A syncopated rhythm shifts this pattern by emphasizing weak upbeats instead of the strong downbeats. For example, songs with a 4/4 time signature usually stress the first and third beats. However, a syncopated rhythm may emphasize the second and fourth beats or notes between them.

The easiest syncopation example uses the 4/4 time signature. In 4/4 the pulse is felt on each of the four quarter notes in each measure. Here’s what this looks like in sheet music. Syncopation in 4/4 emphasizes notes that aren’t on each quarter note to create a pulse that’s felt on the off beat.