Definition: A rhythm dot (or “augmentation dot”) is a small point following a music note or rest that lengthens it by 50%:
Not to be confused with staccato; a small dot written above or below a note.
- A dotted quarter note = 1 quarter note + 1 eighth note (1 1/2 beats)
- A double-dotted quarter note = 1 quarter note + 1 eighth note + 1 sixteenth note
When more than one augmentation dot is used, it’s helpful to think of each dot as adding half the value of the previous dot. So, in the case of three rhythm dots, instead of viewing a note’s length as having been increased by 87.5%, you can break it down as follows:
- A triple-dotted quarter note = 1 quarter note + 1 eighth note + 1 sixteenth note + 1 thirty-second note
► Learn Music Note Lengths & Values
► More About Dotted Notes and Rests
Not to be confused with staccato; a small dot written above or below a note.
Also Known As:
- augmentation dot
- punto di valore (It)
- point de prolongation (Fr)
- die Punktierung (Ger)
