most common time signature in popular music, rock, and classical. The metronome accent on beat 1 marks the start of each bar. Select 4/4 from the time signature menu — it is the default.

What is the difference between simple and compound time?

In simple time (2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 5/4, 7/4) each beat divides into two equal parts. In compound time (6/8, 7/8, 9/8, 12/8) each beat divides into three equal parts, giving a flowing triplet-feel pulse. This metronome supports both — pick any time signature and choose from 11 subdivision patterns including straight (quarter, eighths, sixteenths), triplet, shuffle, dotted-eighth + sixteenth, Scotch snap, quintuplet, and septuplet to explore either feel.

Can I use this metronome offline?

Yes. This metronome installs as a Progressive Web App (PWA). After your first visit, all audio, logic, and interface files are cached locally. Add it to your home screen or desktop and use it without an internet connection — no account or subscription required.

What keyboard shortcuts does this metronome have?

Space bar starts and stops the metronome. The up and down arrow keys increase or decrease BPM by 1. Scroll the mouse wheel over the BPM display to adjust tempo. In Conductor View, tap anywhere on the screen or press Space to start and stop.

Can the metronome automatically increase or decrease tempo?

Yes. Tempo Ramp mode steps the BPM by a fixed amount every N bars automatically. Set a positive step value to accelerate (e.g. +5 BPM every 8 bars) or a negative value to decelerate (e.g. −5 BPM every 8 bars). Enable it from the Ramp button below the BPM display.

What is Stage 2 in Tempo Ramp and how does it work?

Stage 2 applies a different step size once a switch BPM is reached, giving a two-phase progression in a single session. For example: increase by 10 BPM every 4 bars up to 100 BPM, then automatically switch to +2 BPM every 16 bars for a slow final approach to performance tempo. An optional Stop BPM cap halts the ramp automatically when you reach your target.

Does this metronome support 7/8, 5/4, and other odd time signatures?

Yes — nine time signatures in total: 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 5/4, and 7/4 (simple meters), plus 6/8, 7/8, 9/8, and 12/8 (compound meters). Beat 1 of every bar plays with an accent, which is particularly useful in 5/4 and 7/4 where the longer bar can feel disorienting. 7/8 and 9/8 are common in Balkan, Turkish, and progressive rock music; 12/8 is the standard compound feel for blues and gospel.

Free Online Metronome

120

Meter

Subdivisions

Sound

Swing

Groove

Volume

80%

Sub volume

70%

Accent beat 1

Audible subs

Count-in

Space · play/stop · Scroll or ↑↓ to adjust BPM

Features

Nine time signatures including odd and compound meters

A free, precise online metronome for musicians, students, and composers. Set any tempo from 20 to 300 BPM across nine time signatures: the common simple meters 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4, plus the asymmetric odd meters 5/4 and 7/4, and the compound meters 6/8, 7/8, 9/8, and 12/8. Beat 1 of every bar plays with an accent regardless of meter — especially useful in 5/4 and 7/4 where the bar length can feel disorienting, as the accent resets your sense of the downbeat on every cycle. 7/8 and 9/8 are common in Balkan, Turkish, and progressive rock music; 12/8 is the standard compound feel for blues and gospel. All nine time signatures work with 11 subdivision patterns: quarter, eighths, eighth-note triplet, sixteenths, shuffle triplet, dotted eighth + sixteenth, sixteenth + dotted eighth (Scotch snap), eighth + two sixteenths, two sixteenths + eighth, quintuplet, and septuplet.

Swing for jazz, blues, and shuffle feel

The swing control shifts the timing of every second subdivision so that note pairs fall unevenly — the first note longer, the second shorter. At 0% the feel is straight; as swing increases, the ratio shifts toward the jazz triplet feel where the first subdivision takes two-thirds of the beat and the second takes one-third; at 50% the feel reaches maximum shuffle. Swing works across all time signatures and is compatible with every groove pattern — a son clave at 20% swing sounds distinctly looser and more conversational than straight clave, closer to the feel of live Afro-Cuban ensemble playing. For blues shuffle drumming, try 30–40% swing in 4/4 with subdivisions set to 2.

