What does dotted mean?

What does dotted mean?

• A. It means you add half the value of the note to the note
• B. It means you subtract the value
• C. It doubles the value
• D. It changes the pitch

Answer: (A)

Dotted means you add half the value of the note to its duration. In 4/4 time, a dotted quarter lasts 1.5 beats (1 beat for the quarter note plus half a beat). A dotted half lasts three beats, and a dotted whole lasts six beats. The dot changes duration only; it does not alter pitch, and it doesn’t subtract or double the value. So the rule is simply: add half the value of the original note.

Dotted means you add half the value of the note to its duration. In 4/4 time, a dotted quarter lasts 1.5 beats (1 beat for the quarter note plus half a beat). A dotted half lasts three beats, and a dotted whole lasts six beats. The dot changes duration only; it does not alter pitch, and it doesn’t subtract or double the value. So the rule is simply: add half the value of the original note.