When Does Syncopation Occur?

Technically, "syncopation occurs when a temporary displacement of the regular metrical accent occurs, causing the emphasis to shift from a strong accent to a weak accent".

How is syncopation created?

Syncopation is created when the strong beats are obscured and either the weak beats or smaller beat divisions are stressed. This is perhaps the simplest form of syncopation and involves replacing a strong beat in a measure with a rest.

What is an example of syncopation?

For example, if you conduct or tap the counting pulse while listening to a song, several notes in a row that are articulated between your taps or conducted beats, with no notes articulated simultaneously with the counting pulse, indicate syncopation.