4/4 metronome
In 4/4 (simple time), each bar has 4 quarter notes, accented in the 2+2 grouping. At 120 BPM, one bar lasts 2 s.
120 BPM
Allegro
4/4 (2+2) BPM in quarter notes
Space bar: play/stop
Practice Speed trainer, muted bars and polyrhythm
13 steps · one round takes about 2 min 25 s
Say along: “nice cup of tea”
The start of each group is accented.
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Counts the time the metronome is playing, on any metronome page. It stays on this device only: nothing is sent anywhere.
How to count 4/4
4/4 has 4 beats per bar, and each beat is one quarter note. Count along with the metronome; the highlighted numbers are the accents:
- 12
- 34
Simple, compound or odd time?
In simple time the beats group evenly and each beat splits into 2. The top number says how many beats are in a bar; the bottom number, which note value gets one beat.
Groupings of 4/4
The grouping decides where the accents fall: the same 4/4 feels different depending on its groups. Tap one to hear it on the metronome:
What the BPM counts in 4/4
Here the BPM counts the quarter note, the note value of the bottom number. In 4/4 at 120 BPM, each bar lasts 2 seconds.
Frequently asked questions
How do I set the metronome to 4/4?
This page already opens in 4/4: just tap “Play”. Beat 1 sounds strongest and the start of each group (2+2) sounds medium. On the other metronome pages, pick 4/4 under “Time signature”.
Which note value does the BPM count in 4/4?
The quarter note, which is the note value of the bottom number.
Can I change the grouping of 4/4?
Yes: under “Grouping”, choose between 2+2, 4. The accents change instantly, without stopping the metronome.
Can I hear the subdivisions?
Yes: under “Subdivision”, choose quarter notes, eighth notes, triplets, sixteenth notes, quintuplets, sextuplets, septuplets, thirty-second notes or swing. You can switch without stopping, too.