Repeat bars
A repeat sign is a double bar line with two dots. It means: play this passage twice.
- π Start repeat: the dots are on the right of the bar.
- π End repeat: the dots are on the left. When you get here, go back to the start repeat.
If there is only an end repeat, go back to the beginning of the piece. An example with four measures:
| Written | Played |
|---|---|
| π 1 | 2 π 3 | 4 | 1 2 1 2 3 4 |
| 1 | 2 π 3 | 4 | 1 2 1 2 3 4 |
| 1 | π 2 | 3 π 4 | 1 2 3 2 3 4 |
Unless marked otherwise, a passage is repeated once. For more, the music says β3xβ or βplay 4 timesβ above the bar.
1st and 2nd endings
Sometimes the repeat is the same but the ending changes. That's what endings (also called volta brackets) are for: brackets numbered 1 and 2 over the last measures.
- The first time, play the 1st ending and go back at the repeat sign.
- The second time, skip the 1st ending and play the 2nd ending.
| Written | Played |
|---|---|
| π 1 | 2 | [1. 3 π [2. 4 | 5 | 1 2 3 1 2 4 5 |
D.C. (Da Capo) and Fine
D.C. stands for Da Capo, Italian for βfrom the headβ. When you see it, go back to the first measure.
- D.C. al Fine: go back to the beginning and play until the word Fine (βendβ). The piece ends there.
- D.C. al Coda: go back to the beginning and, at βTo Codaβ or the π sign, jump to the Coda.
| Written | Played |
|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Fine | 3 | 4 D.C. al Fine | 1 2 3 4 1 2 |
D.S. (Dal Segno) and Coda
D.S. stands for Dal Segno, βfrom the signβ. Instead of the beginning, you go back to the segno π, a slanted S with two dots.
The Coda π, a circle with a cross, is a separate ending. The usual path is:
- Play normally until D.S. al Coda.
- Go back to the sign π.
- Play until the first π (or βTo Codaβ).
- Jump to the second π at the end of the score and play the Coda.
| Written | Played |
|---|---|
| 1 | π 2 | 3 π | 4 D.S. al Coda β π 5 | 6 | 1 2 3 4 2 3 5 6 |
By convention, after a D.C. or D.S. the repeats along the way are not taken again, and you play the last ending directly, unless the music says βcon ripetizioneβ.
Table of all the signs
| Sign | Name | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| π π | Repeat bars | Repeat the passage between the bars |
| [1. [2. | 1st and 2nd endings | 1st ending the first time, 2nd ending the second |
| D.C. | Da Capo | Go back to the beginning |
| D.S. π | Dal Segno | Go back to the sign |
| π | Coda | Jump to the separate ending |
| Fine | End | Stop here after a D.C. or D.S. |
| π | Measure repeat | Play the previous measure again |
Now put the theory into your fingers
In Dedilhado Vivo you learn flute, guitar, violin or piano by seeing each finger on the screen, and the app listens to you play through the microphone.
Practice theory in the free appHow not to get lost
- Before playing, trace the path with your finger through the score, start to finish.
- Number the measures in pencil and write the order on top, like β1 2 3 1 2 4β.
- Mark the destinations: circle the segno and both codas.
- For counting inside each measure, see rhythm and time signatures; for everything else, how to read sheet music.
Frequently asked questions
What do the two dots on a bar line mean?
They are a repeat sign. The dots point to the passage that is repeated: at the end repeat, go back to the start repeat or, if there is none, to the beginning.
How do 1st and 2nd endings work?
The first time you play the measures under the 1st ending and go back. The second time you skip the 1st ending and play the 2nd ending.
What is the difference between D.C. and D.S.?
D.C. (Da Capo) sends you back to the beginning. D.S. (Dal Segno) sends you back to the π sign somewhere in the piece.
What does Fine mean in music?
Fine means end. After a D.C. al Fine or D.S. al Fine, the piece ends where Fine is written.