Most musicians work closely with a metronome in order to work on their ability to play at different tempos, or to work through a difficult exercise or section of a piece of music. While you may know why you use a metronome, you may not be familiar with the parts of the metronome that work together to produce the clicking sound that helps keep a steady tempo during your practice sessions.
Casing
The casing is often made of plastic or wood, and is used to hold all of the inner and outer parts of the metronome in place.
Pendulum
The pendulum is a metal rod that is located in the middle of the front side of the metronome. When wound, the pendulum swings back in forth at the user's desired tempo.
Small Adjustable Weight
There is a small adjustable weight attached to the pendulum. When the weight is slid towards the bottom of the pendulum, the tempo is increased; when it is slid up, the pendulum the tempo is decreased.
Large Static Weight
There is also a large weight that is attached to the lower end of the pendulum, which, when passed by the middle of the casing, produces a clicking sound that marks the tempo indicated on the pendulum.
Winder
The winder is a small plastic or wooden knob located on the side of the metronome which sets the gears in motion for a period of time depending on how many times it is wound.
Gears
Inside the casing are a series of gears that are set into motion by the winder. When the gears turn, they cause the pendulum to swing, which sets the metronome in motion.