Abstract

An automatic rhythm performing apparatus comprises a voltage-controlled variable frequency clock generator, a plurality of tempo determining voltage signal sources, a selector for selectively coupling one of the tempo determining voltage signal sources to the clock generator, and an automatic rhythm generating circuit including a counter for counting clock pulses from the clock generator and generating a rhythm in response to the clock signal. The tempo of the rhythm produced by the rhythm generating circuit is dependent upon the magnitude of a tempo determining voltage coupled to the clock generator. A control circuit having a foot switch and a rhythm start switch may be provided to control the selector and counter. The counter is enabled to count the clock pulses by the operation of the rhythm start switch. The operation of the foot switch causes the counter to be disabled or causes the tempo determining voltage source coupled to the clock generator to be switched from one source to another.