5/4 metronome
In 5/4 (odd time signature), each bar has 5 quarter notes, accented in the 3+2 grouping. At 120 BPM, one bar lasts 2.5 s.
120 BPM
Allegro
5/4 (3+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 5/4
5/4 is an odd time signature: its 5 beats (each one quarter note) don’t split into equal parts but into groups of different sizes. With the 3+2 grouping, count it like this (the start of each group is highlighted):
- 123
- 45
Simple, compound or odd time?
In an odd (or asymmetric) time signature the beats form groups of different sizes, such as 2+2+3. That is what gives so much jazz, progressive rock and Balkan music its “limping” groove.
Groupings of 5/4
The grouping decides where the accents fall: the same 5/4 feels different depending on its groups. Tap one to hear it on the metronome:
Songs in 5/4
- Take Five (Dave Brubeck Quartet)
- Mission: Impossible (Lalo Schifrin)
What the BPM counts in 5/4
Here the BPM counts the quarter note, the note value of the bottom number. In 5/4 at 120 BPM, each bar lasts 2.5 seconds.
Frequently asked questions
How do I set the metronome to 5/4?
This page already opens in 5/4: just tap “Play”. Beat 1 sounds strongest and the start of each group (3+2) sounds medium. On the other metronome pages, pick 5/4 under “Time signature”.
Which note value does the BPM count in 5/4?
The quarter note, which is the note value of the bottom number.
Can I change the grouping of 5/4?
Yes: under “Grouping”, choose between 3+2, 2+3. 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.