Our next and last topic is "Dotted Notes." Look at the red arrows above. Each is pointing to the use of a "dotted note." In the last measure on the right, there is 1 quarter note rest followed by a "dotted" half note. The composer chose to "dot" the half note instead of "tying" 1 quarter note to 1 half note. It is easier to read than using a tie. The same goes for the middle measure. It is easier for the player to count a "dotted" half note than 1 quarter note tied to a half note.

Whenever you see a "dotted" note it means that this note is equal to itself plus 1/2 of itself. Look at the examples we've already talked about (dotted half notes). A "dotted" half note is equal to 1 half note plus 1/2 of itself (1 quarter note). So, unlike a regular half note equaling 2 quarter notes, a "dotted" half note would equal 3 quarter notes.

Now look at the first measure on the left. The arrow is pointing to a "dotted" quarter note. If you divide a quarter note by 2, what do you get?

Answer: 1 eighth note.

So a "dotted" quarter note is equal to:

1 eighth note + 1 quarter note = 1 and 1/2 quarter notes.