20 groove patterns for world-music rhythm training

Afro-Cuban: tresillo (the foundational three-stroke pattern underlying son, salsa, and cumbia), habanera (four-stroke pattern of the habanera dance form), cinquillo (five-stroke mambo and danzón variant), charleston, son clave 3-2, son clave 2-3, and rumba clave. Brazilian: baião (the dotted driving rhythm of northeastern forró) and samba clave. West African: kpanlogo (Ga recreational dance from Ghana), kuku (Mande ceremonial rhythm from Guinea), fanga (Mande welcome dance), and afrobeat (Fela Kuti's two-bar bell pattern). Middle Eastern: maqsum (the most common rhythm in Egyptian pop and belly dance) and baladi (heavier downbeat variant). Caribbean: one-drop reggae (accent on beat 3 only) and ska (off-beat accents). Funk and electronic: funk, second line (New Orleans parade music), and four-on-the-floor. All patterns work with every time signature, BPM, swing setting, and subdivision.

11 click sounds including cat meow

Pick from 11 synthesised click sounds: studio click, wood block, sine tone, beep, hi-hat, rimshot, clave, marimba, bell, vibraphone, or cat meow — the cat meow unlocks a full cat-mode theme with animated visuals, themed labels, and a scrolling cat facts ticker.

Tempo Ramp for systematic speed training

Tempo Ramp steps the BPM automatically at regular bar intervals so you can focus entirely on playing rather than adjusting settings. Set a start BPM, a step size, and how many bars between changes — for example, start at 60 BPM and increase by 5 every 8 bars — and the metronome accelerates on its own. Step size can be negative to decelerate: start at 160 BPM and step down by 5 every 8 bars to approach a difficult passage from above tempo. For more granular control, Stage 2 applies a different step size once a switch BPM is reached — for example, increase by 10 every 4 bars up to 100 BPM, then switch to +2 every 16 bars for a slow final approach to performance tempo. An optional Stop BPM caps the progression so the ramp halts automatically when you reach your target.

Conductor View for teaching and rehearsal

Conductor View fills the entire screen with a large BPM number and tempo marking, hiding all other controls. It is designed to be read from a distance — across a band room, from a music stand, or from the other side of a rehearsal space. Tap anywhere on the screen or press Space to start and stop without hunting for a small button. The Italian tempo marking (Allegro, Andante, Moderato, and so on) displays alongside the BPM number, giving students a reference for both the numeric tempo and the traditional musical term at once.

Works offline, no account needed

Works in any browser and installs as a Progressive Web App for offline use. No account, no subscription, no ads.

