How fancy of a metronome do you really need? As long as it keeps steady time, it is good enough, right? That might have been true for a traditional [metronome](https://theonlinemetronome.com/online-metronome), but today's apps offer tons of cool and advanced features that can take your [practice sessions](https://theonlinemetronome.com/blogs/3/record-practice-sessions) to the next level. I downloaded dozens of them to find the best metronome apps. 

## Metronome by Soundbrenner
The Metronome by Soundbrenner app is designed to be used with a Soundbrenner Bluetooth wearable, but the app works great as a stand-alone metronome. 

What I love: The design is nice and the metronome supports a huge range of tempos, time signatures, and subdivisions. There is also a feature that allows you to create a song playlist and set tempos/subdivision combinations for each song. I think this is designed for drummers who want to practice a complete set or have songs they frequently rehearse. I imagine this would work just as well to break up sections in a larger work.

What I dislike: The volume/pitch of the emphasis isn't loud enough and is hard to hear when practicing. There is a visual strobe when a beat is being played, but on my device, it didn't line up with the beat and was a little confusing. Adjusting the tempo with the dial is also a little cumbersome.

**Store Rating**: 4.6/5 
**Price**: Free 
**My rating**: 4/5 

## Metronome Beats
What makes the Metronome Beats by Stonekick app unique is its "tempo trainer" feature. The tempo trainer will allow you to program measures where the tempo accelerates or slows down at set intervals. This app also has the ability to turn the metronome off automatically after a certain number of measures.

What I love: There are some neat and unique features inside the app. The user interface is pretty easy to use - you can use the slider to quickly adjust tempo and tapping the colored lights allows you to change the pitch or silence beats. The metronome will display the beats-per-minute and the [tempo marking](https://theonlinemetronome.com/blogs/12/tempo-markings-defined) as you adjust tempos. 

What I dislike: First, there is a serious lack of subdivision functionality, which I think is critical for any metronome. Secondly, all the ads. Beyond the banner ads at the bottom of the screen, there are a lot of features inside the app that force you to pay or download a second app to access. With so many better

**Store Rating**: 4.6/5. 
**Price**: Free, but with ads. The pro version is ad-free.   
**My Rating**: 2/5

## Pro Metronome
Pro Metronome by EUMLab has a ton of features. Honestly, it might be a little overwhelming how much control you have. That said, they do a great job of trying to keep things organized with a clean design. 

What I love: The number of features. This app will do anything you want it to do. You can change the tone of the metronome, tap a tempo, use complicated subdivisions, load a playlist of songs to work on, and even set up programs to adjust the tempo while you're practicing. You might not need this as a beginner, but for experienced musicians, this is an amazing option. 

What I dislike: It basically forces you to upgrade to the pro version. I can understand restricting some cool features, like the tempo trainer, for a pro version, but you will need to pay to even use subdivisions. That feels like pretty basic and critical functionality, so they lose points in my book for that. 

**Store Rating**: 4/5 
**Price**: Free version, Pro is $2.99. 
**My Rating**: 3/5

## Tonal Energy
I had high hopes when downloading Tonal Energy. First, it was one of the few apps that didn't have a free version and my good friend swears by it. 

Tonal energy is much more than a metronome. There are a ton of tools to help you practice smarter, like a [tuner](https://theonlinemetronome.com/instrument-tuner), a drone, and a sound wave analyzer. The metronome is also feature-rich; You can change tempo, subdivisions, time signature, and the sound of the metronome beats.

All in all, I was not disappointed with my purchase and I think this is a great option for music students. 

What I love: All of the advanced features and the wide range of different sounds that can be used for the metronome; There are even drum machine and human voice options.

What I dislike: While it is cheap, this is not a free app. I'm a big believer in not putting valuable student tools behind a paywall, so this is a small issue for me. That said, the app does offer a ton of value. My biggest issue with this app is the design - I think things could be organized a little better and there is something about the design that just feels a little corny.

**Store Rating**: 4.6 / 5. 
**Price**: $3.99 
**My Rating**: 4.5 / 5 

## Dr. Betotte 
This is probably the most complicated and sophisticated digital metronome on the list. There are more metronome settings than you will ever use; you can customize things like polyrhythm settings and set sound samples. 

