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Music theory basics · updated 2026-08-16

TEMPO AND BPM

The speed of the pulse, counted in beats per minute. 90 BPM is a common rap pocket; 128 BPM is house's home address.

Close-up of handwritten sheet music and a pencil on a piano music desk

SOURCES AND CITATIONS

Free, primary references for tempo and bpm — standards bodies, manufacturers, government offices and university course material.

RELATED TERMS IN MUSIC THEORY BASICS

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