Frequently asked questions

What is a metronome?: A metronome is a device or app that produces a steady click, pulse, or beat at a set tempo measured in BPM. Musicians use it to practice keeping consistent time, align with other players, and gradually build speed. This online metronome runs in the browser using the Web Audio API — no mechanical parts, no batteries required.
How do I use this metronome?: Set a BPM using the number display, scroll wheel, or arrow keys. Choose a time signature from the menu (4/4 is the default). Press Play or tap Space to start. Beat 1 of each bar plays with an accent. Use Tap Tempo if you do not know the exact BPM: tap the button in rhythm and the metronome calculates the tempo from your taps.
What is BPM?: BPM stands for beats per minute — it measures how fast or slow a tempo is. A metronome at 60 BPM plays one beat per second; higher BPM means faster tempo.
What are common tempo markings and their BPM ranges?: Largo 40–60 · Adagio 66–76 · Andante 76–108 · Moderato 108–120 · Allegro 120–156 · Vivace 156–176 · Presto 168–200.
What is tap tempo?: Tap the button in rhythm and the metronome calculates the average interval between your taps to set the BPM — useful when you know how a piece feels but not its exact tempo.
Is an online metronome accurate?: Yes. This metronome uses the Web Audio API for sample-accurate scheduling — each click is timed by the browser's audio engine rather than a JavaScript timer, making it as precise as a dedicated hardware metronome for all practical purposes.
What is swing in music?: Swing shifts subdivisions so pairs of notes fall unevenly — the first is held longer, the second shorter — giving a laid-back, shuffled feel common in jazz and blues.
What does Tempo Ramp do?: Tempo Ramp steps the BPM by a fixed amount at regular bar intervals — e.g. +5 BPM every 8 bars. Start slow and let the metronome accelerate automatically. Add a second stage with a different change rate once a switch BPM is reached, or set a Stop BPM to cap the progression.
What time signatures does this metronome support?: Nine time signatures: 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 5/4, and 7/4 (simple), plus 6/8, 7/8, 9/8, and 12/8 (compound). Beat 1 plays accented, and 11 subdivision patterns are available: quarter, eighths, eighth-note triplet, sixteenths, shuffle triplet, dotted eighth + sixteenth, sixteenth + dotted eighth (Scotch snap), eighth + two sixteenths, two sixteenths + eighth, quintuplet, and septuplet.
What is a Scotch snap?: A Scotch snap is a rhythm where a short note (a sixteenth) is followed by a longer note (a dotted eighth), creating a sharp short-long attack that lands on the beat. It defines Scottish strathspey dance music — hence the name — and turns up in Cajun fiddle, Bartók, and contemporary hip-hop and trap drum programming. Select subdivision 7 (sixteenth + dotted eighth) to practice it.
What is a shuffle triplet and how do I practice it?: A shuffle triplet replaces a pair of straight eighth notes with the first and third notes of an eighth-note triplet — the middle triplet note is silent. The result is the classic long-short swing feel heard in blues, jazz shuffles, and early rock and roll. Unlike swing (which shifts subdivisions by percentage), a shuffle locks the rhythm into a strict 2:1 ratio. Select subdivision 5 (shuffle triplet); start at 60–80 BPM and raise the tempo once the off-beat placement feels automatic.
What is the dotted eighth + sixteenth rhythm?: Dotted eighth + sixteenth is a long-short pattern where the first note lasts three-quarters of the beat and the second note lasts the remaining quarter. It is the defining rhythm of military marches, French overtures, and Baroque keyboard music. Select subdivision 6 to practice it. The Scotch snap (subdivision 7) is the same two notes reversed — short-long instead of long-short.
What are quintuplets and septuplets?: A quintuplet divides one beat into five equal notes; a septuplet divides it into seven. Both belong to a family called tuplets and appear in contemporary classical music, modern jazz solos, and progressive rock and metal. They are notoriously difficult to feel naturally because, unlike duplets, triplets, or quadruplets, they do not subdivide cleanly into smaller groups. Select subdivision 10 (quintuplet) or 11 (septuplet) and start at 40–60 BPM.
How do I practice odd subdivisions like 5 or 7 per beat?: Start at 40–60 BPM — slow enough to clearly hear every subdivision click. Select subdivision 10 (quintuplet) or 11 (septuplet) and listen for several bars without playing anything; let your body absorb the placement of the off-beats first. Then clap quietly along with every click, then play scales or licks locked to each subdivision. Many players vocalize syllables like ta-ka-di-mi-ti for quintuplets and ta-ki-ta-ki-ta-ki-ta for septuplets. Raise the BPM by 4–5 only after the slower tempo feels automatic.
What is the difference between 3/4 and 6/8 time?: Both have six eighth-note subdivisions per bar but they group differently. In 3/4 (simple triple), beats group in threes with a strong emphasis on beat 1. In 6/8 (compound duple), beats group in twos of three, giving a rolling, lilting feel common in jigs and ballads. Select either from the time signature menu.
What are groove patterns and how do I use them?: Groove patterns are pre-programmed rhythmic templates drawn from world music traditions — Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, West African, Middle Eastern, Caribbean, funk, and more. Select a pattern from the Groove menu and the metronome plays that rhythmic figure against your chosen time signature and BPM, useful for learning a style's underlying rhythm or accompanying practice.
