Definition: A dotted note is a music note* of any length with a small dot after its note-head (as opposed to above or below it; see staccato). This mark – known as a rhythm dot – adds half of the note’s value to its length:
* Music rests may also be dotted.
- A dotted half note = 1 half note + a quarter note, or 3 beats.
- A dotted quarter note = 1 quarter note + an eighth note: 1 1/2 beats (or three eighth-note beats).
- A dotted eighth note = 1 eighth note + a sixteenth note: 3/4 beat (or three sixteenth notes).
Double-Dotted Notes
Two rhythm dots lengthen a note by 3/4 its original value. When counting a double dotted note, it’s helpful to break its length into 1 + 1/2 + 1/4:
- Double dotted quarter note
(1 quarter note + 1 eighth note + 1 sixteenth note) = 3 1/2 eighth notes - Eighth note with a double dot
(1 eighth note + 1 sixteenth note + 1 32nd note) = 3 1/2 sixteenth notes
* Music rests may also be dotted.
► Learn Music Note Lengths & Values
► More About Dotted Notes and Rests
Also Known As:
- nota punteggiata (It)
- note pointée (Fr)
- punktierte Note (Ger)
