Syncopation is a rhythmic quality to music in which the emphasis is placed “off” the beat.

Most rock and roll music is syncopated in nature. Rather than emphasizing the more traditional 1 and 3 of the 1-2-3-4 count, the snare drum places emphasis on the 2 and 4 counts. Think of it this way: one-TWO-three-FOUR-one-TWO-three-FOUR.

Syncopation can also fall between the counts. Reggae music is an example of this type of a syncopated rhythm (one-AND-two-AND-three-AND-four). Latin music often features syncopated rhythms as well.