A tie is a notation that joins two notes of the same pitch with a curved line so they sound as a single longer note. It is used when you want to hold a note across a barline, or to express a length while keeping the beat groupings clear.
The basic idea
The second note of a tie is not played again; the first note simply continues. Even where the score has to write the durations separately, the symbol keeps the actual sound unbroken.
Its role in writing and performing
Holding chords or bass slightly across a downbeat creates a forward-pushing feel similar to syncopation. In melodies, tying notes creates longer, more singable phrases.
How to try it in a DAW
In a DAW’s piano roll, simply placing one long MIDI note usually gives the same result as a tie. If you split the note, check your instrument settings and the note overlap so the second one does not re-trigger.
How it differs from related terms
A tie joins notes of the same pitch. A slur, which connects notes of different pitches smoothly, has a different role. A rest, by contrast, indicates time where the sound stops.
Understanding ties lets you think of beat divisions and actual note lengths as separate things.
