How to Set a Metronome for 4/4 Time
Updated Nov 13, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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Set the beat control to 4 and the tempo dial to the speed you want, then start the metronome. In 4/4 time the metronome clicks 4 times per bar, with a bell marking beat 1. The 4 metronomes here all offer a 4-beat setting and a 40 to 208 bpm range.
Set the beat control to 4
Find the beat control on your metronome. On a digital metronome, use the buttons or dial to pick 4 from the beat patterns. On a mechanical metronome, set the beat dial to 4. A setting of 0 gives clicks with no bell, so do not use 0 when you want 4/4 time.
Set the tempo in bpm
Turn the tempo dial or press the tempo buttons to the speed you want, in bpm. On a mechanical metronome, move the weight on the pendulum to the tempo number. The 4 metronomes here cover 40 to 208 bpm, so pick a tempo inside that range.
Start the metronome and hear beat 1
Wind a mechanical metronome, then set the pendulum swinging. On a digital metronome, press start. Listen for the bell on beat 1, then count the 4 clicks in each bar. If the bell falls on the wrong beat, stop the metronome and set the beat control to 4 again.
Change the tempo without changing the beat
When you want a different speed, move the tempo control only and leave the beat control at 4. The beat setting stays at 4 while the tempo changes, so each bar still holds 4 clicks. Check that the bell still marks beat 1 after you change the tempo.
Stop the metronome when you finish
Stop the pendulum or press stop on a digital metronome when you finish. Leave the beat control at 4 for your next session in 4/4 time, or set it to 0 if you want plain clicks with no bell. A mechanical metronome runs down as the wind ends, so wind it again before your next session.
What you need
Sondery Digital Metronome Rechargeable Vocal Counting
A digital metronome with a rechargeable battery, vocal counting, a tap function and a 40 to 208 bpm range.
- Top tempo: 208 BPM
- Rechargeable
- Type: Digital
Ueteto Mechanical Metronome Black/Loud Sound Piano Drum
A mechanical metronome with a wind up mechanism, a bell ring and a 40 to 208 bpm range, with no battery required.
- Top tempo: 208 BPM
- Type: Mechanical
HOSEYIN Mechanical Metronome
A mechanical metronome with a 40 to 208 bpm range and a bell sound on beat settings 0, 2, 3, 4 and 6.
- Top tempo: 208 BPM
- Type: Mechanical
TERENCE Mechanical Metronomes for Piano Guitar Violin Bass
A mechanical metronome with a metal movement, a 40 to 208 bpm range and beat settings 0, 2, 3, 4 and 6.
- Top tempo: 208 BPM
- Type: Mechanical
These come from our ranked list Best Metronome, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
What beat setting do I use for 4/4 time?
Use 4. The metronome then clicks 4 times per bar, and the bell marks beat 1. A setting of 0 gives clicks with no bell, so it does not mark the bar.
Do I set the tempo before or after the beat?
Set the beat to 4, then set the tempo. The beat control sets how many clicks fall in each bar, and the tempo control sets how fast the clicks come. Changing the tempo does not change the beat setting.
Why does my metronome click without a bell?
The beat control is set to 0, which gives clicks with no bell. Set the beat control to 4 for 4/4 time so the bell marks beat 1 of each bar.
Ranked metronomes lists
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