What I love: This is more metronome than you will need, no matter what your skill level. It lets you customize so much about the metronome so you can practice really complicated rhythms or songs and it saves the settings for future use. The other thing I like is the ability to build chord progressions that you can play along with the metronome. This is especially handy for learning to play in tune and in time. 

What I dislike: The best thing about the app is also the worst thing - its complexity. This is not an app for younger students. Even experienced musicians might feel that this is too complicated. It is also one of the most expensive apps on the market.  

**Store** Rating: 4.7 / 5 
**Price**: $9.99 
**My Rating**: 4 / 5

## Metronome Plus
This app used to just be a metronome but has now been bundled with several other features to help with your daily practice session, like a tuner, the ability to record, and a drone tool. These other features come at a cost, but it is a nice suite of tools for music students.

What I love: It has a very simple interface that is easy to use and you can use the tuner and the metronome at the same time - no need to open a separate app. You can also keep the app running in the background, so if you use an iPad to read sheet music, you can keep it running in the background. 

What I dislike: Like most of the apps that have a paid and free version, there are a lot of features that will prompt you to pay. While there are customization options, those do not get saved between practice sessions. 

**Store Rating**: 4.5 / 5 
**Price**: Free, but with paid upgrades   
**My Rating**: 4.5 / 5

## Tempo Advance
If you've checked out this app in the app store, you will see that it is "approved and used by Mike Mangni" the drummer of Dream Theater. I'm a fan of Dream Theater, and I know that Mike is an insanely good drummer... so this app must be good?

It is, especially if you want a metronome that supports polyrhythms. 

What I love: While several other apps on this list support time signatures like 7/8, this is the only app that had the built-in beat emphasis. For example, I could choose if I wanted 3+2+2 or 2+3+2 or 2+2+3. 

What I dislike: The free version is the most ad-heavy app on the list. It puts the ads large and in the center of the metronome, making it almost unusable.

**Store Rating**: 4.8  
**Price**: Free for the lite version, $1.49 for the Advance version  
**My Rating**: 4.5

## My Pick For The Best Metronome
For a simple metronome that is ad-free and worked on both Android and iOS devices, my favorite is the Metronome by Soundbrenner. It is simple and very easy to start using. 

If you want an awesome paid option that supports everything you'll need during a practice session, go for the Tonal Energy app. 

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These apps were ranked as the best metronome apps, but how good are they really? Which one is actually the best?

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Reviewing The Best Metronome Apps Of 2023 | The Online Metronome

The Online Metronome

Reviewing The Best Metronome Apps Of 2023

## What Are Scales
Scales are collections of the eight notes that make up a key. If you were to use just those notes, you could make melodies and harmonies that would sound good together. For you history buffs, or if you just want to rock on trivia night, then remember that the word scale comes from the Latin word "Scala," which means ladder. If you look at a scale, it looks like a ladder where each rung is a note that fits in the key signature.

There are several categories of scales: Major, minors, and modes. 

When reading scales, you'll notice that the key is set in the key signature, not by accidentals on each note.

Each key also has character traits. Some seem angry and could be used when writing pieces about war, others sad, and some joyous.

## What is a major scale?
A major scale is made up of seven unique notes (and one repeated) that span the range of an octave. The distance between notes in a major scale always follow this pattern: whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half. 

Each note in a major scale can also be called a "Scale degree." 
- 1st: Tonic
- 2nd: Supertonic
- 3rd: Mediant
- 4th: Subdominant
- 5th: Dominant
- 6th: Submediant
- 7th: Leading Tone
- 8th: Tonic (again)

To make that point more clear, look at the example of the C Major scale below. The first note in that scale is "C." I could call C the "Tonic." E would be the mediant and G would be the dominant. 

## The 12-Major Scales
### C Major Scale
The C-Major scale is one of the first scales we learn because it doesn't contain any sharps or flats.
![scale-degrees.png](https://res.cloudinary.com/the-online-metronome/image/upload/v1631114728/theonlinemetronome/scale_degrees_30f552ff7e_kklbrx.png)

The C-Major scale is made of the notes: C, D, E, F, G, A, B, C. If you were to play this scale on the piano, it would contain only white keys.

