Metronome for 5/4, 6/8, 7/8 and 12/8

What the tempo counts in each time signature

In every meter the metronome clicks once per pulse, and the BPM is the number of pulses per minute. The pulse is not always a quarter note, so the line under the tempo slider tells you which note value you are setting.

• 5/4 — five quarter-note clicks per bar. The BPM counts quarter notes.
• 6/8 — two clicks per bar, one for each group of three eighths. The BPM counts dotted quarter notes.
• 12/8 — four clicks per bar, one for each group of three eighths. The BPM counts dotted quarter notes.
• 7/8 — seven eighth-note clicks per bar. The BPM counts eighth notes.

If a score marks 6/8 as “quarter note = 60” in the older, non-dotted style, that is a different pulse: use the setting that matches how you feel the music.

How the accents are grouped

Each bar starts with the highest click. In the meters that group their beats, a medium click marks where each group starts:

• 5/4 is grouped 3+2: a medium click on beat 4.
• 7/8 is grouped 2+2+3: medium clicks on beats 3 and 5.
• 12/8 is felt as two halves: a medium click on beat 3.

Some pieces use other groupings, such as 2+3 in 5/4 or 3+2+2 in 7/8. The length of the bar will still match, but the medium clicks will not, so treat them as a guide.

Practising these meters with muted bars

Odd meters are where an inner clock is tested hardest, because the bar does not divide into a neat “1 2 3 4”. A gap click shows you whether you really feel the bar or you are just counting it.

1. Pick the time signature and a slow tempo. Difficulty comes from the meter, so give yourself room.
2. Start with 1:1 and count the groups out loud, for example “ONE two three FOUR five” in 5/4.
3. Listen for the click to return exactly on the first beat of the bar. If it lands early or late, you probably shortened or stretched a group.
4. Move to 2:1 and 2:2 once it is consistent. The practice guide describes the full progression.

“Take Five” is a well-known piece in 5/4. Slow blues and soul ballads are often felt in 12/8, and a lot of folk music moves in 6/8.

Frequently asked questions