Tempo & Rhythm
Tempo is the speed of the beat, measured in BPM (beats per minute). Note durations divide the beat into halves, quarters, and smaller subdivisions. Time signatures tell you how beats are grouped into measures — 4/4 is by far the most common.
Tempo (BPM)
Tempo defines how fast the pulse of the music goes. A tempo of 60 BPM means one beat per second. 120 BPM means two beats per second. Tempo is strongly associated with genre: hip-hop sits at 60-90 BPM, pop at 100-130, house music at 120-128, and punk at 180-200+.
Note Durations
| Duration | Beats (in 4/4) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Whole note | 4 beats | Full measure |
| Half note | 2 beats | Half a measure |
| Quarter note | 1 beat | "The beat" — what you tap your foot to |
| Eighth note | 1/2 beat | Counted "1-and-2-and-3-and-4-and" |
| Sixteenth note | 1/4 beat | Counted "1-e-and-a-2-e-and-a" |
Time Signatures
4/4 ("common time") has 4 quarter-note beats per measure with a STRONG-weak-medium-weak emphasis. It dominates pop, rock, hip-hop, and electronic music. 3/4 ("waltz time") has 3 beats per measure with a ONE-two-three sway. 6/8 groups 6 eighth notes into two groups of three. Odd signatures like 5/4 ("Take Five") and 7/8 ("Money" by Pink Floyd) create an off-kilter, complex feel.
In ChordColor
BPM is adjustable in both Studio and Songs. The Studio sequencer uses a 16th-note grid (16 steps per bar in 4/4 time). The Songs metronome accents beat 1 of each measure and allows real-time tempo changes.