Dotted note

A dotted note is represented as a note followed by a single dot.It is used to increase the duration of note.It changes the rhythmic value of the note.In simple terms dotted note is played by playing the note with actual duration plus half of the duration of the note. ie (value of the note+1/2 of the value).

If the note is a dotted half note,it has the duration of 3 beats(2 beats of half note+1/2 of the 2 beats).Similarly if the note is a dotted whole note,it will have the duration of 6 beats(4 beats of whole note+1/2 of the 4 beats).Dots add one half of the value of note which is attached with it.

 Dotted whole note

                6 

Beats

(4+2)

Dotted half note

                      3 

Beats

(2+1)

                                                                                                                               Dotted quarter note

                    1  1/2  

Beats

(1+1/2)