Offbeat
Emphasis between the beats, that is, on the unstressed parts of the bar.
What it means
Offbeat denotes the emphasis on the unstressed parts of the bar, that is, between the beats. In 4/4 time, counted as "one-and-two-and-three-and-four-and", the offbeats are the quavers on "and". Stressing these places gives the impression that the music is pushing forward or "playing after" the beat.
Musical use
The offbeat shapes many popular styles: in reggae and ska the guitar plays short chords on the offbeats, and in many polkas the accompanying instrument does the same while the bass plays on the beats. In jazz and funk, offbeats appear as accents in melody and accompaniment. Stressed offbeats also occur in classical music, mostly there as syncopation.
The offbeat should be distinguished from the backbeat, which stresses beats two and four, for instance with the snare in rock, and from syncopation, which shifts an accented note into the gap and holds it there.
Performance practice
When practising, count aloud "one-and-two-and" and put the accents on "and". Keep the basic beats stable inwardly so that the offbeat springs. A metronome that clicks only the beats helps you to place the offbeat securely in between.