Part 4: Clapping and Counting Dotted Half Notes and Whole Notes
In our introduction to longer note values we learned the following relationship of dotted half notes and whole notes to quarter notes:
The dotted half note is equal to the length of three quarter notes tied together.
The whole note is equal to the length of four quarter notes tied together.
Therefore, when the quarter note is equal to one beat, the dotted half note will equal three beats, and the whole note will equal four beats. The following examples include dotted half notes and whole notes. Remember to hold your hands together for the duration of the longer note values. Since a dotted half note is equal to three beats in these time signatures, you will not have a dotted half note in a measure of 2/4 time (because it’s too long). Similarly, you will not have a whole note in 3/4 time.
Always count every beat. Whether you are clapping or holding your hands together for a long note or taking your hands apart for a rest, you should always count.
