Modifier

A dot extends a note’s duration by one-half of that note’s value. For example, a dotted whole note equals the whole note plus half of the whole note, a half note. This is equal to six quarter notes. As another example, a dotted quarter note is equal to a quarter note and an eighth note combined, or three eighth notes. A double-dotted note takes the dotted note as one entity and adds half of the entire value of the dotted note; therefore, a double-dotted quarter note is equal to a quarter note ‘’plus’’ an eighth note ‘’plus’’ a sixteenth note; this is also equal to seven sixteen notes. Double-dotted notes are uncommon, but dotted notes are relatively very common. 1. How many quarter notes are in a dotted half note? 2. How many half notes are in a dotted whole note? 3. How many sixteenth notes are in a dotted whole note? 4. How many thirty-second notes are in a double-dotted eighth note? 5. How many sixteenth notes are in a double-dotted eighth note?
(Answers: 1. Three 2. Three 3. Twenty Four 4. Seven 5. Three and a half)

A tie is used for holding a single pitch for a long period of time, usually, or sometimes to make the division of the measure clearer. A tie connects the two notes, making their duration as long as the combination of the two notes.