Syncopation
Rhythm & Timing
Placing rhythmic emphasis on normally weak beats or between beats for a more interesting groove.
Syncopation is when rhythmic emphasis falls on unexpected beats or between beats. Instead of accenting beats 1 and 3 (the "strong" beats in 4/4 time), syncopated rhythms emphasize beats 2 and 4, or the "and" counts between beats.
Reggae is a perfect example of syncopation — the characteristic "offbeat" strum (silence on 1, strum on the "and" of 1, silence on 2, strum on the "and" of 2) creates a laid-back, bouncing groove. Many island and Hawaiian strumming patterns use syncopation.
To practice syncopation, count "1-and-2-and-3-and-4-and" and try strumming only on the "and" counts. It will feel awkward at first — that's normal. Gradually, syncopation becomes second nature and adds a professional polish to your playing.
Put this into practice with Pocket Uke's free tools