Backbeat

The backbeat – this emblematic feature of reggae and ska accompaniments – is the result of accenting weak/unstressed so called ‘off’-beats (in 4/4 rhythm these are beats 2 and 4) or weak subdivisions of the beats (the offbeat-eighth notes, for example). The backbeat, which blends in well both with binary and ternary rhythms, rekindles the accompaniment. This course provides two technical exercises with their corresponding recordings, as well as eight accompaniments you can play along to backing tracks.