2/4 Metronome

20–400 BPM, any time signature, five accent levels, subdivisions, swing, count-in, speed and gap trainers.

2/4 has two beats in each bar, and each beat is a quarter note (that is what the lower number means). In practice it is felt as two even beats. You will hear it in marches, polkas, samba and many folk dances. Fast songs are also often counted in two.

The metronome above is set to 2/4: an accent on beat 1. The tempo counts quarter notes. Tap any beat to change its accent.

How to count 2/4

12

Count “1 & 2 &”, with the strongest stress on 1.

Practising in 2/4 on guitar

  • Start slowly: set the tempo where you can count out loud and play at the same time.
  • Strum down on every beat first, then fill in the off-beats once the accents feel natural.
  • Add the drum machine for a groove in 2/4.

Common questions

How do you count 2/4?

Count “1 & 2 &”, with the strongest stress on 1.

What does the 4 in 2/4 mean?

It names the note that gets one count: a quarter note. The top number, 2, is how many of them fill a bar.

What is the difference between 2/4 and 4/4?

2/4 has two beats in a bar and 4/4 has four. Music in 2/4 often feels quicker and more march-like, with a strong pulse on every other beat.

Can I change how the beats are grouped?

Yes. In Advanced, type a grouping such as 3+2+2 under Beat groups, and the accents move to match.

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Other time signatures

Timing tools

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