In this instalment of Free Inquiry, we explore the trusty metronome.

The metronome is a musicians valuable tool and sometimes devastating critic. The metronome provides a steady pulse and rhythmic trellis for you to grow your musicianship. The metronome will uncover your own rhythmic accuracy (or inaccuracy) and force you to be accountable when simply tapping your foot may not.

There are several free options for a metronome provided you have a phone, computer, internet. Okay, so not completely free…

The easiest without need of any additional programs is typing in metronome into a google search. This will allow you to use a simple, practical metronome, which will likely fill 90% of your needs.

I have in the past used Metronome Online and it will have a few more options. Now, I don’t think I would recommend it as the advertisements on the webpage are distracting and will impede my focus. Which is not what I want to happen in my practice session.

My favourite metronome is Metronomerous on my phone. It doesn’t have an additional cost (other than you need a phone to run it and internet to download it) and does not contain adds. I have used it for more than a decade to great success.

As this website is a part of a tech based I have highlighted digital technologies, however, should you choose an analog solution, you can have your needs met with a traditional metronome. This can be a better option, especially if you find yourself getting distracted by notifications and advertising. The benefits of digital applications can be more flexibility and options, however, if they in actuality distract from your practice, they will impair your growth.