

Is there any tips on how to get used to it?

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  • I realize this is an old question, but relevant video: youtube.com/watch?v=mfWyF0ClHNY – Asterisk Jul 7 '15 at 13:52
  • As a beginner, you should not be using a metronome, in my opinion. – aparente001 Nov 13 '15 at 2:59

Make Sure it doesn't become a crutch:


  • Try to find areas where you rush sections



You can also do things like having the metronome on off-beats and/or subdivisions instead of the downbeat. For example, you might start a section or piece of music in-between the metronome beats so the metronome is on the second eigth note subdivision and not on the first. You can use your imagination for variations like triplets and sixtinth note subdivisions.

Learn Rhythm Away From Your Instrument:



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  • +1000 on the larger subdivisions. It forces you to get it right. Learn to do the other "subdivisions" internally. – mkingsbu Jul 7 '15 at 15:40













Another tip:

  • If you can, use a human metronome.





There are several ways of using the metronome. You can try this out: practise your scales, licks, transcribed solos, exercises, etc., on the beat per measure. That is, whole, half, 8th, 16th etc. For instance, when you have your metronome set to 70BPM, you can apply any of the above mentioned beats to it. This is a good way of using your metronome to practice; it enables you to play at the speed you have always desired.


If you find the music hard to coordinate with the clicks, you should definitely use a metronome.

Start slow, very slow, and take care to play every note correctly and on time. Then start increasing your speed while keeping time. When you start at high speeds, you tend to gloss over details in timing.

If you plan to play with other performers (singers, guitars, violins) you need to get the timing down. It's very hard to play with someone who doesn't hold the pulse of the music.

  • @DavidBowling - it does now! But only with a very basic obvious premise. – Tim Jan 9 '19 at 10:45
  • @Tim -- It is an answer now, if only just, so I have removed my comment; not my DV, though, so I can't remove that. – ex nihilo Jan 9 '19 at 14:31
  • Thank you. I'll be a better exchanger next time. – Vojtěch Šalbaba Jan 9 '19 at 20:10






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    This doesn't answer the question. A metronome has its essential place in practice, and the OP is asking how to use one, not 'should I use one' – Doktor Mayhem Aug 3 '13 at 20:24

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