How this tempo feels
The speed of a ticking clock. With one beat per second, it's the easiest reference to lock onto.
Where it's used
It shows up in slow ballads, acoustic songs, jazz ballads, and blues — calm, unhurried material.
Beat math
At 60 BPM the beat falls 60 times a minute. Here's the math.
Beats per minute
60 beats
One beat lasts
1s(1000ms)
Beats per second
1 beats
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Practice tips
One beat per second makes it great for learning a new song or scale slowly. Once you're steady here, raise the tempo a little at a time.
Frequently asked questions
How many beats per second is 60 BPM?
One. 60 BPM is 60 beats a minute, so each beat lasts exactly one second.
What songs use 60 BPM?
Slow ballads and calm acoustic songs often sit here. It's a relaxed tempo, a little slower than a walking pace.