Definition: A bar line (or barline) is a single vertical line used to divide a musical staff into measures. In piano music – or any music in which a grand staff is used – bar lines connect both staves throughout the composition; these are called “systemic barlines.”
A bar line may also be referred to simply as a “bar.” However, in British English, bar is synonymous with measure. Other types of bar lines include the double bar, the repeat bar, and the final barline.
► Learn More About Constructing a Musical StaffAlso Known As:
- barline / bar-line
- stanghetta; barra (It)
- [simple] barre de mesure (Fr)
- Taktstrich (Ger)
