Anacrusis – A note or sequence of notes which precede the first strong beat of a musical phrase, particularly at the start of a piece

(Pronounced an-uh-kroo-sis)

(Note: Anacrusis is also called the pickup).

To remember what anacrusis means, use the following mnemonic:

I have a knack for ruining my sisters (anacrusis) performances by playing a strange sequence of notes at the start of the songs.

Anacrusis are the first notes that allows a singer or dance performer to organise themselves and gather all their energy to give a strong, correct note for the upcoming first main beat of the bar. It's essentially a couple of warning notes.

Examples of anacrusis in a sentence

An anacrusis was used to begin the song.

When singing the happy birthday song, an anacrusis starts it off.

I wrote a song that begins with an anacrusis.