These exercises, whether played with chords, partial chords or single note lines, can help internalize basic syncopation. Even a good player can find a challenge here, especially if using interesting changes. The intermediate player may do well to try some simple chords, changing theem at the points of syncopation (marked by the arrows).

Example:   Chord progression—D  C  G

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Played:

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 Remember—creating changes at points of syncopation is a staple of modern music, and is a great skill to develop early, because it prevents the general tendency of players to be late with changes!

If you are strumming, it is especially vital to get accustomed to changing chords on an upstroke-awkward at first, but well worth it in the end.