Online Beat Sequencer and Metronome
Our beat sequencer and metronome gives you a 16-step drum machine and metronome in your browser. Choose from five sounds: Kick, Snare, Hi-Hat (Closed), Hi-Hat (Open), and Click; toggle each step on or off to build your pattern. Load a preset like Rock, Disco, Hip-Hop, Bossa Nova or Reggae to start with a classic drum pattern, then edit it to make it your own. Adjust the tempo with the BPM slider, tap in your own speed with the Tap Tempo button, and add swing to give your beat a human, groovy feel. Your pattern loops continuously, so you can play along with any instrument while it runs.
Rhythm Studio
Beat SequencerHow to use our sequencer and metronome
- Play/Stop: Click the large Play (▶) button or press the Spacebar on your keyboard to start the beat.
- Tempo (Speed): Drag the Tempo slider to speed up or slow down the rhythm. The number represents “Beats Per Minute” (BPM).
Creating your own beat (The Sequencer)
The grid represents a 4/4 measure, subdivided into sixteenths.
- Add Sounds: Click any square in the grid to turn a sound on (colored) or off (grey).
- The Instruments:
- Kick: The low, thumping bass drum.
- Snare: The sharp, snapping drum.
- Hi-Hat (C/O): The metallic ticking sound (Closed or Open).
- Click: A standard metronome guide track.
- Volume: Use the small sliders next to each instrument name to mix your levels (e.g., make the Kick loud and the Hi-Hats quiet).
Advanced geatures
- Swing: Move the Swing slider to change the “feel.”
- Low Swing = Robotic, perfectly straight timing (Techno/Rock).
- Medium Swing (20-50%) = A groovy, human feel (Jazz/Hip-Hop/Reggae).
- Tap Tempo: Have a rhythm in your head? Click the Tap Tempo button repeatedly in time with your idea, and the tool will automatically calculate the speed for you
Stuck? Click the buttons at the top (Rock, Disco, Hip-Hop, Bossa Nova, Reggae) to instantly load a classic drum pattern. You can then edit them to whatever beat you like.
Keyboard Shortcuts
- Spacebar: Play / Stop
- Up / Down Arrows: Fine-tune the Tempo
- “T” Key: Tap Tempo
Frequently Asked Question
What is swing and should I use it?
Swing shifts the timing of off-beat steps slightly, giving the pattern a looser, more human feel. At zero percent the beat is mechanical, great for Techno and Rock. When set at twenty to fifty percent, it starts to feel like Jazz, Hip-Hop, or Reggae. Try dragging it up while the beat plays, and you’ll hear the difference immediately.
What does the Click track do?
The Click row is a standard metronome guide track that plays on every beat. It’s useful when you’re using the sequencer as a practice tool: you can turn the drum sounds down and leave just the Click running as a tempo reference while you play along.
Can I use this as a metronome for instrument practice?
Yes, that’s one of its best uses. Load a preset or build a simple pattern, set your tempo, and play along. The Tap Tempo button lets you match the speed to a song you’re learning by tapping it in time, and the Up/Down arrow keys let you fine-tune the BPM while you play without stopping.