Online Metronome

A metronome is a device that produces regular, metrical ticks (beats) at a selectable tempo to help musicians maintain a steady pulse while practicing or performing. The online metronome is a browser-based version that uses the Web Audio API to generate clean sine-wave clicks in real time. The tempo is measured in BPM (Beats Per Minute)- a standard metronome marking indicating how many quarter-note beats occur each minute. At 120 BPM, for example, two beats occur every second. Our online metronome supports a range of 20 to 300 BPM, covering the full spectrum of musical tempos from Larghissimo (extremely slow) to Prestissimo (extremely fast).

1. Set the Tempo: Use the slider or enter an exact BPM value. You can also use the tap tempo button - tap along to a song 4 or more times and the metronome calculates the BPM automatically. Quick preset buttons provide instant access to standard tempo markings like Largo (40 BPM), Andante (80 BPM), Allegro (120 BPM), and Presto (180 BPM).
2. Choose a Time Signature: Select from 8 time signatures including 4/4 (common time), 3/4 (waltz time), 6/8 (compound duple), and 12/8 (compound quadruple). The online metronome accents the first beat of each measure with a higher-pitched click for clear downbeat identification.
3. Start and Follow the Beat: Click Start Metronome to begin. The visual beat indicator animates each beat with pulsing dots - the first beat is highlighted brighter to distinguish the downbeat. The audio clicks are generated using the Web Audio API with latencies under 10ms, providing precise timing for practice, recording, and performance preparation.

• 4/4 (Common Time): Four quarter-note beats per measure. The most common time signature in modern music - used in pop, rock, jazz, and classical. Accent pattern: STRONG-weak-medium-weak.
• 3/4 (Waltz Time): Three quarter-note beats per measure with a strong downbeat. Characteristic of waltzes, minuets, and many ballads. Accent pattern: STRONG-weak-weak.
• 6/8 & 12/8 (Compound Time):Six (or twelve) eighth-note beats grouped in twos (or fours). Counted as 1-2-3-4-5-6 with emphasis on beats 1 and 4. Common in Irish jigs (6/8) and blues/R&B shuffles (12/8).
• 5/4 & 7/8 (Irregular Time): Five quarter-notes or seven eighth-notes per measure. Creates an asymmetric, uneven feel. Dave Brubeck's \"Take Five\" (5/4) and Pink Floyd's \"Money\" (7/8) are famous examples. Our online metronome helps you master these challenging time signatures with clear beat indicators.

Start at a comfortably slow tempo - even if the piece is fast, practicing slowly with the metronome builds solid internal timing. Gradually increase the BPM in small increments (3-5 BPM at a time) only when you can play the passage perfectly at the current tempo. For difficult sections, set the metronome to half speed and feel the clicks on beats 1 and 3 (in 4/4) or just on beat 1. Use the visual beat indicator in noisy environments or when practicing silently. Remember that the metronome is a practice tool - use it to develop your internal sense of time, not as a permanent crutch. The online metronome runs entirely in your browser with no signup required, so you can practice anytime, anywhere.