expression, godan verb (-ru)
beat time; mark time
Used for keeping rhythm by tapping, clapping, or conducting. Often in musical or rhythmic contexts.
彼は足で調子を取った。
He beat time with his foot.
指揮者が手で調子を取る。
The conductor marks time with his hands.
Standard kanji spelling.
Kana spelling of the verb part; common in informal writing.
Similar meaning, but リズムを取る is more about taking a rhythm, while 調子を取る specifically means beating or marking time.
Compound of 調子 (rhythm, tune) + を + 取る (to take). The literal sense is 'to take the rhythm'.