Since there are no sharps or flats in C-Major, it is considered to have a "pure" character. It conveys a sense of innocence and simplicity. One of the most famous symphonies in C Major is Beethoven's Symphony No. 1.

### D Major Scale
The D-Major scale contains two sharps in the key signature, F-sharp and C-sharp.
![D-major-scale.png](https://res.cloudinary.com/the-online-metronome/image/upload/v1631114705/theonlinemetronome/D_major_scale_754f891265_ohuqw2.png)


The D-Major scale is made up of the notes: D, E, F-sharp, G, A, B, C-sharp, and D.

The key of D is representative of triumph and victory. For this reason, many marches, religious, and holiday songs are written in D-Major. Brahms' Symphony No. 2 is in D-Major is an example of a composition using this key.

### E Major Scale
![E-major-scale.png](https://res.cloudinary.com/the-online-metronome/image/upload/v1631114706/theonlinemetronome/E_major_scale_3a4642ccaa_b0dda0.png)

E-Major contains four sharps. The scale is comprised of: E, F-sharp, G-sharp, A, B, C-sharp, D-sharp, and E.

The key of E-Major is a joyous key, even sometimes described as "joyous laughter." A symphony that uses the key of E-Major is Anton Bruckner's Symphony No. 7.

### F Major Scale
The key of F-Major has one flat, B-flat. It is made up of: F, G, A, B-flat, C, D, E, F.
![F-major-scale.png](https://res.cloudinary.com/the-online-metronome/image/upload/v1631114706/theonlinemetronome/F_major_scale_65db544e4a_qjqm5c.png)

The key of F-Major is described as complacent and calm. Antonin Dvorak's Symphony No. 5 in F-Major is written in a pastoral style, which explains why he chose this key for his composition.

### G Major Scale
The key of G-Major has just one sharp: F-sharp. It's comprised of the notes: G, A, B, C, D, E, F-sharp, G.
![G-major-scale.png](https://res.cloudinary.com/the-online-metronome/image/upload/v1631114708/theonlinemetronome/G_major_scale_50c2e69a35_ketq22.png)

The key of G-Major is rustic and idyllic. It evokes feelings of tenderness and friendship. Gustav Mahler's Symphony No. 4 is a good example, as it is meant to depict a child's view of Heaven.

### A Major Scale
A-Major has three sharps (F-sharp, C-sharp, and G-sharp). The scale is made up by: A, B, C-Sharp, D, E, F-Sharp, G-Sharp, A.
![A-major-scale.png](https://res.cloudinary.com/the-online-metronome/image/upload/v1631114695/theonlinemetronome/A_major_scale_cd5ea06efa_ucmilp.png)

The key of A Major elicits feelings of innocent love and trust. Felix Mendelssohn's Symphony No. 4 is in A-Major. Mendelssohn was inspired to compose this work by the beauty of Italy. He said "This is Italy! And now has begun what I have always thought... to be the supreme joy in life. And I am loving it."

### B Major Scale
B-Major has five sharps in the key signature. They are F-sharp, C-sharp, G-sharp, D-sharp, and A-sharp. The scale is made up of: B, C-sharp, D-sharp, E, F-sharp, G-sharp, A-sharp, B.
![B-major-scale.png](https://res.cloudinary.com/the-online-metronome/image/upload/v1631114696/theonlinemetronome/B_major_scale_78d1c0e95e_r1ttgg.png)

The key of B-Major is one of wild passion. It can represent emotions of intense love, anger, jealousy, and rage. It is one of the few major keys that symbolizes negative emotions. Dmitri Shostakovich's Symphony No. 2 is written in B-Major, which was written to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the October Revolution. It was an event that was seen as triumphant but also was an armed insurrection. This highlights the conflict between love and rage.

### D-Flat Major Scale
The next two scales, D-Flat Major and C-Sharp major are enharmonic equivalents.

This means that while they look different, they will sound the same. C-sharp and D-flat are the same pitch. That said, some people have an easier time reading sharp or flats, and one of these keys might make more sense when looking at related keys or chord progressions.

