Syncopation

[bmb73]

Moving along with practice, I noticed an extremely weak point that I have been concentrating on is the use of syncopation.

I was curious if anyone had some pointers they could show me for strengthining this particular aspect of playing.

I am trying to use the foot tap method, and while it is coming along I seem to have some trouble as far as concentration on the foot tap too much. This pretty much results in a good train wreck.

[mambo4]

"syncopation" is abroad topic....Can you read notation? at least the rhythm part of it?
Learning notation has dramatically increased my rhythmic awareness...

being fully aware of the subdivisions of the beat is crucial to syncopation -and any rhythmic grooving.
Check out this Anthony Wellington clip from Wooten's Groove Workshop DVD
YouTube - ‪Anthony Wellington teaches rhythm using the rhythm yardstick.‬‏

[bmb73]

Thanks for the link. I can read notation, but it is not a strong suit. That is something I incorporate also into my routine. The rythm aspect does have a definite impact on it though.

[the_stone]

Jamerson's transcribed basslines in the book "Standing in the Shadows of Motown" are pretty much a master's course in syncopation. The basslines range from simple to extremely complex, and they'll get your reading chops up to speed like nothing else.

Plus, the CDs that come with with book feature some big-name players (Will Lee, Jack Bruce, John Pattitucci, etc...) playing the basslines to rhythm tracks.