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A metronome is essential for playing and recording in time. The problem is that the default “click” in recording software — Cubase, Pro Tools, Reaper, Ableton, Audacity — can get irritating after a few hours in the studio.
So I put together a set of metronome sounds that are more pleasant, or at least more bearable, for anyone who spends a lot of time recording. There are sounds for different tastes: download them above and replace the ones in your recording software.
How to change the metronome sounds in Cubase
I’ll use Steinberg’s Cubase as the example; the process is similar in other programs. Menu names may vary slightly between versions.
- Open the Transport › Metronome Setup menu.
- In the Audio Click tab, choose Sounds instead of Beeps.
- Import two sounds: Hi, which marks the first beat (the downbeat) of each bar, and Lo, for the remaining beats. To do that, click the black area next to each option and choose the file.
Free metronome apps
For practicing away from the computer, a good metronome on your phone makes all the difference. These are some of the apps I recommend (all free, some with paid extras):
- Metronome Beats — Android
- The Metronome by Soundbrenner — Android · iOS
- Pro Metronome — Android · iOS
- Metronome Ϟ MetroTimer — iOS
Practice tip
When a passage won’t come out right, slow the metronome down until you can play it without mistakes, then speed up gradually, 4 or 5 BPM at a time. Playing slowly and accurately takes you further than playing fast and stumbling.
Looking for a specific song? On PaidTabs I have over 1,400 guitar and bass transcriptions, transcribed by ear and rated 5/5 from 700+ reviews. Browse on PaidTabs · Can’t find it? Request a transcription.
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