Dotted Notes and Ties

The Power of the Dot

A dot placed after a note makes it longer by adding half of its own value. A half note lasts two beats, so a dotted half note lasts three (2 + 1). A quarter note lasts one beat, so a dotted quarter lasts one and a half.

Why Composers Love Dots

Dotted rhythms give music a gentle lilt or a bold, marching swing. A dotted quarter followed by an eighth note is one of the most common rhythms in songs, hymns, and anthems.

Tying Notes Together

A tie is a curved line joining two notes of the same pitch, telling you to hold them as one longer sound. Ties let a note stretch across a bar line or create durations that no single symbol can show.