A dot after a note extends its duration by half, creating in-between values useful for compound rhythms

Adding a dot immediately after a note increases its duration by half its original value. A dotted half note = half note + quarter note = 3 quarter notes. A dotted quarter note = quarter note + eighth note = 3 eighth notes. A dotted eighth note = eighth + sixteenth = 3 sixteenth notes. Dotted notes are essential for notating triplet-feel rhythms, compound time signatures, and syncopated patterns. They are common in swing, jazz, and many dance styles.

Examples

Dotted half (3 beats in 4/4). Dotted quarter (1.5 beats). Common in 6/8 where each beat = dotted quarter = 3 eighth notes.

Assessment

Calculate the duration of: (a) dotted whole note in beats, (b) dotted sixteenth note in 32nd notes. Write a one-bar rhythm in 4/4 using a dotted quarter.