Free Online Metronome with Tap Tempo
Keeps playing in background tabs
BPM
No files, no uploads — runs entirely in your browser.
What Is a Metronome?
A metronome is a tool that produces a steady beat at a set tempo, helping musicians develop consistent timing. Originally a mechanical device with a swinging pendulum, modern metronomes are digital — and now available in your browser. Our online metronome uses the Web Audio API for sample-accurate timing that doesn't drift, even when your browser is under heavy load or the tab is in the background.
Whether you're practicing scales, rehearsing with a band, or recording tracks in a home studio, a metronome keeps you locked to the beat. Set your BPM, pick a time signature, add subdivisions for complex rhythms, and press Start.
How to Use the Metronome
- Set your tempo — drag the BPM slider, type a number, or use Tap Tempo to match a song.
- Choose a time signature — 4/4 for most pop and rock, 3/4 for waltzes, 6/8 for compound time.
- Select subdivisions — quarter notes, eighth notes, triplets, or sixteenth notes to internalize the groove.
- Press Start — the metronome plays with visual beat indicators synced to the audio. Use keyboard shortcuts: Space to start/stop, T for tap tempo, arrow keys for BPM.
Understanding Time Signatures
| Signature | Feel | Common in |
|---|---|---|
| 4/4 | Straight, driving | Pop, rock, electronic, hip-hop |
| 3/4 | Waltz, flowing | Waltzes, some ballads, folk |
| 6/8 | Compound, swaying | Irish jigs, blues, some ballads |
| 5/4 | Odd, asymmetric | Jazz ("Take Five"), progressive rock |
| 7/8 | Complex, driving | Balkan folk, progressive metal |
Tips for Practicing with a Metronome
- Start slow — if you can't play it clean at 60 BPM, you can't play it clean at 120.
- Increase gradually — bump up 2-5 BPM at a time. Rushing builds bad habits.
- Use subdivisions — eighth notes and triplets help internalize the groove between beats.
- Practice accents — emphasize beat 1 to feel the bar structure, especially in odd meters.
- Try odd time — 5/4 and 7/8 challenge your sense of rhythm and make 4/4 feel easier.
Tap Tempo — Find BPM by Tapping
Don't know the BPM of a song? Tap along to the beat and the metronome figures it out. Press the Tap Tempo button (or the T key) at least 3 times in rhythm. The tempo is calculated from the median of your tap intervals — resistant to occasional mistaps. A pause longer than 3 seconds resets the counter so you can start fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is this metronome?
It uses the Web Audio API hardware clock for sample-accurate timing. Unlike JavaScript timers, the audio clock runs on a dedicated thread and isn't affected by browser load or tab switching.
What BPM range does it support?
10 to 300 BPM. Most music falls between 60 (slow ballads) and 180 (fast punk or drum & bass).
How do I use Tap Tempo?
Tap the button (or press T) rhythmically at least 3 times. The BPM is calculated from the median of your tap intervals. Pausing for more than 3 seconds resets the counter.
What are subdivisions?
Subdivisions split each beat into smaller parts. Eighth notes give you 2 clicks per beat, triplets give you 3, and sixteenth notes give you 4. They help you internalize complex rhythms.
Can I use this while the tab is in the background?
Yes. Web Audio scheduling continues running in background tabs. The visual beat indicators may pause, but the sound stays perfectly timed.
Does it work on mobile?
Yes — any modern browser on iOS or Android. Tap the screen for Tap Tempo. The metronome plays through your phone speaker or headphones.
Do I need headphones?
Not required. Speakers work fine. Headphones can help you hear the click more clearly when playing a loud instrument.