Downbeat

The downbeat is the first beat of a measure in music. It is named for the down stroke of the director's baton at the start of each measure.

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In more general use, downbeat refers to all odd beats. This differentiates it from the back beat on the even beats.

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In modern music, using common time (4/4), emphasis is rarely put on the downbeat (first beat). Instead, it is placed on the third beat or on the back beats.

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