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Steps to Syncopation

Syncopation requires the ability to count rhythm and accent beats not typically accented. The main beats of a composition should sound stronger than the weak beats. In a 4/4 time signature there will be four beats in the measure. The first and the third beat will naturally contain accents, while the second and fourth will have softer accents. In a syncopated piece, the second and fourth beats contain accents, or rhythms not on the main beat contain accents. For example, in a series of eight eighth notes, the second, fifth and seventh may be accented to create a syncopated rhythm.

Things You'll Need

  • Metronome
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Instructions

    • 1

      Start your metronome at a rate of about 74 beats per minute.

    • 2

      Clap or play along with each click of the metronome. Each tick of the metronome is a quarter note.

    • 3

      Begin clapping on the first and third metronome click. These are the natural accents in a composition that is in 4/4.

    • 4

      Clap on the second and fourth beat of the metronome click. In a 4/4 piece, these notes are syncopated.

    • 5

      Play advanced syncopations by clapping twice for every beat. You are now playing eighth notes.

    • 6

      Clap only on the off-beats. This means you will clap when the metronome is not ticking. These are syncopated rhythms because they do not land on the main beats.

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