Syncopation and sixteenths

Write down rhythms with syncopation and sixteenth notes against a steady pulse.

Syncopation

A syncopation is a note that starts between beats and holds through the next beat. The accent shifts from its usual place, and the rhythm gets a spring in its step: that is the sound of jazz, ragtime and pop.

The most common syncopation is eighth note, quarter note, eighth note: "ti-ta-ti". The quarter in the middle starts on "and" and takes in the second beat.

The "ti-ta-ti" syncopation in two-four

Practice: Where is the syncopation?

Practice: Syncopation

Practice: Tap the syncopation

Sixteenths

Divide a beat into four and you get sixteenth notes (sixteenth note). Four sixteenths, "ti-ri-ti-ri", sound like a fast, even patter.

The beat is often divided unevenly: an eighth and two sixteenths ("ti ti-ri"), or two sixteenths and an eighth ("ti-ri ti").

A beat can also be divided into three: a triplet. There are no triplets in this lesson's tasks; here a beat splits only into two or four.

Sixteenths, and an eighth with two sixteenths

Sixteenths are fast: don't try to count them. Recognise whole one-beat figures: "ti-ri-ti-ri", "ti ti-ri", "ti-ri ti".

Practice: Sixteenths

Practice: All together