Best
AFFORDABLE DRUM METRONOME
Metronome BEST MULTI-FUNCTION
METRONOME
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Overall: Timer, Enhanced Volume, And A Useful
'Sound-Out' Mode -
Best Feature: Stylish display
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
OVERALL DRUM METRONOME
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Overall: 50 memories and PCM sounds
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Best Feature: Plug in a mic, guitar, bass, or V-Drum pads
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TedScore™: 9/10
Best
DIGITAL
METRONOME
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Overall: Stylish, traditional-inspired looks
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Best Feature: Eight selectable metronome sounds
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TedScore™: 7/10
I’ve always found metronomes to be a helpful companion for drummers.
It’s like having a relentless rhythm coach who keeps you on your toes and ensures perfect timing with every beat.
When I first began drumming, the metronome was a tool I approached with a mixture of respect and challenge.
It taught me discipline and timing, the two vital pillars that have since become the foundation of my rhythmic journey.
My metronome buddy has always been the Boss DB-90 Dr. Beat Metronome with Tap Tempo function. It has too many functions and features in a compact, lightweight material, which I love!
However, I explored a lot before settling on this metronome sound. Choosing the right metronome for drummers can be an overwhelming task.
You first have to identify what you need based on your setup, then browse the specifics of models you find interesting, not to mention the hundreds of choices in the market!
But don’t worry because I’m here to help you!
I have listed the best metronomes with essential features that helped me during my drum sessions. So do read on!
Understanding Metronomes
Let me share a bit about metronomes and why they’re the trusty pal for every drummer aiming for perfect timekeeping.
Metronomes have important features that cater to your playing needs, whether you’re nailing odd time signatures or practicing different tempos.
Types of Metronomes
I’ve encountered all sorts of metronomes, from the physical ones that swing back and forth to digital gadgets with trend-setting displays.
Physical metronomes, sometimes referred to as mechanical, have a pendulum that ticks at a set speed, typically powered by a winding mechanism.
Digital metronomes are battery-operated or chargeable and offer precision with a range of adjustable BPM (beats per minute) settings.
Metronome apps have also become popular; they turn your smartphone into a rhythm master with just a few taps.
These apps can include features like a visual cue and tap tempo, where you can tap the screen to set your desired tempo. Some even have a voice setting to count out loud for you.
Functions and Features
When exploring metronomes, I always look for a few key functions. The primary purpose of any metronome is to keep a steady pulse or beat that can guide my drumming.
Tap tempo settings are handy, allowing me to find the right tempo by feel.
The ability to handle subdivisions means that I can practice more complex rhythms beyond basic quarter notes.
Some digital models come with various beats and a sound or coaching function, which can help me accent different parts of the measure.
Plus, a good metronome should clearly display the BPM, which typically ranges from a slow, contemplative adagio to a blazing allegro.
Choosing the Right Metronome
Okay, here’s the scoop on picking the metronome that’ll be your steady sidekick.
Need something rugged and simple? A traditional physical metronome might be your match.
If you’re all about features and customization, a digital metronome with adjustable BPMs and timekeeping functions is likely your best bet.
If you’re often on the move or enjoy integrating technology into your practice, a metronome app is a convenient choice.
Remember to consider the metronome’s volume, whether it’s audible over your drums, and whether it has a headphone jack.
Oh, and remember to consider battery life for digital models or the reliability of the winding mechanism for physical ones.
Best Metronome
Picks for Drummers
I’ve found some of the best metronomes for drummers that’ll fit any need, whether you’re on a tight budget, just starting out, or a seasoned pro.
Budget-Friendly Options
If you are looking for an affordable metronome that you can use, these options might come in handy.
KORG MA-2
I adore a good deal, and the Korg MA-2 fits the bill perfectly. It’s compact, reliable, and really straightforward to use.
Plus, the clear sound and variety of rhythms are cherry on top for practice sessions.
Korg MA-2 metronome
DESIGNED FOR: 400 hours of continuous operation
COMES WITH: A larger and more easily readable display
FEATURES: Timer, enhanced volume, and a useful 'sound-out' mode
Korg MA-2 metronome
- Has a Tap Tempo function, making it super easy to use
- Earphone jack with adjustable volume
- Stylish display
- Compact - so easy to travel
- None!
