Repeats, Endings & Navigation
A score isn't always played strictly left to right. Repeat signs, endings, and Italian navigation marks reroute the performer — click play below to follow the real order.
Repeat signs: play it twice
A repeat sign — a barline with two dots ( :|| ) — sends you back to an earlier point, usually the start of the section (marked ||:) or the very beginning of the piece. It saves the composer from writing the same music out twice.
1st & 2nd endings
When a repeated section needs a slightly different ending each time, the two options are bracketed and numbered 1 and 2. Play through the 1st ending the first time, jump back for the repeat, then skip straight past the 1st ending to the 2nd ending on your way through again.
D.C. al Fine & D.S. al Coda
For bigger jumps than a simple repeat, composers use Italian shorthand: D.C. al Fine ("Da Capo al Fine") means return to the very top and play until the word Fine. D.S. al Coda ("Dal Segno al Coda") means return to the segno sign (𝄋) and, when you hit a coda marking (⊕), skip ahead to the Coda section to finish.
Common questions
What do repeat signs mean in music?
A repeat barline ( :|| ) sends you back to an earlier repeat-start sign ( ||: ) or the beginning of the piece.
What are 1st and 2nd endings?
Bracketed, numbered endings near a repeat sign — play ending 1 the first time, skip it and play ending 2 on the repeat.
What does D.C. al Fine mean?
Go back to the very beginning and play until the word "Fine," where the piece ends.
What does D.S. al Coda mean?
Go back to the segno sign, play from there, and jump to the Coda section when you reach the coda marking.
Never lose your place again
Melody Monkey follows repeats and navigation marks for you automatically as you play along.
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