![D-flat-major-scale.png](https://res.cloudinary.com/the-online-metronome/image/upload/v1631114705/theonlinemetronome/D_flat_major_scale_306aa918ee_rifaqf.png)

The D-Flat Major scale has five flats: B-flat, E-flat, A-flat, D-flat, and G-flat. It is a key described as being moderate but capable of expressing a range of emotions. It can be happy, but not joyous, or it can be sad, but not in agonizing pain. A symphony composed in D-Flat is Howard Hanson's Symphony No. 2.

### C-Sharp Major Scale
Now that you know the D-Flat major scale, you also know the C-Sharp major scale. Go note by note through these two scales and you will see that they are the same, but expressed differently.

![c-sharp-major-scale.png](https://res.cloudinary.com/the-online-metronome/image/upload/v1631114698/theonlinemetronome/c_sharp_major_scale_14f451cced_hx5c82.png)

The C-Sharp major scale has seven sharps: F, C, G, D, A, E, B. So yes, every single note in this scale is sharp. Since this scale sounds, to the ear, the same as the D-Flat Major scale, it has similar musical character traits. That said, in compositions, these two keys might be approached differently, which will have a dramatic impact on the feelings they convey. Many more composers have written symphonies in C-sharp over D-flat. One famous example is Mahler's Symphony No. 5.

### E-Flat Major Scale
E-flat Major has three flats: B-flat, E-flat, and A-flat.

E-flat is the key of love and devotion and is made up of the notes: E-flat, F, G, A-flat, B-flat, C, D, and E-flat. A famous work in the key of E-flat is Beethoven's Symphony No. 3 "Eroica". This piece was originally dedicated to Napoleon, which speaks to the idea of admiration (love and devotion).

### G-Flat Major Scale
The G-Flat Major scale is another scale that is an enharmonic equivalent. G-flat can also be written as F-sharp.

![G-flat-major-scale.png](https://res.cloudinary.com/the-online-metronome/image/upload/v1631114708/theonlinemetronome/G_flat_major_scale_20e1ce0bbe_eszpzv.png)

G-Flat major has six flats, meaning every note in this scale is flat except for F. (G-flat, A-flat, B-flat, C-flat, D-flat, E-flat).

### F-Sharp Major Scale
Now that you know G-flat, you also know F-sharp. Go through slowly and you'll see that you use the same fingerings and the pitches are the same.

F-Sharp Major has six sharps: F-sharp, C-sharp, G-sharp, D-sharp, A-sharp, and E-sharp.

![F-sharp-major-scale.png](https://res.cloudinary.com/the-online-metronome/image/upload/v1631114706/theonlinemetronome/F_sharp_major_scale_5c90c71676_y1nbtz.png)

The F-sharp major scale is made up of the notes: F-sharp, G-sharp, A-sharp, B, C-sharp, D-sharp, E-sharp, and F-sharp. Its character is described as proclaiming triumph over difficulty (which is certainly true if you try to play through it). This key tells the story of a difficult struggle and ultimate triumph.

Since this is such an awkward key for many instruments to play, it is rarely used for symphonies. One of the more famous examples is Mahler's Symphony No. 10 in F-sharp. Interestingly, this was Mahler's last symphony and he was unable to complete it before his death. This work picks up right where Symphony No. 9 leaves off (starting with a theme from the previous work) and then works through difficult music filled with mixed meter and dissonance. Finally, it ends in triumph, illustrating the struggle but ultimately a successful end.

### A-Flat Major Scale
The key of A-Flat Major has four flats: B-flat, E-flat, A-flat, and D-flat.

![A-flat-major-scale.png](https://res.cloudinary.com/the-online-metronome/image/upload/v1631114696/theonlinemetronome/A_flat_major_scale_87a83655e9_yxuumo.png)

The A-flat major scale is made up of the notes: A-flat, B-flat, C, D-flat, E-flat, F, G, and A-flat.

This key is a somber one, often associated with death and judgment. Edward Elgar wrote his first symphony in the key of A-flat, though he believed that music shouldn't have to tell a story, rather it can exist just to exist. That said, he described the opening theme (in A-flat Major) as "simple, noble, and elevating." Perhaps it was the somber and simple nature of A-flat that prompted him to use this key.

