rhythm

Downbeat, Offbeat, and Upbeat

In guitar (and music generally), downbeats, offbeats, and upbeats refer to the timing and rhythm in a measure:

🥁 Downbeat

• The first beat of the measure (e.g., the "1" in "1-2-3-4")
• It's usually stronger and often emphasized.
• When strumming, a down strum often aligns with downbeats.

🧠 Think: It's the beat that grounds the rhythm — where the chord changes often happen.

🎵 Offbeats

• The beats that fall between the main beats (the "&" counts)
• They're typically lighter or less emphasized.
• Often where syncopation or groove lives.
• When strumming, an up strum often aligns with offbeats.

🔄 Upbeat

• Specifically refers to the beat or partial beat that comes before the downbeat at the start of a phrase
• Also called an "anacrusis" or "pickup"
• Creates a sense of anticipation leading into the downbeat

Guitar Strumming Example:

If you strum like this:

↓     ↑     ↓     ↑
1  &  2  &  3  &  4  &

• ↓ (Down strum) on main beats (1, 2, 3, 4)
• ↑ (Up strum) on offbeats (the "&"s)

中文翻译

英文术语	中文翻译	说明
Downbeat	重拍／下拍	小节第一个强拍
Offbeat	弱拍／切分拍	主拍之间的拍子，常用于律动
Upbeat	弱起／起拍音	乐句开始前的引导音（Anacrusis）