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Can You Identify Common Tempo Descriptions in Your Favorite Songs?

Tempo in music is all about how fast or slow a song is played. It’s usually measured in beats per minute, or BPM for short.

Musicians need tempo markings to help them capture the right mood of a song. Here are some common tempo descriptions and their BPM ranges:

  • Larghissimo: Very, very slow (under 24 BPM)
  • Adagio: Slow and dignified (66-76 BPM)
  • Andante: A comfortable walking speed (76-108 BPM)
  • Moderato: Somewhat fast (108-120 BPM)
  • Allegro: Fast and happy (120-168 BPM)
  • Presto: Very fast (168-177 BPM)
  • Prestissimo: Even faster than presto (over 177 BPM)

Many popular songs have specific tempos. For example, "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees is about 104 BPM, while "Shape of You" by Ed Sheeran is around 96 BPM.

Studies show that:

  • About 60% of hit songs are between 80-120 BPM.
  • Around 30% are in the fast range of 120-180 BPM.

Knowing these tempo markings helps musicians play music more accurately and expressively.

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Can You Identify Common Tempo Descriptions in Your Favorite Songs?

Tempo in music is all about how fast or slow a song is played. It’s usually measured in beats per minute, or BPM for short.

Musicians need tempo markings to help them capture the right mood of a song. Here are some common tempo descriptions and their BPM ranges:

  • Larghissimo: Very, very slow (under 24 BPM)
  • Adagio: Slow and dignified (66-76 BPM)
  • Andante: A comfortable walking speed (76-108 BPM)
  • Moderato: Somewhat fast (108-120 BPM)
  • Allegro: Fast and happy (120-168 BPM)
  • Presto: Very fast (168-177 BPM)
  • Prestissimo: Even faster than presto (over 177 BPM)

Many popular songs have specific tempos. For example, "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees is about 104 BPM, while "Shape of You" by Ed Sheeran is around 96 BPM.

Studies show that:

  • About 60% of hit songs are between 80-120 BPM.
  • Around 30% are in the fast range of 120-180 BPM.

Knowing these tempo markings helps musicians play music more accurately and expressively.

Related articles