Dotted notes
A dot adds half
A dot after a note makes it half as long again. Take the note, then add half of it. A minim is 2 beats, and half of 2 is 1. So a dotted minim is 2 + 1 = 3 beats.
Quick check
How many beats does a dotted minim last?
The dotted crotchet
A crotchet is 1 beat, and half of 1 is a half. So a dotted crotchet lasts 1 and a half beats. A quaver often comes after it to make 2 beats.
The dotted quaver
A quaver is half a beat, and half of that is a quarter. So a dotted quaver lasts three quarters of a beat. A semiquaver after it fills the rest of the beat.
Quick check
A dotted crotchet lasts as long as which two notes?
Remember
- A dot makes a note half as long again.
- Dotted minim 3 beats. Dotted crotchet 1 and a half.
- Dotted quaver three quarters of a beat.
Loading the question