Complete Tempo Guide
Master musical tempo: from Largo to Presto, understand BPM ranges, tempo markings, and how different speeds shape music across all genres.
What is Tempo in Music?
Tempo is the speed at which music is played, measured in BPM (Beats Per Minute). A tempo of 120 BPM means 120 beats occur in one minute, or 2 beats per second.
Tempo is one of the most fundamental elements of music, affecting the mood, energy, and emotional impact of a piece. The same melody played at different tempos can convey completely different feelings.
Why Tempo Matters
- Sets the Mood: Slow tempos create calm, contemplative feelings; fast tempos create excitement and energy
- Defines the Genre: Many genres have characteristic tempo ranges (e.g., classical adagio vs. punk rock)
- Affects Difficulty: Faster tempos are generally more challenging to play accurately
- Enables Collaboration: Musicians need a common tempo to play together effectively
- Shapes Expression: Tempo changes within a piece add drama and emotional depth
Tempo Classifications & BPM Ranges
Classical music uses Italian terms to indicate tempo. Here's a complete breakdown:
| Italian Term | Translation | BPM Range | Description | Try It |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Larghissimo | Very, very slow | 20-40 BPM | Extremely slow, solemn, funeral marches | - |
| Grave | Slow and solemn | 40-50 BPM | Serious, heavy, deeply expressive | - |
| Largo | Broadly | 40-60 BPM | Very slow, stately, dignified | 60 BPM |
| Lento | Slowly | 45-60 BPM | Slow, leisurely pace | 60 BPM |
| Adagio | At ease | 60-80 BPM | Slow, expressive, ballad tempo | 70 BPM | 80 BPM |
| Andante | Walking | 76-108 BPM | Walking pace, moderate, flowing | 80 BPM | 90 BPM | 100 BPM |
| Moderato | Moderately | 108-120 BPM | Moderate tempo, comfortable pace | 110 BPM | 120 BPM |
| Allegretto | Moderately fast | 112-120 BPM | Fairly quick, light, graceful | 120 BPM |
| Allegro | Fast, cheerful | 120-168 BPM | Fast, bright, lively | 130 BPM | 140 BPM | 150 BPM | 160 BPM |
| Vivace | Lively | 140-176 BPM | Very fast, spirited, vivacious | 150 BPM | 160 BPM | 170 BPM |
| Presto | Very fast | 168-200 BPM | Very quick, exciting, demanding | 170 BPM | 180 BPM | 190 BPM | 200 BPM |
| Prestissimo | As fast as possible | 200+ BPM | Extremely fast, virtuosic | 200 BPM |
Tempo by Music Genre
Different musical genres tend to favor specific tempo ranges. Understanding these can help you choose the right practice tempo and capture the authentic feel of each style.
Classical Music
- Baroque (Bach, Vivaldi): 60-120 BPM - Structured, steady tempos
- Classical (Mozart, Haydn): 80-140 BPM - Moderate, elegant tempos
- Romantic (Chopin, Brahms): 40-160 BPM - Wide range with expressive rubato
- Modern Classical: 40-180 BPM - Full spectrum of tempos
Popular Music
- Ballads & Slow Songs: 60-80 BPM - Try 70 BPM
- Hip-Hop & R&B: 80-100 BPM - Try 90 BPM
- Pop & Rock: 110-140 BPM - Try 120 BPM
- Dance & EDM: 120-130 BPM - Try 130 BPM
- Techno & House: 120-135 BPM - Try 130 BPM
- Punk Rock: 150-180 BPM - Try 160 BPM
Jazz & Blues
- Slow Blues: 60-80 BPM - Try 70 BPM
- Swing: 110-140 BPM - Try 120 BPM
- Bebop: 140-200 BPM - Try 160 BPM
- Latin Jazz: 120-160 BPM - Try 140 BPM
Metal & Heavy Rock
- Doom Metal: 40-70 BPM - Try 60 BPM
- Heavy Metal: 100-150 BPM - Try 130 BPM
- Thrash Metal: 150-190 BPM - Try 170 BPM
- Speed/Death Metal: 180-220 BPM - Try 190 BPM
Electronic Dance Music (EDM)
- Dubstep: 140 BPM (half-time feel at 70) - Try 140 BPM
- Drum and Bass: 160-180 BPM - Try 170 BPM
- Trance: 125-150 BPM - Try 140 BPM
- Hardstyle: 140-160 BPM - Try 150 BPM
World Music
- Reggae: 80-110 BPM - Try 90 BPM
- Salsa: 150-220 BPM - Try 180 BPM
- Bossa Nova: 120-140 BPM - Try 130 BPM
- Flamenco: 120-180 BPM - Try 150 BPM
How to Practice with Different Tempos
The 50% Rule
When learning new music, start at 50-60% of the target tempo. If your goal is 120 BPM, begin at 60-70 BPM. This allows you to:
- Build accurate muscle memory without mistakes
- Focus on technique and expression
- Understand the musical structure clearly
- Prevent injury from over-exertion
The 5 BPM Increment Method
Once comfortable at a slower tempo:
- Play the piece 3-5 times perfectly at the current tempo
- Increase by 5 BPM and repeat
- If you make mistakes, drop back 5-10 BPM
- Be patient - building speed takes time
Tempo Variation Practice
Mix up your practice with these techniques:
- Slow Practice: 50-70% speed to perfect technique
- Target Tempo: Final performance speed
- Over-tempo: 110-120% speed to build facility (careful with this!)
- Rhythmic Variations: Change note groupings at same tempo
Practice at Specific Tempos
Jump directly to our dedicated BPM practice pages:
60 BPM
Largo - Perfect for slow practice and ballads
70 BPM
Adagio - Slow blues and emotional songs
80 BPM
Adagio/Andante - Ballads and R&B
90 BPM
Andante - Hip-hop and chillout
100 BPM
Andante/Moderato - Walking pace
110 BPM
Moderato - Pop and reggae
120 BPM
Moderato/Allegretto - Most popular tempo
130 BPM
Allegro - Dance and house music
140 BPM
Allegro - Upbeat pop and rock
150 BPM
Allegro/Vivace - Punk and fast dance
160 BPM
Vivace - Fast rock and metal
170 BPM
Vivace - Speed metal and drum & bass
180 BPM
Presto - Very fast, intense
190 BPM
Presto - Extreme speed
200 BPM
Prestissimo - Maximum speed