rhythm

Anacrusis

Pickup cup note emphasises first downbeat in a bar

Augmentation

Where note values of a melody are lengthened.

Diminution

Note values are shortened; speeds up a passage.

Syncopation

Emphasises the offbeat.

Hemiola

2 bars of triple time are articulated as if they were 3 bars of duple time.

Triplets

3 notes usually played in the time taken by 2.

Backbeat

Accents placed on the second and fourth in 4/4 time, common in rock and pop.

Scotch snap

A short note followed by a longer note.

Swung

Even notes are played with a long/short pattern.

Regular

A consistent, even rhythm.

Irregular

Inconsistent: changing or unexpected rhythms.

Skank/bubble

Characteristics of reggae, where the offbeat is accented.

Clave

Common in Latin music - 3:2 or 2:3.

Shuffle

Rhythm with a triplet-based feel.

Cross rhythm

Using 2 or more contrasting rhythms Simultaneously that don't fit in easily together.