Estimated reading time 2 minutes
Table of Contents
Introduction
“What does the word tempo mean?” Tempo is critical for interpreting a piece of music. However, it’s a somewhat overlooked aspect of playing. Keep reading What Is the Basic Idea of Tempo in Music? to learn more about what it is and how it works.
This article uses musical terms. For definitions, see the Glossary at the end of the post.
What Is the Basic Idea of Tempo in Music: What Does Tempo Mean?
According to The New Harvard Dictionary of Music:
Tempo [It., time] … The speed at which music is performed, i.e., the rate per unit time of metrical pulses in a performance… (838).
In other words, the tempo is how fast you play:
- The metrical pulse refers to which note gets one beat in a time signature.
- For instance, your speed in a 4-4 time signature is determined by how fast you’d play the quarter note.
- Why? Because the quarter note gets one beat in 4-4.
Musicians use metronomes to help them learn music at the right speeds:
- The metronome’s clicks (or beeps) are measured in beats per minute (bpm).
- For example, the second hand on a clock ticks 60 times in a minute.
- Therefore, the musical speed of the clock’s second hand is 60 bpm.
For more information on time signatures:
For more information on playing with a steady beat:
What Is the Basic Idea of Tempo in Music: What Are Common Tempos?
Tempo marks (found on the top left side of a score) indicate ranges for musical speed. The most common speeds are:
- Largo: extremely slow (40 bpm or less)
- Lento: very slow (40 – 60 bpm)
- Adagio: slow (60 – 76 bpm)
- Adagietto: between adagio and andante (76 – 82 bpm)
- Andante: “walking” speed (82 – 108 bpm)
- Moderato: medium (108 – 120 bpm)
- Allegro: fast or happy (120 – 168 bpm)
- Presto: extremely fast (168 – 200 bpm)
- Prestissimo: as fast as you can play (200 bpm or more)
How fast you play impacts how your music will sound and feel:
- Try imagining a fast rock song vs a slow ballad.
- The speed of the song plays a huge role in how each style of music sounds.
- Pick the right speed (say, allegro vs adagio) and the song will sound great. Pick the wrong speed, and it won’t work so well.
Final Thoughts on “What Is the Basic Idea of Tempo in Music?”
Takeaway points:
- The tempo is how fast you’re playing.
- The music’s speed is measured in beat per minute.
- Tempo marks indicate ranges of musical speed.
Have fun playing!
Related Posts
- Singing Rhythm Syllables in Cut Time
- Beats Per Minute (Using the Metronome to Get the Music Beat)
- D’you Want Some Music Tips and Tricks I’ve Learned Over the Years?
© 2024 Geoffrey Keith
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