Syncopation
also called “off-beat accents”
The short version
Putting the emphasis where the beat isn't.
Instead of landing on 1, 2, 3, 4, a syncopated part hits just before or just after — on the 'and', or on the 'a'. Your ear expects a hit, doesn't get one, and gets one in an unexpected place instead.
Why you'd careSyncopation is most of what makes a beat feel funky rather than mechanical. Move one kick off the beat and the whole groove changes.
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