Pulse Pocket Metronome
A free metronome built for percussionists. See subdivisions, build combination rhythms, and read counting in two systems — right in your browser.
No download. No install. No account. Free forever.
What It Is
Pulse Pocket is a web-based metronome designed by a percussion educator for percussion students and teachers. Unlike a generic metronome app, Pulse Pocket shows you the rhythm — not just clicks.
You can see every subdivision on a live staff, switch between Standard and Eastman counting systems, display sticking (Natural or Alternate), and build combination rhythms beat by beat. It works on any phone, tablet, or computer with a browser.
Who it’s for
Students — Practice with a metronome that actually shows you the rhythm. Learn to count in Standard or Eastman. See your sticking. Build up from quarter notes to complex combination patterns.
Teachers — Start beginners with a plain metronome, then turn on subdivisions, patterns, and combination rhythms as students are ready. Project it on a screen for the whole class.
Private Teachers — Assign specific rhythm combinations for weekly practice. Students open the same URL on any device — no app to install, no version issues.
Key Features
See the rhythm
Live notation with beams, tuplet brackets, and a moving highlight on the note being played. Students see what they hear.
Subdivisions
Quarter notes, eighths, triplets, and sixteenths — the core vocabulary for beginner and intermediate percussionists.
Patterns
Mix notes and rests inside a single beat. Silent pulses show as hollow notes with their counts in parentheses — students count them but don't play.
Combination Rhythms
Give each beat its own rhythm. Or pick a preset: Build-Up, 16th Combinations, Trips & 16ths (Dots & Syncopation, Fives & Sixes coming soon)
Counting Systems
Standard: the traditional band-room count (1 e & a, 1 trip let)
Eastman: the McHose/Tibbs system (1 te, 1 la li, 1 ta te ta)
Show one, the other, or both at the same time
Sticking Display
Natural: each hand tied to its spot in the grid (rests don't change hands)
Alternate: switches hands on every played note (rests shift the pattern)
Shown as R/L under each played note, with hand parity carrying across the measure
Time Signatures
2/4, 3/4, 4/4 (C = common time), and 2/2 (¢ = cut time). Switch between common time and cut time while playing to hear the difference.
Progressive Features
Subdivisions and Combination Rhythms panels each have on/off switches. Beginners start with a plain metronome. Teachers reveal tools as students are ready.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Space (play/stop), T (tap tempo), ↑/↓ (adjust tempo), R (reset to 4/4 at 120 BPM).
Why It’s Different
Most metronome apps produce clicks. Pulse Pocket teaches rhythm.
Percussion-specific: Counting systems, sticking, and subdivisions built for the band room — not generic music tools.
Visual: Live notation on a staff. Students see what they play.
Progressive: Start simple, reveal features as students grow. Not a wall of buttons.
Free: No paywall, no account, no download. Open the URL and practice.
Works everywhere: Phone, tablet, Chromebook, desktop. Any browser.
Ready to practice?
Launch Pulse Pocket — free, no signup.