Drag the slider to set the beats per minute (BPM). The range is from a slow 40BPM to a fast 240BPM, suitable for various practice needs.
Select a beat type that suits the music. Common beat types include 2/4, 3/4, and 4/4, and different beats have different patterns of strength and weakness.
Choose different tones based on your personal preferences: Piano tones are suitable for classical practice, Electronic tones are clearer, and Classical tones simulate traditional metronomes.
Click the center play button to start the metronome. It's recommended to start at a slow tempo and gradually increase the speed once you're comfortable with it.
The metronome was first invented by German inventor Johann Nepomuk Meltzer in 1815. Beethoven was the first notable composer to include the metronome tempo in his music. Traditional mechanical metronomes use a pendulum, while modern digital metronomes are more accurate and portable.
BPM (Beats Per Minute) represents beats per minute and is the standard unit of measurement for musical tempo. For example, 60 BPM means 1 beat per second, and 120 BPM means 2 beats per second. Common speed terms:
In music, tempo (BPM) is not just a measure of time; it's also a tool for expressing emotion. Different tempos can evoke distinct emotional responses, from deep sadness to exhilarating joy. Understanding these tempo terms and their emotional connotations can help you better understand and interpret musical works.
| Speed terms | BPM scope | Emotional characteristics | Typical applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Larghissimo | ≤ 24 | Extreme solemnity, heaviness, and solemnity | Funeral music, extremely sad passages |
| Grave | 25-45 | Heavy, solemn, and dignified | Introduction to Beethoven's "Pathétique Sonata" |
| Largo | 40-60 | Broad, majestic, and magnificent | Dvořák's "New World Symphony," second movement |
| Lento | 45-60 | Slow, contemplative, and melancholic | A slow movement from a Chopin nocturne |
| Larghetto | 60-66 | Broader but still solemn | Bach "Air on the G String" |
| Adagio | 66-76 | Slow, Tranquil, Lyrical | Albinoni's Adagio in G Minor |
| Andante | 76-108 | Walking speed, natural flow | Mozart's Serenade, Andante |
| Moderato | 108-120 | Medium tempo, balanced, stable | Schubert's "Military March" |
| Allegro | 120-156 | Fast, bright, lively | "Spring" from Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons" |
| Vivace | 156-176 | Lively, light, and energetic | Mendelssohn's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" Scherzo |
| Presto | 168-200 | Extremely fast, exciting, and tense | Final movement of Beethoven's "Appassionata Sonata" |
| Prestissimo | ≥ 200 | Extremely fast, exciting, and a display of technique | Liszt's Transcendental Etudes and other virtuosic works |
Tempo markings are not absolute standards; different composers and different periods may have different interpretations of tempo markings. When performing, consider the style and emotional content of the piece rather than mechanically adhering to BPM values.
Before the invention of the metronome (1815), tempo markings were more of a relative concept. Over time, the BPM ranges of these terms have shifted, with modern performances often being faster than those of the early 19th century.
Musical tempo is deeply connected to human emotional states. Slower tempos are often associated with contemplation, sadness, or solemnity, because they approach the resting human heart rate (60-80 BPM). Moderate tempos echo the rhythm of everyday activities and walking, creating a natural and comfortable feeling. Fast tempos simulate an excited heartbeat, eliciting emotional responses of excitement, tension, or joy. Composers exploit these physiological and psychological connections, using tempo to guide listeners' emotional experiences.
This is commonly used in marches, polkas, and some popular music. This simple cycle of strong and weak rhythms creates a distinct and powerful beat.
A typical waltz rhythm, with a strong-soft-soft cycle. Elegant and smooth, it's perfect for dance music.
The most common beat, a cycle of strong-soft-second-strong-soft. It's used in a variety of music genres, including pop, rock, and jazz.
Compound time, often used in folk songs, lullabies, and some rock music. It has a strong sense of flow and is suitable for narrative music.
This uncommon time signature creates a sense of asymmetry. Often used in modern classical music and experimental works.
Complex beats, often found in progressive rock and Balkan music. They create irregular, dynamic rhythms.
Regardless of the tempo, it's recommended to start practicing at a slow tempo to ensure the correct timing of each note. Gradually increase your tempo, but don't rush it. Using a metronome not only improves your sense of rhythm but also develops your inner musicality.