Rhythm Playing

Straight Rhythm

1 (&), 2 (&), 3 (&), 4 (&)

Syncopated Rhythm

1 (&), 2 (&), (3) &, 4 (&)

Above I have used bold text and (brackets) to illustrate an example of straight rhythm and syncopated rhythm. Count or play the beats written in bold text ignoring the beats written in (brackets) and you will notice a clear difference between the third and the forth beat. The syncopated example asks us to miss the third beat and instead play in-between the third and the forth beat. This is syncopation: playing in-between beats to create interesting rhythmic ideas.

Rocking Quavers

1  & , 2  & , 3  & , 4  & 

Reggae Quavers

(1) & , (2) & , (3) & , (4) &

A typical classic rock song might have a straight quaver rhythm (usually played by the bass guitarist) that drives the music along nicely. In contrast, a typical reggae song might have a syncopated quaver rhythm (usually played by the rhythm guitarist) that gives the music an upbeat feel. The following exercise is for beginners who know some basic chords and want to explore some syncopated rhythms.

Syncopated Open Chords in Am (part one)

Syncopated Open Chords in Am (part two)