Rhythmic Terms

Here are several terms relating to rhythm and meter that will be used in this course.

• Measure - Space between barlines
• Time Signature - Indicates type and number of beats in a measure
• Bar line - Separates measures
• Downbeat - First beat in a measure
• Upbeat - A note(s) right before the downbeat
• Offbeat - Weak beat that falls between strong beats (beat 1 and 3 in 4/4 time)
• Syncopation - Emphasis on weak beats

Examples