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How to Use a Metronome

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(14 Ratings)

Some music requires you to play at a certain speed or tempo. By measuring the beats per minute, a metronome will help you keep time steadily without wobbling.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  1. Step 1

    Look at the scale of numbers printed on the metronome. The numbers indicate beats per minute.

  2. Step 2

    Set the metronome at 60 (60 beats per minute) and turn it on.

  3. Step 3

    Set the speed to 120 beats per minute, twice as fast as 60.

  4. Step 4

    Start out on a low number, then gradually go higher.

  5. Step 5

    Repeat the beat of the metronome on your instrument; for instance, if you are playing the piano, hit a key on each beat.

  6. Step 6

    Read your music, paying attention to the tempo mark at the top of the page. For instance, if it says M.M.=100 (M.M. stands for Maelzel's Metronome), play the piece at a speed of 100 beats a minute. Set your metronome accordingly.

  7. Step 7

    Play your music following the pulse of the metronome.

  8. Step 8

    Turn off the metronome after you've developed a feel for the right tempo, and play the piece with the pulse in your memory.

  9. Step 9

    Try this practice with a variety of music at different speeds. You will eventually be able to memorize the right tempo for every piece you play.

Tips & Warnings
  • There are basically two types of metronomes available today. The original Maelzel's Metronome measures time through the mechanics of a pendulum moving faster or slower depending on the position of a metal weight sliding upwards and downwards. The digital metronome is of a more recent date and also a little more accurate. It is started by setting a dial button to the appropriate speed and turning it on.

Comments  

davee said

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on 3/11/2009 Hey, I have found an online metronome,http://www.howtoplaybass.co.uk/metronome.html Hope this helps people.

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on 9/5/2008 Hey guys i just found FreeMetronome.com site. Hope that helps :)

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Maezel's original swinging pendulum is still pretty accurate. It is kind of trapeze-shaped and is about the size of your hand, but just a bit narrower and is somewhat flat at the bottom so that it stands up. It has a plastic clear cover. The digital metronomes are much smaller (maybe the size of a quarter or a CD case). They can be set to Crotchet, quaver, semi-quaver or demi-semi-quaver time.

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eHow Article: How to Use a Metronome

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