Speed trainer: a metronome that speeds up for you
The reliable way to build speed is small steps: a few BPM at a time, only after the last tempo is clean. FRET’s speed trainer does the stepping for you — it raises the tempo every few bars up to the target you set, so you stay focused on playing.
How it works
- Set your start tempoChoose a BPM where the passage is clean and relaxed.
- Choose the climbAdd 1, 2, 4 or 5 BPM every 2, 4 or 8 bars, up to a target of 100–180 BPM.
- PlayThe click climbs as you play; the screen shows the current bar and tempo.
Why gradual tempo increases work
Speed is accuracy repeated faster. Jumping straight to a tempo you can’t control trains tension and mistakes; climbing slowly from a clean tempo trains the same movement at each step. That’s why teachers recommend raising the tempo by 3–5 BPM at a time — the method explained in how to use a metronome. The speed trainer automates those steps, so you don’t stop playing to tap a button.
Settings that work
| Goal | Step | Every | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gentle warm-up | +1 BPM | 8 bars | 80 → 100 BPM over about 7 minutes |
| Daily speed work | +2 BPM | 4 bars | 90 → 120 BPM, the setting FRET’s “Speed builder” routine uses |
| Short burst | +4 BPM | 2 bars | Push past a plateau, then drop back down |
| Big range | +5 BPM | 4 bars | Testing your top speed — not for daily practice |
When the click passes the point where you stay clean, stop, go back to the last good tempo and play it a few more times. Finishing slightly below your maximum, relaxed, is how tomorrow’s starting point moves up.
Watch for tension. If your shoulders rise or your picking hand tightens, the tempo is too high, even if the notes are right. Relaxed playing is what lasts at speed.
What to practise with it
- Scales — the pentatonic scale in eighth notes, then in groups of three or six.
- Picking drills — the chromatic spider walk, tremolo picking on one string.
- Strumming patterns — keep the pattern steady as the tempo rises.
- Riffs and passages from songs — start well below the record’s tempo; find it first with tap tempo.
Built into guided practice
FRET’s “Speed builder” routine uses the trainer automatically: pentatonic bursts and tremolo picking with a click that climbs 2 BPM every 4 bars. The free online metronome is there when you just need a steady click.
Questions
What is a speed trainer metronome?
A metronome that increases the tempo automatically, a few BPM every few bars, up to a target you set.
How much should I increase the tempo?
Small steps work best: 2–5 BPM at a time, only after you can play the passage cleanly.
What settings does FRET’s speed trainer offer?
Steps of 1, 2, 4 or 5 BPM every 2, 4 or 8 bars, with a target between 100 and 180 BPM.
Is the speed trainer free?
It’s part of FRET Pro, with a 7-day free trial. The metronome itself is free.