How to Choose Settings for an Electronic Metronome

If you need help maintaining a steady rhythm when you're playing a musical instrument, an electronic metronome can help. Although they may require a battery change from time to time, electronic metronomes can be smaller and more convenient than their traditional mechanical counterparts. Some more sophisticated types offer a range of extras. Regardless of the type you get, there are a few common settings that you must choose.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Examine the music that you're playing to decide the appropriate tempo. Some musical pieces may provide a rough indication of the speed at which you should play them by using words like "allegro," "largo" and "presto." Many metronomes use these words to describe a particular range of speeds.

2. Set the speed of the metronome according to the result of Step 1. Some metronomes have a digital interface, a dial or another type of adjustment technique. If you are in doubt how to do this for your electronic metronome, consult the user guide.

3. Check the music for the number of beats per measure. To do this, decide on a particular subdivision of a note (such as a quarter note) and count how many of these subdivisions cover each measure.

4. Set the number of beats per measure using the result of Step 3. This step, along with Step 3, is optional. It is sufficient to simply choose a tempo and start using the metronome without a particular "beat." If you want the metronome to mark a periodic place in a measure, however, you need to set the number of beats per measure.

5. Adjust any other optional features of your metronome. Some metronomes offer a wealth of additional features, such as volume control, drum sounds and other gimmicks. These features are secondary in importance to speed and beat, but they can improve the fun and value of your playing time.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're playing scales or some other musical exercise, you can simply choose the most appropriate speed in Step 2. If you're seeking to challenge yourself, choose the highest setting that you can still play along with.
• The beat setting procedure may vary depending on the type of electronic metronome that you're using. Consult the user guide if you are unsure how to use the metronome.