### B-Flat Major Scale
B-flat Major has two flats in the key signature: B-flat and E-flat.

![B-flat-major-scale.png](https://res.cloudinary.com/the-online-metronome/image/upload/v1631114696/theonlinemetronome/B_flat_major_scale_1b9266b73b_irz102.png)

The B-flat Major scale is made of the notes: B-flat, C, D, E-flat, F, G, A, and B-flat. This key is described as cheerful and optimistic. A wonderful example of a work in B-flat Major is Prokofiev's Symphony No. 5. It was written during World War II, which was a very hard time to be in Soviet Russia. He described the work as "a hymn to free and happy Man, to his mighty powers, his pure and noble spirit." This beautifully captures the optimism that this work was supposed to convey, making the key of B-flat very appropriate.

## How to Practice Scales
Scales are the building blocks of music. Learning scales will allow you to more quickly read notes within a key signature and to feel more comfortable playing these combinations of fingerings.

Here is a simple process for learning a new scale:

1. Print out two copies of the scale.
2. On one copy, write out the fingering for each note underneath the note.
3. Going very slowly, and not playing, say the note name and press the fingering for the note.
4. When you feel comfortable with the fingerings, play through the scale very slowly.
5. Repeat this process until you have done it perfectly ten times.
6. Now that you feel confident with the fingerings, close your eyes and see if you can play the scale perfectly.
You've learned the basics of the scale, now it is time to get it in rhythm! A technique I recommend is the following:

1. Number the notes of the scale, 1-8.
![scale-degrees.png](https://res.cloudinary.com/the-online-metronome/image/upload/v1631114728/theonlinemetronome/scale_degrees_30f552ff7e_kklbrx.png)

2. Now, you're going to gradually build the scale, bit by bit. Start with just playing 1 - 2 - 1.
![Screen Shot 2019-04-19 at 8.33.44 PM.png](https://res.cloudinary.com/the-online-metronome/image/upload/v1631114728/theonlinemetronome/Screen_Shot_2019_04_19_at_8_33_44_PM_b4362e57b4_ps7j4h.png)

3. Once you can play it perfectly 3 times in a row, add another note.
![Screen Shot 2019-04-19 at 8.34.44 PM.png](https://res.cloudinary.com/the-online-metronome/image/upload/v1631114728/theonlinemetronome/Screen_Shot_2019_04_19_at_8_34_44_PM_b126b334a8_s54soy.png)

4. Continue building the scale so in this manner. Playing the chunk until you have it right three times in a row, then add another scale degree.
![Screen Shot 2019-04-19 at 8.34.44 PM.png](https://res.cloudinary.com/the-online-metronome/image/upload/v1631114728/theonlinemetronome/Screen_Shot_2019_04_19_at_8_34_44_PM_b126b334a8_s54soy.png)

5. Repeat until you have played the entire scale. If you are just starting out, this will be to the eighth scale degree. If you are learning multiple octaves, then keep going! Add a ninth, tenth, eleventh scale degree. You know what notes come next as the same eight notes repeat over and over in scales.

thumbnail_12-major-scales.jpeg

12-major-scales.jpeg

The major scales are the building blocks of music, mastering them is the first step to learning to play quickly in any key.

The 12 Major Scales | The Online Metronome

The 12 Major Scales


## Things To Consider When Picking An Instrument To Learn. 
Learning to play an instrument can be incredibly rewarding, or incredibly frustrating. I've seen so many students sour their relationship with learning music simply because they picked (or were assigned) an instrument that just wasn't a good fit.  

There are five categories I would encourage any parent or student to consider before choosing an instrument. They are:  

1. How difficult is it to make a sound?
2. How well is the instrument matched for my body?
3. How expensive will it be to learn this instrument?
4. Is it easy or hard to find educational resources?
5. How badly do I want to learn this instrument?
6. How difficult is it to make a sound?  
Imagine you walk up to a piano. I point to a key and say "This is middle C, can you press the key?" You do and, ta-da, you have played a middle C.  

