How to practice with a metronome
A metronome helps you play in time. This short guide shows ways to use it in your practice.
The metronome below opens at 60 BPM. You can change the tempo at any time.
60
BPM
Larghetto
Keys: Space starts and stops. Up and Down change the tempo. Shift makes the step 10. T taps.
Stopped at 60 BPM, Larghetto.
How to use it
- Pick a short part of a piece. Four bars is enough.
- Set a slow tempo. Play the part with no mistakes.
- Raise the tempo by 4 to 8 BPM. Play the part again.
- Go back to a slower tempo when you make mistakes.
Start slow
Start at a tempo where you play every note right. A slow tempo gives you time to think.
Speed comes later. Play the part three times in a row with no mistakes before you go faster.
Raise the tempo in small steps
Raise the tempo by 4 to 8 BPM at a time. Small steps are easier to keep.
Write down the tempo at the end of each session. Start there next time.
Use subdivisions
Choose Eighths or Sixteenths to hear the small notes between the beats. This helps you place fast notes in time.
Choose Triplets to practice three notes for each beat.
Listen to the click
Try to play with the click, not after it. Your notes and the click should sound as one.
Turn the volume down for a while. Then listen again for the click.
Other free tools for study
Plan your study time with the Pomodoro timer. Practice your speed and accuracy with the typing test. Both tools are free and run in your browser.
Questions
How slow should I start?
Start at a tempo where you play every note right. If you make mistakes, go slower.
How often should I raise the tempo?
Raise it after you play the part three times in a row with no mistakes. Use steps of 4 to 8 BPM.
Should I use the metronome all the time?
No. Use it for part of your practice. Also play with no click, to hear your own sense of time.
Which subdivision should I use?
Use Quarter to start. Use Eighths or Sixteenths when you want to check small notes.