Related Articles
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
If you want to stay on beat, you’re going to want to use a metronome. Whether you’re a drummer, pianist, composer or conductor, a metronome is an essential tool during rehearsals and recordings to help set the timing, and to help everyone stay on tempo.
The best metronomes are a great way to introduce rhythm and to establish more accurate musical timing. The visual cue helps people maintain their pace, even if their ears are focused on their instrument. Metronomes are also great for helping performers develop better agility and preciseness while singing or playing.
Most metronomes work in two ways: you can follow the metronome audibly (by listening for the ticking sound it makes), or you can follow it visually, by watching the pendulum swing past a center point. Some metronomes use an LED indicator light to signal the beat, while others provide a beep or clicking sound, when it doesn’t have a physical pendulum.
Metronomes measure their pace in beats per minute, and most units can play beats from 35 to 250 BPM. Set the beat by sliding a marker scale down the pendulum, or by turning a dial to your desired tempo. The way you set the beat will depend on the type of metronome you have, while the tempo will depend on the style of song you want to play. Most contemporary pop songs range between 60-90 BPM, while rock songs can go from 110-120 BPM. Dance and EMD tracks soar from 160 BPM+.
What You Need to Know Before Buying a Metronome
There are three main types of metronomes: mechanical, quartz and digital.
Mechanical metronomes have a pyramid-like shape, with a swinging pendulum down the middle. The pendulum swings left to right, similar to a windshield wiper, and the metronome emits a clicking sound each time the pendulum passes the center of the device.
Quartz metronomes use blinking lights to signal the beat, though you can often choose an auditory cue as well. You can change and adjust the desired tempo using a dial.
Digital metronomes are the newest style of metronome, and are often more portable and discreet than the traditional wooden pyramid block. The best digital metronomes even offer a range of different tempo cues, from clicks to electronic beeps to drum sounds too. Like a quartz metronome, it also has an indicator light that blinks to your desired tempo.
