Dotted Notes
A DOT is placed after a note increases the value of that note by half, e.g.:
Dotted half note
(2 + 1) = 3 counts
Dotted quarter note
(1 + ½) = 1½ counts
The following example makes use of dotted half notes and dotted quarter notes. Notice that the dotted quarter note is often followed by an eighth note. This combination adds up to two beats.
The Three Four Time Signature
This is the three four time signature. It tells you there are three beats in each bar. Three four time is also known as waltz time. There are three quarter notes in one bar of time.
In ^ time, the notes and rests must add up to the equivalent of three quarter note beats per bar, as shown in the following example. Notice that a dotted half note goes for a whole bar in ^ time.
Here is a melody in ^ time which makes use of dotted half notes and dotted quarter notes. As before, write counting numbers under the notes at first if you need to, and practice it slowly with your metronome.
The Two Four Time Signature
This is the two four time signature. It tells you there are two beats in each bar. In % time the note and rest values must add up to the equivalent of two quarter notes per bar.
