Metronome 120 BPM (Allegro) — Play and Practise Online

Use this free online metronome set to 120 beats per minute — Allegro to practise guitar, drums, piano, bass or any other instrument. Zero latency, precise timing and visual feedback to keep you on the beat.

Which tempo marking is 120 BPM?

120 BPM corresponds to Allegro in the classical tempo markings.

Cheerful and energetic. The most iconic tempo in Western music — found everywhere, from Mozart symphonies to modern rock hits.

Popular songs at 120 BPM

Need something to play along to? These well-known tracks are commonly cited at around 120 BPM. Tempos vary a little by recording.

•“On Melancholy Hill” — Gorillaz (2010)120 BPM · exact match
•“Dancing in the Moonlight” — Toploader (2000)120 BPM · exact match
•“Sugar” — Maroon 5 (2015)120 BPM · exact match

Practice tips for playing at 120 BPM

Allegro is where most technique problems become obvious. Practise at this tempo with the metronome and work on subdivision — playing sixteenths evenly at speed is the single biggest separator between clean and messy fast playing. Slow everything down until it is boring, then bring it up in increments. If you rush, the usual culprit is anxiety about the next note rather than the note you are playing.

Warm-up exercises

Start with single quarter notes on one note, focusing on even spacing and consistent dynamics.At 120 BPM, keep your movements small and efficient. Tension is the enemy of speed.Add eighths and then sixteenths as you become comfortable.

Mastering sixteenths at this speed

Sixteenths at 120 BPM means 480 notes per minute — that is 8 notes per second.That calls for relaxed technique and efficient movement. Practise slowly and only raise the tempo when you can play it perfectly at the current speed.

Tip: start at half speed (60 BPM) and double the note values per bar until you can hit the target tempo accurately.

Explore similar tempi

Try the neighbouring tempos to broaden your rhythmic range:

115 BPM 116 BPM 117 BPM 118 BPM 119 BPM 121 BPM 122 BPM 123 BPM 124 BPM 125 BPM

Why 120 BPM?

120 BPM is the most common tempo in Western popular music. Most pop, rock and dance hits are produced at this speed, which makes it essential for any musician.

How to use the metronome online

•Click Play or press Space to start.
•Adjust the BPM with the slider or the keyboard shortcuts.
•Tap tempo — click "Tap" or press T to set the tempo by tapping the rhythm.
•Visual indicators — the dots blink in sync with the audio.

Questions about 120 BPM

What does 120 BPM mean?

120 BPM means 120 evenly spaced beats per minute — about 2.0 beats each second. In the classical markings that is Allegro.

Why practise with a 120 BPM metronome?

Set the click to quarter notes and play exactly on it; halve the click to 60 BPM when you want to test whether your inner pulse holds without help. Double-time (240 BPM) is where this tempo lives for fast subdivision work.

How do I use the online metronome at 120 BPM?

Click Play or press Space to start. Adjust the BPM with the slider or the keyboard shortcuts. Use tap tempo (the Tap button or the T key) to set the tempo by tapping the rhythm. The beat indicator dots blink in sync with the audio.

Can I use a 120 BPM metronome for running or meditation?

Yes. Beyond music, a 120 BPM metronome works as a cadence for running workouts, as a breathing aid for yoga and meditation, and as a tool for reading and speech.