How to use the online metronome
- Set the tempo in beats per minute with the slider or the ±1 and ±5 buttons, or tap the rhythm with Tap tempo.
- Choose the time signature (beats per bar), a subdivision such as eighths or triplets, and the sound.
- Press Start or the space bar. The first beat of each bar is accented and highlighted in orange.
- Use the arrow keys to nudge the tempo while it plays.
An accurate metronome in the browser
Simple web metronomes use JavaScript timers, which drift and stutter when the computer is busy. This one schedules each click ahead of time on the Web Audio clock, the same high-precision clock used for audio playback, so the beat stays rock steady even if the page is under load. The visual beat indicator is synchronised to the audio clock as well.
Practising with a metronome is one of the most effective ways to improve timing on any instrument. Start slowly, at a tempo where you can play a passage perfectly, then increase by 2–5 BPM at a time. Subdivisions help with fast passages and with feeling triplets and swing; setting a high tempo with eighth-note subdivisions and then halving it is a common trick. The Italian tempo marking (Adagio, Andante, Allegro and so on) for the current tempo is shown under the number. Everything runs locally in your browser.
What BPM is Allegro?
Roughly 120–156 BPM, depending on the source and piece.
Can I use it in 6/8 time?
Choose 6 beats per bar, or 2 beats with triplet subdivision to feel the two main pulses.
Will it keep time on my phone?
Yes, while the page is open and the screen is on. Mobile browsers may pause audio in background tabs.