What does the tie mean in music?

A tie in music is a curved line that connects two notes of the same pitch. Its purpose is to extend the duration of the first note by the length of the second tied note. For example, if a quarter note is tied to a half note, the resulting note will have a duration of three quarter notes.

Ties can be used to create a smooth, legato sound or to emphasise a particular note or phrase. They can also be used to create syncopated rhythms or to add tension and excitement to a piece of music.

In some cases, ties may also be used to indicate that two notes should be played simultaneously, in which case they are referred to as "slurs". This is often the case in stringed instruments, where the bow is drawn across multiple strings at the same time.