Lecture on Ties in Rhythmic Notation

What is a Tie?

• A tie is a curved line connecting the rhythmic values of two or more notes of equal pitch and letter name.
• Combines the rhythmic duration of the notes it connects.

Examples and Applications

Quarter Notes

• A quarter note sounds for one beat.
• Tying two quarter notes combines them into a two-beat note, equivalent to a half note.

Half Notes

• A half note sounds for two beats.
• Tying a half note to a quarter note extends its duration to three beats.
• Tying two half notes results in a duration of four beats, equivalent to a whole note.

Dotted Notes Comparison

• A half note tied to a quarter note is similar to a dotted half note.
• Dotted quarter notes extend from the downbeat of a beat to the upbeat of the next beat.
• This can also be achieved by tying quarter notes to eighth notes.

Limitations and Rules

• Ties can only connect notes of equal pitch and letter name.
• Example: cannot tie notes not on the same staff position even if they are the same letter name (e.g., F).

Practical Uses

• Extending note duration beyond a measure line.
• Example: In a 4/4 time signature, a half note on the 4th beat doesn't work (would result in 5 beats).
  • Solution: Tie a quarter note on the 4th beat to a quarter note on the 1st beat of the next measure.

Conclusion

• Ties are useful for extending rhythmic duration and connecting notes across measures.
• For more information and videos, visit 5-minute mozart.com.