Okay, this still has me puzzled. I have read that you emphasize the 2nd and 4th beat. But just exactly is the emphasis? Is it playing it louder or longer or what?
Emphasis is playing it louder. Which beats you emphasise depends on the song. You might "accent" (emphasise) the 1st and 3rd.
Syncopation is playing in between beats. A good example would be in a song we were just discussing. Listen for the syncopated rhythm of the guitar during "she went down, down to Tangie Town."
Another example would be that part in the theme to King of the Hill. (From 17 to 27 seconds in the video.}
I have (and still do) always loved Ska music (proper ska mind, not a rock band with a trombone player who was alowed to join because his dad owned a van). The syncopation is usually so strong in Ska that you can't fail to miss it. I knew what they were doing before I knew it had a name.
Check this skatalites number:
or; if you prefer a bit of two tone (and theres a harmonica in the intro; score!):
