"'N Sink" incorporates some of the ideas
from these examples into a short piece that should help you
fine-tune your syncopation chops. The first two measures use
a single-note line that takes advantage of offbeat syncopation
similar to the rhythms in Example 4. The third, fourth, and
fifth measures use the same kind of syncopated strumming found
in Examples 15 and 16; make sure to accent the underlined
beats. The fancy note in the first ending [D.C. (no repeat)]
just means to go back to the beginning and don't repeat the
first measure. The final three measures thicken the opening
phrase with some full chords, making it sound more like the
Beatles-ish riff in Example 14. If you have trouble with any
of the phrases, isolate them, slow them down, and count the
beats aloud until you get the groove. You can also add some
syncopation into chord progressions, riffs, and tunes you
already know. It doesn't have to be complicated to sound great;
sometimes just one well-placed accent can help a stuffed shirt
hang loose.
'N
Sink 