Offbeat
Any beat or subdivision that falls between the main beats of a bar, often used for rhythmic interest and lift.
Category
rhythm
Pronunciation
/ˈɒfbiːt/
Origin
English (descriptive)
Length
181 words · 1 min read
About Offbeat
Offbeats are the weaker pulses that occur between the strong beats of a metre. In 4/4 time, if the main beats fall on counts one, two, three, and four, the offbeats fall on the "and" between each count.
More rhythm terms
Beat
View all rhythmterms →The basic unit of time in music — the regular pulse a listener feels
PolyrhythmThe simultaneous use of two or more conflicting rhythmic patterns
AnacrusisOne or more notes that precede the first full bar of a piece, functioning as an upbeat or pickup.
SyncopationDeliberate displacement of the expected rhythmic accent
MetreThe recurring pattern of strong and weak beats that organises music into regular groups.
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v1 · 10/04/2026Browse all terms →