🎵 Learn to Play Recorder
Lesson 13: Dotted Rhythms
  • Understand dotted quarter notes and dotted half notes
  • Master the "ta-ti" rhythmic feel of dotted patterns
  • Play songs naturally featuring dotted rhythms
  • Develop confident rhythm reading with dots

Introduction

A dot after a note adds half of that note's value to its length. Dotted rhythms create a lilting, uneven feel that's essential for many beautiful melodies.

Understanding Dotted Notes

Dotted Quarter Note

Quarter note = 1 beat

Dotted quarter note = 1.5 beats (1 + 0.5)

Usually followed by an eighth note to complete 2 beats total

Rhythm: "ta-ti" (long-short)

Dotted Half Note

Half note = 2 beats

Dotted half note = 3 beats (2 + 1)

Common in 3/4 or 4/4 time signatures

Basic Dotted Rhythm Patterns

Clap and say "ta-ti ta-ti" before playing. The dotted note is LONG, the eighth note is short.

Count: "1-2-and, 3-4-and" or "long-short, long-short"

A simple melody with consistent dotted rhythm.

This combines regular quarters with dotted patterns—stay steady!

Classical Dotted Rhythm Song: Amazing Grace

This famous hymn is built entirely on dotted rhythms.

"Amazing grace, how sweet the sound..."

Tip: The dotted rhythm creates a gentle, flowing feel. Don't rush the eighth notes!

Dotted Half Notes

In waltz time (3/4), a dotted half note fills an entire measure.

Count: "1-2-3" for each note. Very slow and stately!

Rhythm Tips

  • The dot is powerful - It adds 50% more length, which significantly changes the rhythm
  • Count subdivision - Think "1-2-and" to feel where the eighth note lands
  • Don't rush - The eighth note after a dotted quarter often gets rushed. Keep it even!
  • Clap first - Always clap dotted rhythms before playing them
  • Use "ta-ti" - This syllable system naturally fits dotted rhythms

Common Mistakes

  • ❌ Making dotted quarters too short - They need to be 1.5 beats, not 1!
  • ❌ Rushing the eighth note - It should land exactly on the "and" of beat 2
  • ❌ Ignoring the dot - Sometimes players forget the dot exists. Be precise!
  • ❌ Uneven eighth notes - The eighth note in "ta-ti" should be the same length as any other eighth note

Practice Routine (20 minutes daily)

  1. Clap dotted rhythms - 3 minutes
  2. Exercises 1-3 - 7 minutes
  3. Amazing Grace phrase - 5 minutes
  4. Create your own dotted melodies - 5 minutes
Musical Context: Dotted rhythms appear in many styles—stately Baroque dances, gentle hymns like Amazing Grace, folk songs like Scarborough Fair, and energetic marches. Each uses the same rhythm but with different character!
Mastery goal: Play dotted rhythm patterns accurately and consistently. You should be able to clap any dotted rhythm before playing it, and your eighth notes should land precisely on the "and" of the beat. Aim for smooth phrasing in Amazing Grace with proper dotted rhythm feel.
Next: Lesson 14 - 3/4 Time and Waltzes