Online Metronome

Online Metronome

Free metronome — set any tempo from 20 to 300 BPM

This free online metronome uses the Web Audio API for precise, reliable timing that won't drift or stutter — unlike metronomes built with basic JavaScript timers. The BPM range covers everything from very slow practice tempos (20 BPM) right up to 300 BPM for advanced speed work. Whether you need a 120 BPM metronome for a medium-tempo pop song, a 60 BPM metronome for slow practice, an 80 beats per minute metronome for a relaxed groove, a 100 BPM metronome for moderate-tempo exercises, or even a 300 BPM metronome for extreme speed drills, simply set the slider and press play.

How to Practise with a Metronome

Build technique, timing and confidence with every practice session

The metronome is most effective when used as a tool for gradual, methodical improvement. The goal isn't to play fast — it's to play accurately at every speed. Here's a proven approach that works for any instrument, whether you're working on saxophone scales, piano arpeggios, guitar chord changes or drum rudiments.

Start slow. Choose a tempo where you can play the passage perfectly, with no mistakes at all. For many musicians this means beginning at around 50–60% of the target speed. If a piece is marked at 120 BPM, try starting at 60 BPM. Set the metronome and play through the passage slowly, focusing on clean articulation, correct notes and even rhythm.

Repeat until it's effortless. Play the passage at least five times in a row without a single mistake before increasing the tempo. If you make an error, reset your count. This builds reliable muscle memory rather than practising mistakes.

Increase in small steps. Raise the BPM by 4–8 at a time. Jumping too far too quickly teaches your hands to scramble rather than play with control. The +1 BPM button (or the up arrow key) makes fine adjustments easy.

Use subdivisions. When you're working on fast passages, switch the subdivision to eighth notes or sixteenth notes. Hearing the smaller rhythmic grid helps you place every note precisely and exposes any unevenness in your timing.

Practise without the click. Once you can play the passage at tempo with the metronome, try turning it off for a few bars, then turning it back on to check whether you've held the tempo. This develops your internal pulse — the ability to keep time without external help, which is essential for playing with other musicians.

This metronome is equally useful as a metronome for piano practice, for saxophone or clarinet scale work, for guitar speed building, or for any instrument. The technique is universal: slow, accurate repetition with gradual tempo increases is how professionals build technique.

Tempo Markings Guide

Italian tempo terms and their BPM ranges

In classical and jazz sheet music, tempo is often indicated using Italian words rather than a specific BPM number. These terms describe both the speed and the general character of the music. The BPM ranges below are approximate — composers and performers interpret them with some flexibility. If you see a tempo marking on your sheet music, use this table to set the metronome to a suitable starting speed.

The metronome display above shows the corresponding Italian tempo marking for whatever BPM you've selected, so you can always see where your practice tempo sits within the traditional scale. A 110 metronome setting, for instance, falls in the Moderato range — a comfortable medium tempo ideal for many exercises and pieces.

Understanding Subdivisions

Eighth notes, triplets and sixteenth notes explained

Subdivisions divide each main beat into smaller, evenly spaced clicks. They are one of the most useful features of a good metronome and are essential for developing rhythmic precision. Here's what each subdivision option does:

Eighth notes (2 per beat) split every beat in half. If the metronome is set to 100 BPM, you'll hear 200 clicks per minute. This is the most common subdivision and is useful for practising even quaver (eighth-note) passages, checking swing feel, and developing a consistent sense of "and" beats.

Triplets (3 per beat) divide each beat into three equal parts. Triplet subdivision is essential for jazz musicians learning to play swing rhythm, for classical players tackling compound time passages, and for anyone working on pieces with a triplet feel. At 120 BPM with triplet subdivision, you'll hear 360 clicks per minute.

Sixteenth notes (4 per beat) divide each beat into four. This is the finest subdivision available on most metronomes and is useful for very precise rhythm work, fast semiquaver passages, and detailed technique exercises at slower tempos. At 80 BPM, sixteenth-note subdivision produces 320 clicks per minute — effectively a very fast click at a manageable overall tempo.

When practising, try switching between "no subdivision" and a subdivision setting. Playing with the full subdivision grid helps you lock in your timing; playing with just the main beats tests whether you can hold that precision on your own. The combination builds a strong, internalised sense of rhythm that transfers directly to real musical performance.

If you'd like personalised guidance on how to use a metronome to improve your playing — or help with any aspect of technique, tone or repertoire — saxophone lessons, piano lessons, clarinet lessons and flute lessons are available in person in South East London and online. Book a lesson to get started.