This time we will explain about iterative symbols (repeat symbols). Iterative symbols are popular symbols that are often used in sheet music. When repeating the same melody, writing the same bars over and over again will make the sheet music longer and difficult to read. For example, if no. 1 and no. 2 are the same accompaniment in J-POP, it would be a hassle to write it twice. The one that was able to resolve this was the iterative code. Any iterationBasically, once used, you won't use it the second time. If you repeat it many times, the song won't finish. Of course, there are exceptions, so I will explain based on that.
table of contents
List of repetition symbols (repeat symbols)
First, let's take a look at the list of iterations. The meaning and usage will be explained later.number | symbol | How to read |
① | ![]() ![]() ![]() | Repeat symbol |
② | ![]() | 1st parenthesis |
③ | ![]() | second parenthesis |
④ | ![]() | Da Capo |
⑤ | ![]() | Dal Segno |
⑥ | ![]() | segno |
⑥ | ![]() | Fine |
⑦ | ![]() | to Coda |
⑧ | ![]() | coda |
①Repetition symbol
The most common is this iteration. It is used in many sheet music regardless of genre. It is easy to remember and is designed to be visually understandable.meaning
symbol | meaning |
![]() | Back to the front (if there is no particular instruction, it starts from the beginning) |
![]() | When you come back, start here |
How to use
Example I


Example II


②1st parenthesis, ③2nd parenthesis
Next, we will explain ② and ③. This is also visually visible, so it's simple and not difficult.meaning
symbol | meaning |
![]() | When repeating with other repeat symbols, the bar advances to the next measure only the first time |
![]() | When repeating with other repeat marks, the second time the bar advances to the next measure. |
How to use
example

④Da Capo
From here it becomes less visible. Just like in the math multiplication table, you can't handle it unless you remember it once, so try your best to remember it. Even if you look it up each time, you may remember it naturally. Incidentally, "Da" means "from" in Italian and "Capo" means "first" in Italian, so it is directly translated as "from the beginning."meaning
symbol | meaning |
![]() | Return to beginning of song |
How to use
example

④Dal Segno, ⑤Segno
Dar Seño is very similar to Da Capo in ③, so it is a symbol that is easy to make mistakes. "Dal" means "to" in Italian (same meaning as "Da" in ③), and "Segno" means "mark" in Italian. It directly translates to mean "from a marker." Also, Seño in ⑤ is spelled the same as the same, so it means "mark."meaning
symbol | meaning |
![]() | Return to Segno |
![]() | Coming here from Dalsegno |
How to use
example

⑥Fine
His name is "Fine." Please note that it is not the English word "fine". This itself is not a symbol that has the meaning of repetition, but it is used together with iteration symbols, so remember.meaning
symbol | meaning |
or ![]() | End the song here (after repeating with a repeat symbol) |
How to use
example

⑦ to Coda, ⑧ Coda
The Italian meaning is "tear, yuu." Be careful as it's a little complicated.meaning
symbol | meaning |
![]() | Jump from here to the coda position (after repeating with a repeat symbol) |
![]() | Coming here from To Coda |
How to use
example

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