What does BPM mean on a chord chart?

BPM on a chord chart tells you the song's tempo before you start to play. Use it to set a metronome for practice, a click track for rehearsal, and to gauge general song speed. It's usually printed right at the top, next to the key.

A worship chart without a BPM number listed forces you to have heard the song before or to guess at the tempo. Having it is standard practice and helps you prepare to play the song.

How to use BPM

Set a metronome before you practice. Rather than guessing the tempo from memory or feel, set a metronome to the exact BPM. By playing along at the correct speed, you can test different strumming patterns to figure out which one is best for you.

Gauge your strumming pattern. A song at 68 BPM and a song at 140 BPM require different strumming speeds even if you use the same chords. Knowing the BPMs before you start helps you choose what fits best.

Set the band click track. Usually the drummer will set the click track for a song, but maybe it's your job on the team. If so, having the BPM right on the chord chart or lead sheet will save you from guessing.

What it doesn't tell you

BPM tells you tempo, not feel. Two songs at the same BPM can feel completely different depending on the instrumentation and dynamics of the band before you even play your strumming pattern. Tempo isn't everything, but it's important.

  • BPM - what the term itself means
  • Click track - how the same BPM number gets used live in a band setting
  • Chord chart - where BPM typically appears
What is a barre chord?What does BPM stand for?