My first reel rhythm comprises one strong accent on the first beat of the bar. This example is my second reel rhythm; it swings better than simply accenting beat 1 or beat 1 and beat 3. Here two upbeats (the + of 2 and the + of 3) are strongly accented. This rhythm would only be played sporadically and not for very long at any one time. Syncopation occurs when the articulation of weak beats creates a tension against the underlying pulse. Here is a syncopated rhythm that can be seen in many of the advanced reels towards the end of the tutorial. If you are having difficulty counting the accented beats just count in threes instead. Notice how the last four eighth notes of each two-bar phrase bring back the feel of the normal pulse. In the second video clip you can see how the dampening by the left hand adds greatly to the rhythmic effect. Here is another syncopated rhythm that has a great swing in it. It is a rhythm that is often suggested by a tune's pulse. This is a very strong syncopation and therefore wouldn't be used too often or for too long. What I particularly like about it is the continuity - due to the similar beginning - from the first two-bar phrase to the second.