Da Capo (D.C.)
Da Capo, abbreviated D.C., means go back to the beginning. When you reach the instruction, return to the opening measures and continue according to the words that follow it, such as al Fine or al Coda.
- D.C. = from the start
- al Fine = stop there
- al Coda = jump later
What does D.C. al Fine mean?
Play forward until D.C. al Fine. Return to the beginning, then play until the printed Fine marker and stop there. Fine means “end,” but its effect depends on the route instruction; on the first pass you may need to pass it.
What about D.C. al Coda?
Return to the start. On the return, continue until To Coda, then jump to the coda sign that starts the closing section. Read Coda for that second jump. Do not jump merely because you see the coda symbol on the first trip through the music.
Is D.C. the same as D.S.?
No. Dal Segno sends you to a marked segno position, which may be well after the start. D.C. goes to the beginning. Find the destination before you play; a wrong destination can repeat an entire extra section.
A quick route test
Write “start -> D.C. -> start -> Fine” above a short imaginary score. Point to each location as you say it, then tap a steady pulse through the route. The purpose is to keep time while turning a written instruction into a predictable form.
Keep going
Everything in repeat signs
- Coda
- Da Capo (D.C.)
- Dal Segno (D.S.)
- First and Second Endings