Lesson 7: Syncopation
Fundamentals
Syncopation is the accenting of a note which would usually not be accented. Syncopation is a deviation from a regular expected rhythmic pattern, often placing stress (through dynamic accents) on weaker beats or omitting stronger beats. Swinging 8th note is one of the essential notes to have in your "tool box" and to know to dance basic vernacular jazz steps. You can make it a pure syncopation as well by stressing the swung note. Albert Murray describes a jazz dancer as a percussive instrument in a dialog with musicians. It’s interesting because when you hear even melodic instruments they play melodies in jazz in a percussive way. That is an African - derived influence.
Syncopation is the accenting of a note which would usually not be accented. Syncopation is a deviation from a regular expected rhythmic pattern, often placing stress (through dynamic accents) on weaker beats or omitting stronger beats. Swinging 8th note is one of the essential notes to have in your "tool box" and to know to dance basic vernacular jazz steps. You can make it a pure syncopation as well by stressing the swung note. Albert Murray describes a jazz dancer as a percussive instrument in a dialog with musicians. It’s interesting because when you hear even melodic instruments they play melodies in jazz in a percussive way. That is an African - derived influence.