# Dots and ties

*Module 2 · Lesson 6: Rhythm I: pulse and note values · BazzLow*

> Read dotted notes and tied notes, and count their exact length.

Before this lesson: [2.4 Counting eighth notes](https://bazzlow.com/en/rhythm-1/counting-eighth-notes/)

Not every length is a clean half or double. Dots and ties let you write the lengths in between.

## The dot

A **dot** after a note adds **half of its value**:

- dotted half note = 2 + 1 = **3 beats**;
- dotted quarter note = 1 + ½ = **1½ beats**;
- dotted eighth note = ½ + ¼ = **¾ of a beat**.

Rests can be dotted too, with the same rule.

## The tie

A **tie** is a curved line joining two notes **of the same pitch**. You play the first note and hold it through the second: the lengths add up. Ties are needed to hold a note across a barline, and they also show where the beats fall inside a bar.

Do not confuse the tie with the **slur**, a similar curve joining *different* pitches. A slur asks for a smooth, connected sound, called **legato**.

> **Diagram:** Two bars of 4/4. Bar 1: a dotted half note (3 beats) and a quarter note. Bar 2: a half note tied to a quarter note, then another quarter note. The dotted half note and the tied half and quarter notes both last 3 beats.

## A very common bass rhythm

The dotted quarter note followed by an eighth note is a very common bass rhythm. Count it “1 (2) &”: the first note lasts a beat and a half, and the eighth note lands on the off-beat.

> **Diagram:** One bar of 4/4: a dotted quarter note and an eighth note, twice. Counts: 1 2 & 3 4 &. The eighth notes fall on the "&" of 2 and of 4.

## Try it

At 70 BPM, play a dotted half note plus a quarter note in each bar for 4 bars. Then play dotted quarter + eighth, twice per bar, counting “1 2 & 3 4 &”.

## New terms

- dotted note
- tie
- slur
- legato

Page: https://bazzlow.com/en/rhythm-1/dots-and-ties/