Syncopation
Shift the accent to a weak beat, and read and tap syncopated rhythms.
Against the pulse
A syncopation is a note that starts on a weak beat (or between beats) and carries on through the next strong one. The accent moves to where it is not expected, and the rhythm "trips" against the pulse, lively and springy.
Two main kinds:
- a short syncopation within a beat: eighth note – quarter note – eighth note;
- a long syncopation at the level of beats: quarter note – half note – quarter note in 4/4, where the half note starts on beat two and takes in the strong beat three.
A short syncopation, "ti-ta-ti", in 2/4
A long syncopation in 4/4: a half note from beat two
Practice: Find the syncopation (1)
Practice: Find the syncopation (2)
Keep the pulse
A syncopation is hard to play if the pulse drifts after the accents. So first tap the beats with your foot or count aloud, and only then add the rhythm with your hands.
Syncopation is the heart of jazz, Latin music, ragtime and pop. In classical music it creates excitement and drive.
Syncopations within a bar of 4/4
To test for a syncopation, find a note that does not start on a beat and see whether it carries over the next beat. If it does, it is a syncopation.