Bar

A segment of music bounded by bar lines, containing a fixed number of beats

About Bar

A bar (or measure) is the basic unit of metric organisation. Bar lines on the staffStaffThe set of five horizontal lines and four spaces on which musical notes are written.View full entry → mark its boundaries.

More rhythm terms

Polyrhythm

The simultaneous use of two or more conflicting rhythmic patterns

Syncopation

Deliberate displacement of the expected rhythmic accent

Beat

The basic unit of time in music — the regular pulse a listener feels

Offbeat

Any beat or subdivision that falls between the main beats of a bar, often used for rhythmic interest and lift.

Compound time

Time signatures in which each beat subdivides naturally into three equal parts.

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Synonyms

measure

time signature beat phrase bar line

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Bar vs measure

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Nearby Terms

Articulation MarkingsSymbols placed above or below notes to indicate how they should be attacked, sustained, or released.
AssaiVery or quite — a modifier that intensifies the tempo or expression marking it accompanies
AttaccaProceed to the next movement without pause.
AugmentedAn interval that has been widened by one semitone beyond its major or perfect form.
Aural TrainingThe development of musical listening skills including interval recognition and melodic dictation
BaroqueThe period of Western art music spanning roughly 1600 to 1750, characterised by ornate expression, basso continuo, and the development of tonal harmony.
BeatThe basic unit of time in music — the regular pulse a listener feels
Bebop ScaleA jazz scale that adds one chromatic passing note to a standard seven-note scale, ensuring chord tones fall on strong beats.
Binary FormA two-part musical structure (AB)
BisPlay the indicated passage twice; repeat the bracketed section

Bar

About Bar

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