Measure (Bar)

Definition of Measure (Bar)

A measure (bar ) is a group of beats.

Measures (bars ) are delimited by bars (barlines ).

Below is an example of empty measures (bars )

Bars (Barlines )

Bars (barlines ) are used to separate each measure (bar )

There are several kinds of bars (barlines ):

- Bars (barlines )
- Repeat bars (Repeat barlines )
- Final bars (Final barlines )
- Double bars (Double barlines )

Bars (barlines )

Bars are used to separate each measure.

Repeat bars (Repeat barlines )

Repeat bars are used to repeat a segment of the score:

On this staff (stave ), there are two repeat signs, it works like mirrors. The first measure (bar ) is played, nothing special.

The 2^nd measure is played normally, but you will have to memorize the location of the repeat sign, here it is simple because the staff has only one line.

The 3^rd measure is played normally.

The 4^th measure is played normally.

After you have fully played the 4^th measure, the repeat sign indicates that you should go back to the previous repeat sign.

The 2^nd measure is played again.

The 3^rd measure is played again.

The 4^th measure is played again.

Mission accomplished! We played the passage between the two repet signs, we can continue our way.

Final bars (Final barlines )

Final bars are used to indicate the end of the score

Double bars (Double barlines )

Thin double bars and dotted bars are used to indicate a change (of key signature for example) or something special