If the number of notes in the unequal grouping is more than twice then number of notes it is replacing, then the note values of the unequal grouping should be half as much as the notes they are replacing. There are 3 ways a bracket can be placed in relation to the number. The first of these examples is preferred over the other two, because it uses the least amount of space., and this way the bracket and the number are about the same distance from the notes. Brackets are usually placed above the staff.
Brackets are the same thickness as barlines.
Length is determined by the space between the notes in the group. It begins on the left side of the first note and ends on the right side of the last note. If the last note is a flag, the bracket ends at the stem, not at the right side of the flag. Cases in which brackets should be used instead of slurs When notes have mixed values. When a rest and notes are grouped in a triplet.