What is syncopation?
Copyrighted materials: to view and download resources from this lesson, you’ll need to be in the UK and
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can count the number of beats in a bar and clap on the 'off beats'.
Key learning points
- Each bar of music has ‘strong’ and ‘weak’ beats. Syncopated rhythms emphasise beats that are usually weaker.
- There are many ways to create syncopation.
- We can demonstrate ‘backbeat’ syncopation by clapping on beats 2 and 4 of a four-beat bar.
- We can clap and play syncopated rhythms which place emphasis on offbeats as well as the weak beats.
Keywords
Syncopation - rhythms that emphasise the beats that are usually weaker
Backbeat - a type of syncopation where we emphasise the 2nd and 4th beat in a 4-beat bar.
Pulse - the regular, steady heartbeat of the music
Offbeat - weak beats or notes between the beats
Common misconception
Syncopation means only playing on (or emphasising) the ‘weak beats’ as in emphasising the 2nd and 4th beat of a 4-beat bar, instead of the 1st and 3rd.
Whilst emphasising the ‘2’ and the ‘4’ is common in pop music (often called backbeat) we can also create syncopation by holding notes, missing beats, and playing what is called ‘offbeat syncopation’.
Teacher tip
Visual representation of beats in a bar can support some learners. Using four or eight plastic beakers in a row for example can be used to show 'off beats' by laying alternate beakers on their side.
Licence
Sign in to continue
Our content remains 100% free, but to access certain copyrighted materials, you'll need to sign in. This ensures we’re both staying within the rules.
P.S. Signing in also gives you more ways to make the most of Oak like unit downloads!
