170 BPM Metronome — Drum and Bass Standard Tempo
Free online metronome set at 170 beats per minute. The standard tempo for drum and bass, jungle, and footwork. Perfect for electronic music production and advanced speed development.
Press Space to start/stop
Use ↑/↓ arrows to adjust BPM (Shift for ±5)
170 BPM (beats per minute) represents a very fast tempo that's essential for specific electronic music genres and advanced technical development. This tempo is most commonly associated with drum and bass, jungle, and some forms of hardcore and footwork, where it serves as the foundation for complex, rapid-fire rhythmic patterns.
For musicians focused on speed development, 170 BPM is an advanced goal that requires excellent technique, stamina, and mental focus. It's significantly faster than most conventional music tempos, demanding precise control and efficient movement. Practicing at this speed develops the physical and mental capabilities needed for elite-level performance.
In drum and bass production, 170 BPM is not just a tempo—it's a defining characteristic of the genre. While the kick and snare pattern creates a half-time feel (approximately 85 BPM), the hi-hats, percussion, and bass lines move at the full 170 BPM, creating the genre's signature energetic, rolling sound.
Drum and Bass
170 BPM is the standard tempo for drum and bass music. This tempo allows for the characteristic fast breakbeats, rolling bass lines, and energetic atmosphere that defines the genre. While the main rhythm often feels like 85 BPM due to the half-time snare placement, the underlying tempo of 170 BPM creates the genre's distinctive energy.
Jungle
Jungle music, the precursor to drum and bass, typically sits around 160-180 BPM, with 170 being a sweet spot. This tempo accommodates the rapid, complex breakbeats and chopped samples that characterize jungle. The fast tempo creates an intense, energetic atmosphere perfect for this underground genre.
Hardcore and Happy Hardcore
Some hardcore electronic music uses 170 BPM, creating fast, energetic tracks with rapid kick patterns and upbeat melodies. While not as common as 160-180 BPM in hardcore, 170 provides a solid foundation for intense, high-energy electronic music with both aggressive and euphoric elements.
Footwork and Juke
Footwork, originating from Chicago, often uses tempos around 160-170 BPM. This creates the rapid, syncopated rhythms perfect for the complex footwork dance style. The fast tempo allows for intricate rhythmic patterns and rapid sample manipulation that defines the genre.
Advanced Speed Development
Reaching 170 BPM requires systematic, patient practice. Never jump to this tempo directly— build up gradually from 120-140 BPM over weeks or months. Increase in small increments (2-5 BPM), and only move up when you can play cleanly at the current tempo. Focus on efficiency and relaxation rather than forcing speed.
Technique and Economy of Motion
At 170 BPM, every unnecessary movement wastes energy and creates tension. Focus on minimal, efficient motions. Keep your hands, wrists, and arms relaxed. Use proper technique—at this speed, poor technique will cause fatigue and potential injury. Quality of motion is more important than raw speed.
Mental Focus and Concentration
Playing at 170 BPM requires intense mental focus. Your brain must process information and send motor commands extremely quickly. Practice mental preparation techniques— visualization, breathing exercises, and focused attention. Stay present and avoid thinking too far ahead, which can cause rushing or mistakes.
Drum and Bass Production
For producers working on drum and bass or jungle, 170 BPM is your primary tempo. Practice programming fast breakbeats, creating rolling basslines, and arranging tracks at this speed. Learn to work with the half-time feel while maintaining the energy of the full 170 BPM tempo in your percussion and melodic elements.
Electronic Drums & Programming
Essential for drum and bass production. Practice programming fast breakbeats, chopping and arranging drum loops, and creating rapid hi-hat patterns. Master the Amen break and other classic jungle breaks at 170 BPM.
Bass & Sub-Bass
Perfect for learning drum and bass basslines—the rolling, stepping bass patterns that define the genre. Practice creating reese bass sounds, programming rapid bass movements, and developing that signature DnB bass groove.
Guitar (Advanced)
Extremely challenging for guitar. Only advanced players should attempt scales, alternate picking, or shredding at 170 BPM. Focus on tremolo picking, rapid alternate picking, and developing the speed needed for metal and progressive music.
Piano (Advanced)
Very fast tempo for piano, suitable only for advanced technical exercises. Practice rapid scale passages, arpeggios, and finger independence at this speed. Many classical virtuoso pieces have sections that approach or exceed this tempo.
Drums (Acoustic)
Extremely demanding for acoustic drummers. Practice single stroke rolls, double bass patterns, and building stamina. This tempo is used in extreme metal and requires excellent technique and physical conditioning.
DJing & Mixing
Standard tempo for drum and bass DJing. Practice beatmatching at 170 BPM, mixing between tracks, and managing the energy of your sets. Understanding this tempo is essential for anyone DJing in the drum and bass scene.
- For Production: Set your DAW to 170 BPM and use this metronome as your click track for drum and bass, jungle, or footwork production. Practice programming breaks, basslines, and arrangements while staying locked to this tempo.
- Progressive Speed Building: Never jump to 170 BPM from a much slower tempo. Build gradually from 140-150 BPM, increasing by 5 BPM only when you can play perfectly at the current speed. This might take weeks or months—be patient.
- Work with Half-Time: For drum and bass, practice feeling 170 BPM while playing or programming a half-time groove (85 BPM feel). This develops the dual awareness needed to produce and perform this genre effectively.
- Short, Focused Sessions: Practicing at 170 BPM is extremely demanding. Keep practice sessions short (5-10 minutes) to maintain quality and avoid fatigue. Take breaks between sessions and never practice through tension or pain.
- Perfect Technique First: Before attempting 170 BPM, ensure your technique is flawless at slower tempos. Poor technique amplified by extreme speed leads to injury and poor results. Build a solid technical foundation first.
Frequently Asked Questions About 170 BPM
Is 170 BPM too fast for most musicians?
Yes, 170 BPM is extremely fast and beyond the needs of most musicians. It's primarily used in specific electronic genres (drum and bass, jungle) and advanced technical development. Most musical styles use slower tempos, and only advanced players should attempt practicing at this speed.
Why is 170 BPM the standard for drum and bass?
170 BPM became the drum and bass standard through the evolution of jungle music in the early 1990s. Producers found that this tempo perfectly balanced the need for energetic, fast-paced music with the ability to create complex breakbeats and rolling bass patterns. It's fast enough to be exciting but not so fast that it becomes chaotic.
How is 170 BPM different from 85 BPM?
In drum and bass, 170 BPM is the actual tempo, but the kick-snare pattern creates a half-time feel of 85 BPM. The hi-hats, bass, and other elements move at 170 BPM, creating energy, while the main beat feels slower. This creates the characteristic rolling, energetic feel of drum and bass.
Can I damage my hands playing at 170 BPM?
Yes, if you use poor technique or practice with tension. At this extreme tempo, any technical problems are magnified and can lead to repetitive strain injuries. Only practice at 170 BPM if you have excellent technique at slower tempos, stay relaxed, and take frequent breaks. Never push through pain.
How long does it take to play at 170 BPM?
Building to 170 BPM can take months or years, depending on your starting point and how much you practice. Most musicians should spend significant time at 120-150 BPM before attempting higher speeds. Focus on gradual, sustainable progress rather than rushing to reach this tempo.
Should beginners practice at 170 BPM?
No. Beginners should work at 60-100 BPM for technical development. 170 BPM is only appropriate for advanced musicians with excellent technique who specifically need this tempo for their genre (like drum and bass production) or are working on elite-level speed development.
Explore nearby tempos and related practice pages to enhance your timing skills.