Barbara, I think you understand what Susan said...but just again to clarify...in terms of counting:

Clapping on the "off beat" in 4/4 time: clap on 2 and 4
Clapping on the "off beat: in 2/4 time: clap on the "and" of 1 and on the "and" of 2 (actually on 2 and 4 if your 2/4 is counted in 4/4) Watch a tambourine player.

To really get it right (are you listening jimmyt) you need to bring your elbows back close to your body on the beat! :-) not like the "on beat clappers" who throw the hands wide apart when they try to do off-beat clapping.

In my observations, about the only tune that demands "on beat" clapping is "When the Saints Go Marching In." All others can use the "off beat" clapping.

********thread drift*********

The Beatles used a strong 1-2-3-4...all beats strong. (I Want To Hold Your Hand)