Dotted note

In Western musical notation, a dotted note is a note with a small dot written after it; its duration is 1 1/2 times its basic note value. In a time signature where the main note is worth 2 beats, the corresponding dotted note is worth 3 beats.

Related Topics:
Musical notation - Note - 1 1/2 - Note value - Time signature

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Any note value may be dotted.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The use of a dot for augmentation of a note dates back at least to the 10th century, although the exact amount of augmentation is disputed; see Neume.

Related Topics:
Augmentation - 10th century - Neume

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

More than one dot may be added; each dot adds the next lower note value, as shown on the right.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~