From the course: Piano Lessons: Teach Yourself to Play

Unlock this course with a free trial

Join today to access over 22,400 courses taught by industry experts.

The dotted quarter note

The dotted quarter note

- [Instructor] A dot increases the length of a note by one half its value. A dotted half note is equal to a half note tied to a quarter note. Two counts plus one count equals three counts. A dotted quarter note is equal to a quarter note tied to one eighth note. One count plus a half a count equals one and a half counts. A single eighth note has a flag on its stem. Clap the following rhythm. Clap once for each note, counting aloud. (metronome beating) One, two, ready, clap. One and two and three and four and one and two and three and four and. Here's the same rhythm pattern written with dotted quarter and eighth notes. Even though it is written differently it will sound exactly the same. (metronome beating) One, two, ready, clap. One and two and three and four and one and two and three and four and. Here are some familiar melodies that use the dotted quarter note. First is Silent Night. One and two and three and one and two and three and one and two and three and one and two and three…

Contents