A dot 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 uses 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. Count out loud as you play the example.