Metronome Tutorial
Master both Simple and Pattern metronome modes. Learn subdivisions, swing feels, polyrhythms, and world grooves.
Simple Metronome
The Simple Metronome is perfect for steady timekeeping during practice sessions.
Basic Setup
- Set your tempo (40-220 BPM) with the slider or +/- buttons
- Choose a time signature
- Select a sound type from Advanced Options (click, beep, tick, tone)
- Tap Play to start the metronome
Tap Tempo
Tap Tempo lets you set the BPM by tapping a button in rhythm instead of using the slider.
- Tap the "Tap" button at least 2 times (4 recommended) at your desired tempo
- Taps must be within 3 seconds of each other
- The metronome will calculate and set the BPM automatically
Note: Tap tempo only works in Simple mode, not Pattern mode.
Time Signatures
Free Version
- 4/4 (common time)
- 3/4 (waltz)
- 6/8 (compound time)
Premium Version
8 preset time signatures plus fully custom options:
- 4/4 (common time)
- 3/4 (waltz)
- 2/4 (march)
- 6/8 (compound time)
- 5/4 (Take Five)
- 7/4 (progressive rock)
- 12/8 (slow blues)
- 9/8 (compound triple)
- Custom (any beats per measure)
Premium Features
Subdivisions
Subdivisions add clicks between the main beats to help you feel smaller rhythmic divisions.
- Quarter notes (main beats only)
- Eighth notes (2 clicks per beat)
- Eighth note triplets (3 clicks per beat)
- Sixteenth notes (4 clicks per beat)
Example: In 4/4 with eighth note subdivisions, you'll hear 8 clicks per measure instead of 4.
Swing Feels
Swing feels add rhythmic swing to subdivisions, making them sound less mechanical and more musical.
- Straight: No swing, perfectly even
- Light swing: Slight triplet feel
- Medium swing: Standard jazz feel
- Heavy swing: Pronounced shuffle
Note: Swing only affects subdivisions - if you're playing quarter notes only, you won't hear a difference.
Pattern Mode (Premium)
Pattern Mode is an advanced metronome feature that plays polyrhythms, claves, and world grooves. Instead of a simple click, you get complex rhythmic patterns with up to 2 independent streams (voices) that can play simultaneously.
How to Use Pattern Mode
- Switch from Simple to Pattern mode in the metronome
- Tap "Pattern" to open the Pattern Library
- Browse patterns by category (Polyrhythms, Claves, Grooves)
- Select a pattern to load it
- Adjust tempo if desired (each pattern has a recommended range)
- Tap Play
You can enable/disable individual streams, adjust their volumes, and change their sound types independently.
Understanding Streams
Streams are independent rhythmic voices within a pattern. For example, the 3:4 polyrhythm has:
- Stream 1: Plays 3 evenly-spaced notes per measure
- Stream 2: Plays 4 evenly-spaced notes per measure
You can:
- Enable/disable each stream individually
- Adjust the volume of each stream (0-100%)
- Change the sound type of each stream (click, beep, etc.)
This lets you practice one part at a time or adjust the balance to focus on what you need to hear.
Available Patterns
Polyrhythms
- 3:2 (3 over 2): Great introduction to polyrhythms
- 3:4 (3 over 4): Classic jazz/African rhythm
- 5:4 (5 over 4): Advanced, found in Steve Coleman's music
- 7:4 (7 over 4): Very challenging, used in progressive music
- 4:3 (4 over 3): The inverse of 3:4
Each includes two streams that play simultaneously at different subdivisions.
Latin Claves
- Son Clave (2-3 and 3-2): Foundation of salsa and Latin jazz
- Rumba Clave (2-3 and 3-2): More syncopated than son clave
- Bossa Nova: Brazilian rhythm, the heartbeat of bossa nova
All claves are performed with proper phrasing and can be practiced at various tempos.
World Grooves
- Samba: Brazilian carnival rhythm
- Afro-Cuban 6/8: Traditional Cuban groove
- Bembe: Afro-Cuban religious rhythm
Tips for Practicing Polyrhythms
Polyrhythms are challenging by design! Try this approach:
- Start at slow tempo (60-80 BPM)
- Disable one stream, practice just one rhythm
- Re-enable both streams gradually
- Adjust stream volumes (make one quieter to focus on the other)
- Use different sounds for each stream
- Practice for short periods - polyrhythms are mentally demanding
It's normal to feel confused at first. With practice, your brain will adapt.
Troubleshooting
Can't hear the metronome?
Go through this checklist:
- Check device volume
- Disable silent mode (switch on side of device)
- Close other audio apps
- Try different sound types (Advanced Options → Sound Type)
- In Pattern mode, check that streams are enabled
- Make sure your device isn't connected to Bluetooth speakers that are off
Metronome sounds irregular or glitchy?
- Close other audio apps (music players, podcast apps, other metronomes)
- Restart the app (force quit and reopen)
- Check volume (make sure system volume is on and turned up)
- Check silent mode (disable silent mode on your device)
- Update to the latest app version