Abstract: A method for determining rhythm units (beats per minute or BPM) in (digital) audio data forming a musical piece. The audio data is split among a plurality of determination paths wherein it is subdivided into predetermined frequency bands. The data is analyzed for transients in order to determine attack events. In addition, the time intervals between two successive attack events are measured. In this case, the time intervals are averaged and defined as the frequency-band-specific rhythm unit (BPM) of the audio data in the respective determination path. Thus, the rhythm unit which exhibits the highest beat number (BPM number) is selected from the frequency-band-specific rhythm units (BPM) of the determination paths.