170 BPM Metronome

Near the upper edge of what most players can execute cleanly.

170 beats per minute 2.83 beats per second Marked Vivace

Is 170 BPM fast or slow?

Very fast. Almost three beats a second. At this tempo the click stops being something you follow and becomes something you either match or do not.

What 170 BPM is used for

• Speed metal and hardcore Sustained playing at this tempo is a technical achievement in itself.
• Fast electronic music Common in styles built on rapid subdivision.
• Advanced technical work A tempo for maintaining technique, not building it.

How to practise at 170 BPM

• Earn it from below Very few passages survive being attempted at 170 first. Build from 130 upward.
• Reduce what you are counting Accent only the downbeat and let the rest of the bar pass unmarked. Less to track, more attention for playing.

Nearby tempos

The metronome above is already set to 170. If you need a different speed, these are the closest:

• 140 Allegro
• 150 Allegro
• 160 Vivace
• 180 Presto
• 190 Presto
• 200 Prestissimo

Not on the list? Open the full metronome and set anything from 20 to 400 BPM, or tap the tempo if you know how it should feel but not what number it is. The tempo guide covers what the markings mean.