How to Make a Metronome
Every musician, at one time or another, has practiced with a metronome. Some of the metronomes on the market currently are extremely complicated, given the advances in technology over the past few decades, but this wasn't always the case. In a pinch, you can make a homemade metronome that is so low tech that it doesn't even require gears or batteries.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Candle (long but nontapered)
- Razor blade or knife
- Two plates (teacup size)
- Two glasses or tall cups
- Piece of wire
Instructions
-
Prepare the Candle
-
1
If your candle comes wrapped in plastic, remove the plastic wrapping.
-
2
With the razor blade or knife, cut at the bottom of the candle to expose the wick. Angle the cuts like a sharpened pencil tip.
-
-
3
Similar to step 2, cut wax away from the top of the candle so that the two ends of the candle look the same. Try to get the same amount of wick exposed on both ends.
Prepare the Glasses and Plates
-
4
Set the two glasses side by side, near enough to touch.
-
5
Place one plate on either sides of the glasses so that you see an alternating pattern of glass, plate, glass, plate.
-
6
Make sure that all flammable objects are away from the plates and glasses.
Combine and Light
-
7
Push the wire completely through the middle of the candle so that the candle and wire are perpendicular.
-
8
Place the wire on top of the glasses so that the ends of the candle hang over the two plates. The candle should balance if you have positioned it correctly.
-
9
Light the candle on both ends. As the candle wax drips off of each end and onto the plates, the slight difference in weight will cause the candle to teeter-toter back and forth, effectively creating a low-tech metronome.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
This metronome works on the principle of gravity and a pivot point. Shorter candles will pivot faster than large ones, so you can try out different candle sizes for the right tempo. The only drawback is that your tempo will increase as the candle burns, but you're supposed to start out slow and then speed up in practice anyways!
The making and operation of this metronome, although simple, requires a sharp object as well as fire. Do not allow children to make this metronome without supervision, and do not leave open flames unattended.
