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Tie – Definition
A tie is a curved line connecting two or more notes of the same pitch, indicating that they should be played as one continuous note with a combined duration.
What is a Tie?
When notes are tied together, only the first note is played. The following note or notes are held for their written values without being played again. Ties are commonly used to extend notes across bar lines or to notate rhythms that cannot be represented with a single note value.
A tie should not be confused with a slur, which connects different notes to indicate smooth, legato playing.
How is a Tie used in piano playing?
Pianists use ties to sustain notes accurately while continuing to play new rhythms or harmonies around them. Ties are especially common in syncopated accompaniment patterns, sustained melodies, and chords that continue across bar lines.
Learning to recognize ties improves rhythm reading, note values, and overall musical accuracy.