Now imagine that I hand you a bassoon. I tell you to cover certain holes and press certain keys. I tell you "This is middle C, can you play middle C for me?" You try to figure out how your mouth is supposed to go around the reed and then you blow... and maybe something comes out?  

Different instruments require different techniques to produce sound. Wind instruments require an embouchure and understand of how to use air. String instruments require hand dexterity and an understanding of how to bow.  

The more you need to know to produce a sound on an instrument, the more frustrating it will be to learn as a beginner.  

### Your Body
This can be a sensitive topic for some people, but your body is an important consideration when choosing an instrument.  

Pretend you want your six-year-old to learn an instrument. Which would be a better choice: the piano or a tuba?  

Both would have their challenges. Your child likely won't have the hand size to play an octave with one hand on the piano, but he/she will also have problems being tall enough to even reach the tuba's mouthpiece. They would also have problems holding the tuba and the size of the mouthpiece would be too big for their face.  

The reality is, some instruments just require adult stature to perform well. Now, there are child-sized versions of some instruments (primarily stringed instruments), which can make learning as a child easier.  

One important consideration in this category -- remember that many instruments require you to use your mouth to create sound. Braces dramatically impact your ability and the way it feels to play a wind instrument. It is not impossible, but it can be unpleasant.  

### Costs
Learning an instrument has some up-front costs. You'll need:  

- The Instrument
- Maintenance equipment
- Lessons
- Sheet music

Each of these items varies in price depending on which instrument you choose. For example, you can buy a beginner's guitar for $50. To buy a French horn you will need to spend at least $1,000 (please, do not buy one you see listed for $100).  

Some instruments are cheaper and easier to maintain. You can tune a guitar yourself, but you will need to hire a professional in order to tune your piano.  

Lessons also vary in cost depending on how many teachers there are in an area. How many piano players do you know? It will be much easier and cheaper to find a teacher. How many bass clarinet players do you know? Yea, that will be much harder and more expensive.  

When you first start playing an instrument, you aren't sure if you will like it and keep up with it. You might want to try picking a cheaper instrument that is in the family of your dream instrument (for example, pick trumpet if you want to learn French horn). This will allow you to learn some of the basics and get a feel for how much you enjoy practicing.  

### Accessibility to knowledge
We've already touched on the idea that it will be much harder to find private lesson teachers for certain instruments, and the same is true for all resources. Take a second to search "piano lessons" and "oboe lessons" on YouTube. You will find many more results for piano lessons.  

Many more people play the piano or guitar, which means there are more free resources available. If you plan on teaching yourself, you should take a second to search for things like:  

- Resources
- Lessons
- Guides
- Free music
- 
If you see a lot of options, then you can probably teach yourself many of the basics.  

### Passion

I opened this article by saying that learning to play an instrument is rewarding, but it is also frustrating. The very nature of practice is to spend time trying to figure out something you don't do well. You're going to have good days and bad days. Some techniques will come to you easier than others. You're going to enjoy playing some pieces more than others.  

To stick with the process, you need to love it. You need something that you can tap into to keep yourself motivated through hard times.  

The reason I wanted to learn to play the French horn is because there was a song played during an audiobook I enjoyed as a kid. It featured the French horn. My very first goal as a student was to learn to play that song.  

## Easiest Instruments for Beginners. 
Using the five categories we just discussed, here are my nominations for the five best instruments for beginning students. I've tried to pick one from each instrument family (keyboard, string, wind). 

1. Piano
2. Saxophone
3. Trumpet
4. Guitar
5. Violin

An important note -- these are my votes for the easiest instruments to start learning music on. These aren't necessarily the easiest instruments to master or have a professional music career on. With so many piano, violin, and guitar players out there, the competition is fierce. It can be harder to win auditions that expose you to new learning opportunities (like schools or camps) and win scholarship opportunities to afford them.

## Hardest instruments for beginners

1. Organ
2. Bassoon
3. French Horn
4. Drum set
5. Harp

In contrast to the easier-to-learn instruments, these harder instruments have less competition, which means it is actually easier to get scholarships or entrance to festivals and other learning opportunities.  

Ultimately, mastering any instruments is going to be difficult and you will have to constantly work to stay competitive. The trick to having fun is to learn to enjoy the process of practicing.  

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