Free Online Metronome
Keep steady time while you practise. Set any tempo from 30 to 250 BPM, tap in the speed of a song, and choose a time signature. Press Start (or the Space bar) and play along. It’s free, there’s nothing to install, and it works on your phone, tablet or computer.
How to use the metronome
- Set the tempo. Drag the slider or use the minus and plus buttons. The tempo is shown in BPM (beats per minute).
- Or tap the tempo. Tap the Tap tempo button along with a song and the metronome picks up its speed.
- Choose a time signature: 2/4, 3/4, 4/4 or 6/8. 4/4 is the most common.
- Add clicks per beat if you like: 2 for eighth notes or 3 for triplets. This helps you keep busy strumming patterns even.
- Accent the first beat so you can always hear where the bar starts.
- Press Start, or the Space bar on a keyboard, and play along. The beat lights up so you can follow it by eye too.
How to practise with a metronome
- Start slower than you think. Find a tempo where you can play the part cleanly every time, even if it feels too easy.
- Speed up in small steps. Once it’s clean three times in a row, add about 5 BPM. If it falls apart, go back a step.
- Lock in with the click. Aim for your strum or note to land exactly on the click so it seems to disappear.
- Practise chord changes. Change chord every four beats at a slow tempo, then every two, then on every beat.
- Use it little and often. Ten focused minutes with a metronome every day does wonders for your timing.
What tempo should I use?
Rough tempo ranges to get you started:
| Tempo | Feel | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 50–70 BPM | Slow | Learning new chords and changes, ballads |
| 70–100 BPM | Relaxed | Strumming practice, most acoustic songs |
| 100–130 BPM | Medium | Pop and rock songs |
| 130–170 BPM | Fast | Up-tempo rock, punk and dance music |
| 170+ BPM | Very fast | Speed practice and fast styles |
If you’re new to guitar, 60 BPM is a great place to start strumming along.
Time signatures in a nutshell
- 4/4: four beats per bar. Most pop, rock and folk songs.
- 3/4: three beats per bar, the feel of a waltz.
- 2/4: two beats per bar, common in marches and polkas.
- 6/8: six quick beats per bar, felt as two groups of three. It gives a rolling, swaying feel.
Frequently asked questions
What does BPM mean?
Beats per minute: how many clicks you hear in one minute. 60 BPM is one click per second.
How do I find the tempo of a song?
Play the song and tap the Tap tempo button along with the beat for a few seconds. The metronome sets itself to match.
Does it work on my phone?
Yes. It works in up-to-date browsers on iPhone, Android, tablets and computers. If you can’t hear it on an iPhone, check that the ringer isn’t on silent.
Is it free?
Yes. There’s no sign-up and nothing to install.
More free guitar tools
All of these tools are part of GuitarBuddy Play, a free app with beginner guitar lessons too.