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Are there good apps that work well, or is it better to have an actual physical metronome? How about the cool looking old mechanical ones? Are they too big a pain to use?

I prefer apps. I used the free Sound Brenner since I started but have since bought TE Tuner with metronome as it’s able to do more complicated rhythms.

Thanks for the recommendation! A free app is probably better for a beginner than an expensive physical metronome. 😄 Those antique ones are cool though!

With a metronome app, you can set a different sound for the first beat or have different rhythm. It's useful if you want to learn to swing or practice triplet.

There's lots of benefits to using an app. Much more flexibility for your setting (my mechanical only goes down to 40, for example). You can adjust more precisely vs. the preset numbers on the mechanical. You can adjust the volume or just use a flashing light if you prefer. It will continue forever without winding. It is also nice sometimes to have the first beat louder.

All that said...most of the time I use my little Taktell Piccolo because it's right there and I'm too lazy to go grab my phone.

I'm a fan of this metronome app.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.eumlab.android.prometronome&hl=en_US&gl=US
Clear display, easy to use.
Also available for IOS
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pro-metronome-tempo-beat-subdivision-polyrhythm/id477960671

I don't think one is better than another, it depends on preference. I use both a mechanical, Wittner Piccolo, and the app mentioned below. I like the app because I can set the tempo then lock my phone or flip it over that way I don't see it as I prefer to just listen to the click. I would suggest both then you can switch it up or use whichever one in you're in the mood for.


I also use this one and the pro version was something like $3 I think.

I prefer a physical, pocket-sized, Korg MA2 metronome. It's cheap (£10) , and sits permanently on my music stand, within easy reach.

Problem with phone apps is that it's very easy to get distracted by other *stuff* as soon as you unlock your phone. Plus, the metronome apps I've found are littered with ads and a bit long-winded.

Korg metronome also works as a tuner if I need it.

Edited to add:

Also, if I'm at a gig I'd much rather check a tempo with a metronome then get my phone out in the pit, which looks unprofessional, in my view.

I have soundBrenner core..it’s a pulse against your body. It works for me. I tried all the apps and physical metronome- couldn’t focus with it..it was distracting. You gotta find what works for you.

The wind-up, pyramid shaped classic metronomes just go better with acoustic pianos.
For a digital, an app or an electronic one works

I have an acoustic piano, and two metronomes: the wooden, wind-up from my childhood and a cellphone app. I only keep the windup one for sentimental reasons. I find the cellphone app to be much more flexible.

One of the advantages of the app based ones is that you can get them to count aloud instead of clicking.

I don’t use this all the time, because I want to be able to count myself, but it’s useful to check that you’re counting right.

I have a habit of getting out of sync by two whole beats sometimes. With a click I wouldn’t know I’m doing it. With the count I hear “Three” and I think “hold on, that should have been on the first beat”.

I use the SpeakBeat app.

Just a word of warning. The Android app was last updated in 2016 and some users report compatibility issues that prevent the app from running. I won't buy the pro version straight away but try the free version first or choose another app.

I have Pro Metronome app on my phone with all the features I needed.




I also have a rectangular portable in my violin case. It doesn't add any weight to my case so I just leave it. I travel all over the map so an old metronome that used to sit on the table is somewhere in storage. The old mechanical ones that still work are probably worth something as antique collectibles.

I love my Pro Metronome app. And my Soundbrenner app. I have both and sometimes, when I switch a lot between two pieces, it feels easier to use one metronome for one piece, and the other one for the other piece.

I have a preference for physical metronomes so I am biased, but if the below is of any value:

I like the BOSS DB-60 which helps me program an entire piece with varying rhythms and patterns. Having said that, I used it only once or twice to learn certain measures of pieces. The only thing I don't like about this metronome is it's beep sound and it's a big deal for me, for I prefer the "wood block" sound.

For pieces with simple rhythms I like the Korg KDM-3.

But by far, I default start with and use (or try to) the Matrix MR600 as far as I can - it just keeps a steady beat, with a wooden block sound, and forces me to count in my head rather than relying on a device for rhythm.



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Yes, I have a lot of metronomes - please don't ask :-)

The potential problem with a do-everything metronome app is that for some people - did you read that I wrote "some people"? - the extra features become a crutch and discourage the user from working out timing issues for him/herself. Why do I need a metronome that verbally counts the beats when I should be doing that myself? Why do I need a metronome that tells me which beat is the first beat, when I should be working that out myself.

Yes, old school - very old school - here!

Regards,

Old school does not equal wrong though, Bruce. It's nice to have gimmicks and more modern ways of helping someone count but, ultimately, the player needs to be able to do it themselves and not rely on tech telling them if they're right or wrong.

Does any of the aforementioned metronomes have a cowbell sound?

My teacher has me only use a click on down beats on whatever metronome I use. He strongly suggests that I sub-divide myself and I have been following that guidance, even for swinging I could use the app but instead he has me feel the beat and or count it out manually while the click is very simple, one click per beat. So far I have been liking this method, I'm sure there are cases or pianist that prefer hearing a click wherever they need it.