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
TAMA RW30
Now, if you’re cruising through Sweetwater and want a steal, the Tama RW30 Rhythm Watch should be in your cart. You never go wrong with Tama’s metronome!
It’s a no-frills clip-on with enough features to make practice a breeze without breaking the bank.
Tama RW30 Rhythm Watch Mini
FEATURES: Its easy-to-use interface with a large display shows a tempo range from 30 to 250 BPM
OTHER INFO: Built-in tap tempo feature
- Affordable and budget-friendly
- Simple operation, suitable for beginners and professionals alike
- It may not be as loud as some users need without external amplification
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
WITTNER MT-50
With its clear click sound and precise beat, the Wittner MT-50 Quartz Metronome has been a reliable tool for keeping time during my practice sessions.
Its ease of use and durability make it a staple in my daily musical routine.
Wittner MT-50 Quartz Metronome
FEATURES: 39-position tempo dial with 40 to 208 BPM range accommodates a wide variety of musical tempos
OTHER INFO: Flashing LED light and mutable clicking sound offer multiple aids to stay on beat
- Metronome for rehearsing, sight-reading, and time-building
- The 9-volt battery-powered operation makes it a superb mobile companion for musicians on the go
- Compared to more modern or advanced metronomes, the MT-50 may offer fewer features
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Beginner Options
Simplicity is key for those just starting to march to the beat of their acoustic or electronic drums.
KORG KDM-3
The Korg KDM-3 combines traditional metronome design with modern functionality, sporting a visually pleasing aesthetic with its pyramid shape and excellent beat-keeping capabilities.
It’s economical and user-friendly, serving up an intuitive interface that makes learning time signatures as fun as a drum kit solo!
Korg KDM-3 Digital Metronome
FEATURES: 30-252 bpm tempo range with tap tempo function
OTHER INFO: Powerful onboard speaker
- Stylish, traditional-inspired looks
- Eight selectable metronome sounds
- 1/8" output for headphones or amplification
- It might not be a compact metronome as a digital metronome
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
BOSS TU-30
I appreciate the Boss TU-30 Metronome and Tuner‘s dual functionality, which makes it an incredibly convenient tool for tuning my instruments and keeping time on multiple instruments during practice.
Its compact size and accuracy are standout features that have streamlined my musical sessions.
Boss TU-30 Metronome and Tuner
FEATURES: Compact tuner/metronome based on the BOSS TU-80
OTHER INFO: Metronome features numerous rhythm patterns and a visual backlit display
- Its compact size makes it easy to carry around
- It offers a variety of metronome rhythms and beats
- Depending on usage, the battery life may be a concern
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
BOSS DB-30
The Boss DB-30 Dr. Beat Metronome is a small, multifunctional percussionist companion perfect for practice. It provides various beats and meters and a convenient headphone outlet for quiet practice.
This compact and dependable metronome serves as an excellent device for musicians looking to improve their rhythm skills.
Boss DB-30 Dr. Beat Metronome
FEATURES: Handles time signatures up to 17 beats per measure
OTHER INFO: Rhythmic beat patterns in various styles
- Headphone output with volume control
- No Cons
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Professional Grade Metronomes
SOUNDBRENNER PULSE
Speaking of unique features, most drummers, including me, swear by the Soundbrenner Pulse.
It’s like having a beat synced to your pulse, wearable, and vibrating, which is super cool for those who vibe to the rhythm rather than just hearing the audible click.
Soundbrenner Pulse Vibrating Metronome
FEATURES: Body-worn metronome with multiplayer sync and DAW integration
OTHER INFO: A tactile alternative to traditional metronomes and click tracks
- Syncs tempo to multiple devices over Bluetooth
- Full metronome control (play/pause, tap tempo, tempo adjust) from the hardware
- Other drummers might not appreciate the wearable function
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Peterson StroboPlus HDC
The Peterson StroboPlus HDC is notable for its sleek, portable build, precise strobe tuning features, and integrated metronome, which provides extensive options for time signature customization and rhythmic emphasis.
The device’s metronome feature enhances its appeal, thanks to a sizeable display for clear viewing and user-friendly controls that aid musicians in keeping a consistent beat.
