Syncopation can be defined as an accent on a normally unaccented beat. In ^ time it is usual to accent the first beat and to leave the second and third beats unaccented:*
This can be syncopated by placing the accent elsewhere in the bar (either on or off the count):
The following arrangement has been syncopated by placing the bass note on the second beat throughout most of the piece.
* In * time it is usual to accent the first and third beats.