Dotted quaver

Definition

A note that lasts for ¾ of a beat.

A dot after a note increases its length by half of its original length, so without the dot this note lasts for ½ beat, adding the dot means it is ½ + ¼ = ¾ beats.

A dotted quaver is often connected to a semiquaver (¼ beat note) and together they add up to 1 beat.

Examples

A dotted quaver and dotted quaver rest

Dotted quavers in musical context - note the connected semiquavers

Related concepts

• Quaver (N4)
• Semiquaver (N4)
• Dotted rhythm (N4)