Subdivision, syncopation and triplets

To subdivide is to split each beat in your head. In 2: “1 and”. In 4: “1 e and a”. In 3: “1 trip let”.

Counting subdivisions is the secret to not rushing or dragging.

An off-beat note lands on the weak part of the beat (the “and”) with a rest on the beat. Typical of reggae and ska.

Syncopation starts on a weak part and holds over the strong one, so the accent lands “where you don’t expect it”.

The most common pattern: eighth – quarter – eighth (“1 and-2 and”). It’s in almost all popular music.

A triplet fits three notes in the time of two. Three triplet eighths take up one quarter note. They’re marked with a 3.