Anacrusis
One or more notes that precede the first full bar of a piece, functioning as an upbeat or pickup.
Category
rhythm
Pronunciation
/ˌænəˈkruːsɪs/
Origin
Greek (anakrousis, a pushing up)
Length
191 words · 1 min read
About Anacrusis
An anacrusis (plural: anacruses) is the note or group of notes that lead into the first strong beat of a phrase. Many well-known melodies begin with an anacrusis — the opening of Auld Lang Syne ("Should old") and God Save the King ("God save") both start before the first barline.
More rhythm terms
Hemiola
View all rhythmterms →A rhythmic device in which two bars of triple time are made to sound like three bars of duple time, or vice versa.
PolyrhythmThe simultaneous use of two or more conflicting rhythmic patterns
OffbeatAny beat or subdivision that falls between the main beats of a bar, often used for rhythmic interest and lift.
SyncopationDeliberate displacement of the expected rhythmic accent
BarA segment of music bounded by bar lines, containing a fixed number of beats
Compare with similar terms
v1 · 10/04/2026Browse all terms →