How the metronome works
The clicks are timed by your device's audio clock rather than the page's timers, so the beat stays steady even if your computer is busy or the tab is in the background. The first beat of each bar is higher in pitch when Accent first beat is on, and the circles light up in time so you can follow along without listening.
To set the tempo of a song you hear, press Tap tempo along with the beat four or more times. The metronome takes the average of your taps.
Practice tips
- Start slow. Play a difficult passage at a tempo you can manage perfectly, then raise it by a few BPM at a time.
- Try it on the off-beat. Treating the clicks as beats 2 and 4 helps your groove in many styles of music.
- Use one beat per bar for odd metres, or to make the click less intrusive once your timing improves.
Frequently asked questions
What do the Italian words under the tempo mean?
They're traditional tempo names used in sheet music, such as Andante (walking pace) and Allegro (fast). The exact speed for each name varies between sources, so treat them as a guide.
Why is there no sound on my iPhone?
Check the silent switch on the side of the phone. When it's set to silent, iPhones also mute sound from web pages.
Can I use compound time like 6/8?
Choose 6 beats per bar. Each click is then one eighth note, with the accent on the first.