Violin metronome

What it does

A precise, browser-based metronome for violin practice. Set the tempo, choose how many beats are in a bar, and beat one is accented so you can feel the metre. The click is scheduled against the audio clock, so it stays rock-steady.

How to use it

1. 1Set a slow tempo. 60–72 bpm for anything new. Fast practice with wrong notes only makes the wrong notes permanent.
2. 2Choose beats per bar. 4 for common time, 3 for a waltz, 2 for a march. The accented click marks the downbeat.
3. 3Clap or tap first. Before you bow, clap the rhythm of the passage against the click so you know where every note lands.
4. 4Play, then add one click. Three correct repetitions, then raise the tempo by 4–5 bpm. Any mistake resets the count.
5. 5Finish under tempo. End the session slightly below your top speed so the last thing you rehearse is clean.

FAQ

What tempo should a beginner practise at?

Start at 60 bpm for scales and new passages. Only raise the tempo once you can play a passage correctly three times in a row.

How do I use a metronome for violin scales?

Set a slow tempo and play one note per click, then two notes per click, then two notes per bow. Keep the bow speed even rather than rushing between clicks.

Why does playing with a metronome feel so hard?

It exposes rhythm that was previously uneven. Slow down until the clicks disappear underneath your notes — that means you are exactly in time.

What does the accent on beat one do?

It marks the start of each bar so you can feel the metre. Set the beats-per-bar to 3 for waltzes and 4 for common time.