Rhythm/Notation FAQS

  1. How does a dot affect a note?

  2. What is a tie?

  1. How does a dot affect a note?

    2. A dot affects a note by making it longer. The note becomes "longer by half." To figure out the length or value of a dotted note, use this formula: add the original value of the note to half of the value of the note for the new value. So, a half note, for example, would receive two counts (beats) in 4/4 time. With a dot added, it now would receive three counts.

    Using the formula, add the original value of the note (two counts) to half of the value of the note (one count) for the new value (two plus one = three) which is three counts.

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  2. What is a tie?"

    3. A tie is a curved line connecting two notes of the same pitch, making them into one note. Two quarter notes tied together, for example, would become equal to a half note.

    Example of a Tie:

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