Syncopation Introduction
With
Talia GirtonAn introduction to syncopation-playing on the offbeats to give your rhythms groove-worked out with counting and clear examples.
What's in the course
23 lessons (0h 33m) · 1 free
01. What Are Tied Notes
Free lesson1:03
02. Tied Notes Exercise 1
1:00
03. Tied Notes Exercise 1 (Performance)
1:23
04. Tied Notes Exercise 2
1:09
05. Tied Notes Exercise 2 (Performance)
1:03
06. What Are Eighth Notes
1:25
07. Eighth Note Rhythm Game
1:48
08. Eighth Note Exercise 1
1:56
09. Eighth Note Exercise 1 (Performance)
1:21
10. Eighth Note Exercise 2
1:31
11. Eighth Note Exercise 2 (Performance)
1:05
Lesson transcript
Lesson on Syncopation
Now we'll have a look at syncopation. Syncopation means that we'll be playing on the off beat of the music.
The Basics of Syncopation
So, we count like this:
1 and 2 and 3 and 4.
Syncopation gives music a nice groove, so it doesn't sound quite so stiff.
Example Breakdown
Let's have a look at the example:
- First, we will have a quarter note.
- Then an eighth rest.
- Finally, an eighth note tied to a half note.
The same pattern repeats twice.
Practicing the Rhythm
Let's try it with snaps first to get the rhythm.
Count:
- 1 and 2 and 3 and 4.
- And 1 and 2 and 3 and 4.
- And 1 and 2 and 3 and 4, dot
- And 1 and 2 and 3, and 4.
Now, let's have a look at the pitches.
Pitch Training
Let's start with our three finger on G.
Count again:
- 1 and 2 and 3 and 4.
- And 1 and 2 and 3 and 4.
- And 1 and 2 and 3 and 4, dot
- And 1 and 2 and 3, and 4.
Final Practice
Now let's try with the backing track.
23 lessons
0h 33m of structured video lessons
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Meet your guru
Meet your guru
Talia Girton is a musician and HCPC-registered music therapist, and the founder of The Cycling Music Teachers. Her work brings together music therapy, counselling and education, and she tutors internationally on the music therapy training course at UDELAS in Panama as well as contributing to professional development with the European Piano Teachers Association (EPTA). On MusicGurus she teaches the Piano Method and Piano Foundations courses, guiding complete beginners from first steps through rhythm, both hands, theory and performance.
