How to Create an Electronic Dance Music Structure

Most electronic dance music songs have a similar structure. In this post, we’ll break down that structure so you can start creating your own EDM tracks.

Introduction

Electronic Dance Music, or EDM as it is commonly known, has become one of the most popular genres of music in recent years. Headlining DJs such as Calvin Harris and Avicii have brought the sound to mainstream audiences all over the world, and festivals such as Tomorrowland and Ultra Music Festival attract hundreds of thousands of fans each year.

If you’re interested in making your own EDM tracks, it’s important to understand the basic structure of a typical EDM song. In this article, we’ll take a look at how to create an effective song structure for your next EDM track.

Most EDM tracks are built around a simple four-on-the-floor drumbeat, with a kick drum on beats 1 and 3 and a snare on beats 2 and 4. This basic beat is often embellished with hi-hats, percussion, and other elements, but the foundation remains the same.

Over this foundation, you’ll layer your melody, harmony, and other musical elements. The melody is often the most important element in an EDM track, so it’s important to craft a catchy hook that will keep listeners engaged. The harmony should support the melody and help to create an overarching sense of tension and release.

In the final section of the track, you’ll typically build to a climax by adding more elements to the mix and increasing the energy level. This is often referred to as the “drop,” and it’s one of the most important parts of any EDM track. Make sure to craft a drop that will really get people moving!

Once you have your basic structure in place, you can start experimenting with different sounds and arranging your elements into more complex patterns. With some practice, you’ll be able to craft dynamic and compelling EDM tracks that will keep audiences coming back for more.

The Basic Elements of Electronic Dance Music

There are four basic elements of electronic dance music: the kick, the clap, the hi-hat, and the snare.

The kick is a low-frequency sound that provides the bass line for the track. It is typically between 60 and 80 Hz.

The clap is a mid-frequency sound that adds rhythmic interest to the track. It is typically between 800 and 1,000 Hz.

The hi-hat is a high-frequency sound that adds texture to the track. It is typically between 8,000 and 10,000 Hz.

The snare is a percussion instrument that provides backbeat for the track. It is typically between you 1 go 2 claps 3 hats 4 snares 5 end

The Different Types of Electronic Dance Music

There are four main types of electronic dance music:

1. Techno
2. House
3. Trance
4. Drum and Bass

The Structure of Electronic Dance Music

Electronic dance music has a very specific structure that is followed religiously by producers all over the world. This construction is important to create the desired effect on the listener. In this article, I will guide you through the process of creating an electronic dance music structure.

The first thing you need to do is create a 4/4 kick drum pattern. This is the backbone of the track and will be the foundation for everything else that you add. Once you have your kick drum pattern, you can start to add in other elements such as hi-hats, claps, and snares. These should be kept relatively simple and not overpower the kick drum.

One of the most important parts of creating an effective electronic dance music structure is the drop. This is usually achieved by adding in a bassline or lead melody that stands out from the rest of the track. The drop should be catchy and memorable so that it sticks in the listener’s mind. It is often a good idea to build up to the drop with a breakdown so that it has more impact when it hits.

After the drop, you can start to bring in other elements such as synth melodies and chord progressions. Again, these should complement the bassline and not overpower it. The song should then build up to another drop which can be even more powerful than the first one.

Once you have reached this point, you can start to experiment with different sounds and textures. You can also add in breakdowns and buildups to create even more excitement in your track. Remember to keep everything tight and focused so that your listener remains engaged throughout.

The Various Electronic Dance Music Formats

There are many different ways to create an electronic dance music song, but most producers and DJs use one of three basic formats: drops, builds, and breakdowns. Each format has its own unique purpose and can be used to create a variety of effects.

Drops
A drop is the part of the song where the beat really kicks in and the energy level rises. Drops are usually used to transition from one section of the song to another, or to signal a change in the mood or tempo. Builds
A build is the opposite of a drop – it’s a section of the song where the beat gradually gets softer and slower, before suddenly kicking back in again. Builds are often used to create suspense or tension, or to transition from one section of the song to another. Breakdowns
A breakdown is a section of the song where the beat completely stops for a brief period of time. Breakdowns are often used as a dramatic device, or to signal a change in the mood or tempo.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has been helpful in teaching you how to create an electronic dance music structure. Remember, there is no one right way to do this. Be creative and experiment with different approaches until you find what works best for you and your music.