What is a group of beats in music called?

A group of beats in music is called a measure or bar. In musical notation, measures divide the staff into segments, making it easier to read and interpret rhythms. Each measure contains a specific number of beats, which is defined by the time signature at the beginning of the piece. For instance, in a 4/4 time signature, each measure contains four beats.

When musicians perform, they often keep time by counting the beats within these measures, ensuring that they stay synchronized with one another and adhere to the rhythmic structure of the music. This organizational element is crucial for maintaining the flow and consistency of a piece.

The other options refer to different concepts in music. A phrase typically denotes a complete musical thought, which may consist of multiple measures. A chord is a group of notes played simultaneously, usually forming harmony, rather than a unit of time like a measure. A section refers to a larger structural component of a piece, which can consist of several measures or phrases, depending on the composition.