Peterson StroboPlus HDC - Chromatic Handheld Strobe Tuner
FEATURES: An innovative and versatile metronome with hundreds of available subdivision combinations, accent patterns, and polyrhythms
OTHER INFO: Easily visible in direct sunlight or stage lighting
- Rechargeable via the included USB cable
- Includes built-in microphone and 1/4-inch input jack to accommodate acoustic and electric instruments
- Expensive due to its tuner features
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
BOSS DB-90
Have you met Dr. Beat?
The Boss DB-90 is sort of the friendly neighborhood metronome, offering a broad range of beats when you start practicing your drums. It’s practically a rite of passage and a great teacher in its own right.
It’s the perfect metronome for drummers!
Boss DB-90 Dr. Beat Metronome with Tap Tempo
FEATURES: Four great metronome sounds (including human voice) plus dozens of drum patterns
OTHER INFO: Easily customize rhythms with the Note Mixing function
- 50 memories and PCM sounds with drum-machine-style patterns
- Plug in a mic, guitar, bass, or V-Drum pads!
- Expensive as compared to other metronomes mentioned
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Whether it’s budget, beginner-friendly, or pro-level gear you’re after, these picks will keep you in time and help refine your rhythm.
Metronome Techniques
for Drummers
I’ve found that mastering the metronome is like having a secret weapon in my drumming practice and performance.
It’s all about perfecting timing and enhancing my musical intuition, which is crucial for every drummer.
Developing Internal Pulse
I always start by setting my metronome to a comfortable beat.
This steady click trains my internal pulse, pushing me to lock in with an unwavering rhythm. It’s a simple process, but boy, does it make a world of difference!
Practicing with Different Time Signatures
I love challenging myself by practicing in various time signatures; it keeps my drumming versatile and sharp.
A click on every quarter note, followed by the same in 3/4 or 5/4 time, offers valuable feedback. It really broadens my understanding of rhythmic structures.
Incorporating Subdivisions in Practice
For a richer grasp of rhythm, I weave subdivisions into my practice.
By breaking down beats into smaller units—eighth notes, sixteenth notes, and so on—I can experiment with complex patterns while staying true to the simple metronome’s steady beat.
It’s a fantastic exercise that boosts precision and creativity.
Metronome for Drummers:
Keep this List in Mind!
I’ve discovered that a metronome is an essential tool for us drummers. Practicing with a metronome helps me stay on beat and develop a solid sense of rhythm.
I often use it to learn new pieces and gradually increase the tempo. It’s amazing for building up my speed without sacrificing precision.
Metronomes come in various forms, from traditional mechanical devices to modern digital apps. They offer tap tempo features, different time signatures, and rhythm patterns.
- Lower-price-point metronome:
- Korg MA-2
- Tama RW30 Rhythm Watch
- Wittner MT-50 Quartz Metronome
- Beginner metronomes:
- Korg KDM-3
- Boss TU-30 Metronome and Tuner
- Boss DB-30 Dr. Beat Metronome
- Professional-use metronomes:
- Soundbrenner Pulse
- Peterson StroboPlus HDC
- Boss DB-90
No matter my skill level, a metronome is indispensable to my drumming routine. It’s truly a drummer’s best friend in honing their craft.
And there’s another thing…
We’ve talked about the different physical metronome that drummers need. If you’re leaning towards a more modern version, read this next article to find out the best metronome apps available!
While the article does a great job highlighting various metronomes, I’m surprised there isn’t more emphasis on metronome apps. Many of them offer functionalities comparable to hardware metronomes and can be more accessible for students or musicians on a budget. Don’t you think including a section on digital metronome apps might provide a broader perspective for readers?
True that. I’ve been using a metronome app on my phone and it’s super convenient.
Hardware metronomes have a tactile advantage you can’t get from an app.
I’ve been using the BOSS DB-90 for my studio sessions, and it’s been a game-changer, especially with its ability to handle complex time signatures and programming different tempos. It’s reassuring to see it featured here as a professional grade option. For those on the fence, it’s pricey but worth every penny if you’re serious about precision in your work.
korg ma-2 good for starters?
Hey Sam Jowett, just read through your article on metronomes. Solid picks there. I’ve been wondering, between the SOUNDBRENNER PULSE and the Peterson StroboPlus HDC, which would ya say is the most intuitive for live settings? Play in a band and gotta keep things tight.
Interested in this too. Struggle to keep time in louder environments.