UMT Blog

Dotted Notes

Dotted Notes are introduced in the Ultimate Music Theory Basic Rudiments Workbook and are required knowledge for the Basic Rudiments Theory Examination. In the Basic Rudiments Workbook on Page 17, we learn the Dot Placement Rule – the dot is written behind (after) the note in the same space for a space note and in the space above for a line note.

UMT Tip: A dot placed after a note adds half the value of the note.

Dotted Notes - Harmonic Second Interval

The Harmonic Second Dot Placement is unique. When writing a Harmonic Second using Dotted Notes, each note must have a dot.

When the lower note of the Harmonic Second is in a space, the dot is written to the right of the notehead:

• In the space beside the note for the lower space note.
• In the space above the note for the upper line note.

Here is where it gets tricky.

When the lower note of the Harmonic Second is on a line, the dot is written to the right of the notehead:

• In the space below the note for the lower line note.
• In the space beside the note for the upper space note.

We cannot write both dots in the space above the notes. Why? Because two dots in the same space creates a Double Dotted Note – the first dot adds half the value of the note and the second dot adds half the value of the first dot.

Double Dotted Notes are introduced in the Ultimate Music Theory Intermediate Rudiments Workbook and are required knowledge for the Intermediate Rudiments Theory Examination.

So, as much as we want to have our students stand up, place their right hand on their heart and swear to always place their dots in the space above the note for a line note, we can’t. *Sigh*.

Have you ever had that special student who has looked at you and said “But Teacher, you told me that a dot after dotted notes always goes in the space above the note for a line note and now you are telling me that it doesn’t? Were you lying to me?” Yes, that happened to me.

Do you ever feel like you have to add the caveat when introducing a theory concept and state “this is the rule for now, but we may learn of an exception to the rule as you get more advanced”? And Yes, I do add that caveat!

If there is a theory concept that seems to have an “exception to the rule” and you want to understand how to explain to your students why there is an exception and when we use that exception, don't be shy! I can guarantee you that someone else (probably me) has asked the same question.

P.S. Please share your question in the comments below. As you know, I love putting on my Sherlock Holmes Hat!