What is a Tie?

A tie is a curved line in music notation that connects two notes of the same pitch, indicating that they should be played as a single sustained sound. Instead of playing the second note separately, the musician holds the note for the combined duration of both notes. This allows composers to extend the length of a note beyond the normal value of a single note symbol.

Ties are commonly used when a note needs to continue across a barline or when the desired duration cannot easily be written using a single note value. For example, a composer might tie a quarter note to a half note so the note lasts for three beats. This technique helps maintain clear rhythmic structure while allowing for flexible note durations.

It is important not to confuse a tie with a slur, which is another curved line used in music notation. While a tie connects two identical pitches and combines their durations, a slur connects different notes and indicates that they should be played smoothly and legato. Ties therefore serve a rhythmic purpose, extending the length of a single sustained note.