What is syncopation?
Q: What is syncopation?
A: Syncopation is a musical technique which creates rhythmical variation by placing rhythmic stresses or accents where they wouldn't normally occur.
Q: What are some examples of syncopation?
A: Examples of syncopation include stressing a beat not usually stressed, taking a rest where there would normally be a beat, using split-beats, and minute delays or advances in the timing of beats.
Q: How is syncopation used in music?
A: Syncopation is used in many musical styles and is fundamental in black-influenced styles such as jazz, ragtime, Cuban music, funk, ska, reggae, rap, jump blues, progressive rock, extreme metal, breakbeat drum'n'bass dubstep and minimalism. It's also used as a back beat in virtually all popular music.
Q: When was syncopation first used?
A: Syncopation has been an important element of musical composition since at least the Middle Ages.
Q: Is it essential for certain musical styles?
A: For some musical styles such as jazz and ragtime syncopation is an essential part of their character.
Q: How does syncopation help tie together tracks?
A: All dance music makes use of syncopation and it's often a vital element that helps tie the whole track together.
