Everything you need to know about BPM in music: Understanding and calculating tempo
Music BPM - BPM (Beats Per Minute) is a fundamental concept for musicians, DJs, producers, and music lovers. It determines the speed or tempo of a track. Whether you're a beginner trying to understand the basics of music or an experienced artist looking for ways to improve your compositions, this article is for you. We'll explore what BPM is in music, how to find it, and what typical BPMs are for different genres.
Summary
- What is BPM in music?
- How to find the BPM of a song?
- Calculate the BPM of a song
- BPM examples for different music genres
- BPM in classical music
- BPM and your heart rate
What is BPM in music?
The term BPM (Beats Per Minute) refers to the number of beats or pulses per minute in a piece of music. Each beat corresponds to one "beat" in a musical measure. For example, a piece with a time signature of 4/4 will have four beats per measure. A BPM of 120 , very common in electronic music, means there are 120 beats in a minute. Therefore, a piece with a BPM of 120 will be relatively fast.
BPM plays a key role in music composition and performance because it directly affects the energy and mood of a song. Music with a low BPM, such as ballads, is often slower and more relaxing, while songs with a high BPM, such as techno or drum and bass , create a more intense and energetic rhythm.
How to find music BPM?
There are several methods for finding the BPM of a song . Traditionally, musicians used a metronome, a device that generates a click at a specific tempo, to measure the BPM. Today, there are simpler solutions thanks to technology.
Use software or an online site
A quick way to find the BPM of a song is to use an online BPM calculator . For example, tools like SongBPM.com make it easy to find the BPM of a track. Simply enter the song name into the search bar to get the exact BPM of the music .
Mobile applications and professional software
Many mobile apps also allow you to calculate BPM in real time. DJs and producers often use software like Serato, Traktor, or Ableton Live, which include automatic BPM detection features.
Calculate the BPM of a song
Calculating BPM can be done manually by counting beats over a given period of time and extrapolating them to one minute. However, to save time and ensure accuracy, it is recommended to use digital tools like BPM calculators .
Example of music BPM calculation
For a DJ or producer, using a music BPM calculator is essential for adjusting tracks during sets or in the studio. Simply enter the song's name and you'll instantly get its BPM, allowing you to seamlessly integrate it into a mix or composition.
BPM examples for different music genres
Music BPM varies considerably depending on the musical genre. Here are some examples of typical BPMs by genre:
- Tango : 50-56 BPM
- Rap : 90-100 BPM
- Reggaeton : 80-90 BPM
- Techno : 125-145 BPM
- House : 124-130 BPM
- Dubstep : 138-142 BPM
- Trance : 128-140 BPM
A common example is 120 BPM music , which is very popular in the house and techno genre, as this tempo is ideal for dancing and club performances.
BPM in classical music
In classical music, tempo is often indicated in Italian terms such as Allegro or Adagio , but it can also be specified in BPM. Here are some examples of classical tempos in BPM:
- Long : 40-60 BPM
- Adagio : 66-76 BPM
- Moderate : 108-120 BPM
- Allegro : 120-160 BPM
- Presto : 168-200 BPM
This notation is essential to guide musicians in the interpretation of a work according to the composer's intention.
BPM and your heart rate
Did you know that music BPM can also influence your heart rate? In fact, studies have shown that our heart rate tends to align with the tempo of the music we're listening to. This explains why tracks with a music rate of 120 bpm , corresponding to a normal heart rate during moderate activity, are often perceived as comfortable for listening and dancing.
According to the famous DJ Harvey, the magic tempo for dancing is around 120 BPM , because it reflects "the rhythm of life", which explains why many popular songs have a tempo around this value.
Example of BPM Music:
Here is a bullet point of BPM by music style:
- Tango : 50-56 BPM
- Trip hop : 60-120 BPM
- Dub : 60-90 BPM
- Cumbia : 70-80 BPM
- Crunk : 80 BPM
- Old-school hip-hop : 80-100 BPM
- Chillout : 80-110 BPM
- Rap : 90-100 BPM
- Down Tempo : 90-120 BPM
- Reggaeton : 80-90 BPM
- Heavy metal : 100-120 BPM
- Salsa : 150-220 BPM
- North : 110-120 BPM
- New beat : 110-120 BPM
- Minimal Techno : 120-135 BPM
- Trap : 120-160 BPM
- Darkcore : 120-150 BPM
- Terrorcore : 120-600 BPM
- House : 124-130 BPM
- Techno : 125-145 BPM
- Tribe : 145-180 BPM
- Tribecore : 180-200 BPM
- Frenchcore : 200-210 BPM
- Eurodance : 126-132 BPM
- Electro : 126-135 BPM
- Funky house : 128-136 BPM
- Trance : 128-140 BPM
- Melodic Techno : 120-165 BPM
- Goa trance : 130-146 BPM
- Grime : 135-145 BPM
- Kuduro : 135-145 BPM
- Kizomba : 88-100 BPM
- Semba : 100-120 BPM
- Dubstep : 138-142 BPM
- Psytrance : 140-145 BPM
- Hardstyle : 140-160 BPM
- Breakbeat : 140-170 BPM
- Ghettotech : 150-170 BPM
- Schranz : 150-170 BPM
- Makina : 150-190 BPM
- Drum and bass : 160-190 BPM
- Jungle : 160-180 BPM
- Hardcore techno / Gabber : 160-200 BPM
- Happy hardcore : 175-200 BPM
- Speedcore : 195-245 BPM
- Splittercore : 500-1000 BPM
- Extratone : Beyond 1000 BPM
Conclusion
Music BPM is a crucial element in understanding and mastering the rhythm and energy of a track. Whether you're a musician, DJ, or simply a music enthusiast, knowing how to find a track's BPM will help you improve your skills and enhance your appreciation of your art. Using a BPM calculator or online tools can simplify this task and help you integrate tracks into your mixes or compositions with greater precision.
