Rhythm
Backbeat
A strong emphasis on beats 2 and 4 in common time.
In plain English
In a four-beat bar, the backbeat usually lands on counts 2 and 4. A snare drum often supplies it, but any instrument can help make it felt.
Try or listen for this
Count “1, 2, 3, 4” and clap only on 2 and 4.
Why it matters
The backbeat sits at the centre of many rock, pop, blues, funk, and soul grooves.