What is conductor view?: Conductor view fills the screen with a large BPM number and tempo marking, hiding all other controls. Tap anywhere or press Space to start and stop. Designed for music stands, band rooms, and on-stage use.
What click sounds are available, and is there a cat meow metronome?: Yes — select Cat meow from the Sound menu in Settings to replace every beat with a real meow. It is worth trying at any BPM. Selecting it also unlocks a full cat-mode theme: animated visuals, cat-themed labels, and a scrolling cat facts ticker at the bottom of the screen.
What is a good BPM to practice at?: Start 20–30% below your target performance tempo — slow enough that every note is accurate and relaxed. Set the metronome where you make zero mistakes, practise until it feels easy, then raise the BPM by 5 and repeat. For most pieces, 60–80 BPM is a productive starting point. The Tempo Ramp mode can automate this progression for you.
Can the metronome automatically increase or decrease tempo?: Yes. Tempo Ramp mode steps the BPM by a fixed amount every N bars automatically — no manual adjustments needed while playing. Set a positive step value to accelerate (e.g. +5 BPM every 8 bars) or a negative value to decelerate (e.g. −5 BPM every 8 bars). Enable it from the Ramp button below the BPM display.
What is Stage 2 in Tempo Ramp and how does it work?: Stage 2 lets you apply a different step size once a switch BPM is reached, giving you a two-phase progression within a single session. For example: increase by 10 BPM every 4 bars up to 100 BPM, then automatically switch to +2 BPM every 16 bars for a slow final approach to performance tempo. Combine this with an optional Stop BPM cap and the ramp halts automatically when you reach your target.
What is a good metronome for teaching or band rehearsal?: Conductor View is designed specifically for this. It fills the entire screen with a large BPM number and Italian tempo marking — readable from across a band room or from a music stand. Tap anywhere on the screen or press Space to start and stop without needing to find a small button. The tempo marking (Allegro, Andante, Moderato, etc.) displays alongside the number so students see both at once.
Does this metronome support 7/8, 5/4, and other odd time signatures?: Yes — nine time signatures in total: 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 5/4, and 7/4 (simple meters), plus 6/8, 7/8, 9/8, and 12/8 (compound meters). Beat 1 of every bar plays with an accent, which is particularly useful in 5/4 and 7/4 where the longer bar can feel disorienting. 7/8 and 9/8 are common in Balkan, Turkish, and progressive rock music; 12/8 is the standard compound feel for blues and gospel.
What Afro-Cuban rhythm patterns does this metronome include?: Seven: tresillo (the foundational three-stroke pattern of son and salsa), habanera (four strokes with a characteristic syncopation), cinquillo (five-stroke mambo and danzón variant), charleston, son clave 3-2, son clave 2-3, and rumba clave. Son clave is the organising rhythm of salsa — the 3-2 version starts with the strong side, the 2-3 version reverses it. Rumba clave has a shifted third stroke used in Afro-Cuban rumba styles. All patterns work at any BPM and time signature.
What other world music groove patterns are available?: Brazilian: baião (the dotted driving rhythm of northeastern forró) and samba clave. West African: kpanlogo (Ga recreational dance from Ghana), kuku (Mande ceremonial rhythm from Guinea), fanga (Mande welcome dance), and afrobeat (Fela Kuti's two-bar bell pattern). Middle Eastern: maqsum (the most common rhythm in Egyptian pop and belly dance) and baladi (a heavier downbeat variant). Caribbean: one-drop reggae (accent on beat 3 only) and ska (off-beat accents). Funk and electronic: funk, second line (New Orleans parade music), and four-on-the-floor.
Can I use a metronome for jazz?: Yes — jazz musicians regularly practise with a metronome for time feel and subdivision accuracy. Use the swing control to shift subdivisions to a laid-back, shuffled feel typical of jazz and blues. A swing value of 30–40% with 2 subdivisions per beat produces a classic jazz shuffle feel; 50% gives the most extreme triplet ratio. Layer Afro-Cuban groove patterns such as son clave or habanera for authentic Latin jazz rhythm work.
What does 4/4 time mean?: 4/4 time means four beats per bar, with the quarter note receiving one beat. It is the most common time signature in popular music, rock, and classical. The metronome accents beat 1 to mark the start of each bar. Select 4/4 from the time signature menu — it is the default.
What is the difference between simple and compound time?: In simple time (2/4, 3/4, 4/4, 5/4, 7/4) each beat divides into two equal parts. In compound time (6/8, 7/8, 9/8, 12/8) each beat divides into three, giving a flowing triplet-feel pulse. This metronome supports both — pick any time signature and choose from 11 subdivision patterns including straight (quarter, eighths, sixteenths), triplet, shuffle, dotted-eighth + sixteenth, Scotch snap, quintuplet, and septuplet.
Can I use this metronome offline?: Yes. This metronome installs as a Progressive Web App (PWA). After your first visit, all audio, logic, and interface files are cached locally. Add it to your home screen or desktop and use it without an internet connection — no account or subscription required.
What keyboard shortcuts does this metronome have?: Space bar starts and stops the metronome. The up and down arrow keys increase or decrease BPM by 1. Scroll the mouse wheel over the BPM display to adjust tempo. In Conductor View, tap anywhere on the screen or press Space to start and stop.