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Schaffel (the German phonetic spelling of "shuffle") is a term used to describe a trend in progressive electronic music in which the time signatures are built in variations of 6/8, 12/8, 3/4, or 4/4 triplet feels. The term "Schaffel" describing a genre unto itself became popularized in European nightclubs around 2004 and the style has been hailed by some as the beat that saved techno (Martin Turenne).

Originating from swing and R&B roots, the recognizable beat was popularized by glam rock artists like T.Rex with their 1971 hit "Hot Love" and Gary Glitter in his 1972 hit Rock and Roll Pt 2. Perhaps the earliest use of the beat in an electronic pop song was Iggy Pop's "Nightclubbing," from his seminal album The Idiot. New wave/synthpop band Depeche Mode used a similar feel in their 1989 single Personal Jesus, firmly establishing the signature in electronic music.

The Schaffel beat remained moderately popular among underground synthpop, industrial music, electronic body music, gothic rock and dance music artists, and is found in such notable releases as "Like Tears in Rain" by Covenant (Subspace, Sweden 2000), "Mitternacht" by E Nomine (Zeitgeist [Universal], Germany 2001) and "Wasted (Naghavi Mix)" by And One (Virgin Records, Germany 2000). The more recent club-hit making influence is accredited to artists such as T. Raumschmiere, Goldfrapp, and Electronicat, as well as remixers including Superpitcher and the Wighnomy Bros. The schaffel beat has emerged in modern noise based industrial as well, via artists such as Wumpscut and Combichrist. Other recent examples from North American producers include artist/remixers such as Zombie Girl and dj addambombb.

• Audio examples of modern "Schaffel" beat, including many mentioned artists: dj addambombb: Schaffelklatsch (60 minutes of live DJ mix, recorded New Year's Eve 2006). Playlist.
• Schaffel Beat Resuscitates Techno by Martin Turenne, April 1, 2004.

• Swung note