A Music Theory on the basics of writting/arranging a general EDM Track! And the parts of a track!

Hey guys so im getting pretty good at creating really good i guess “parts” that would go into a song, but im completely lost on the writing/arranging piece. Like when to repeat a part, how to start the track and so on… Do you think you guys could do like a music theory video in Ableton looking at a track and taking us threw what makes up, well, a Song! Haha. Anyways, this would be Extremely Helpful! Especially if you could lean towards a modern Electro House track, such as porter robinson or mord fustang. But honestly anything would be helpful. :smiley:

Ok, well Electro House is pretty simple, it all essentially follows this structural formula:

Drum Intro: 4Bar/8Bar, with Kick + Snare

8Bar/16Bar with Kick + Snare + Perc/Hi-Hat

First bassline:

Some sort of automation, usually a LPF on a bassline that builds up. Add uplifters and maybe some chords overlayed.

Breakdown 1:

Most melodic part of the track. Limit to (max) 1 minute. Includes trance synths, pianos, violins, whatever sort of melodic things you will use in contrast with the “filthy filthy” drop.

Drop 1:

Relatively simple, this is in EVERY track. 1-4 quarter notes of a typical electro house bass, then whatever you want really. Vocal scats, squeaky synths, retro 80’s solos. Everything and the kitchen sink. Try to have a little restraint so you have enough left for Drop 2.

Breakdown 2:

Retains the melodic feel, but add in more uplifters, white noise, laser sounds, whatever, to give the second buildup a bigger and more important feel.

Drop 2:

Everything you can think of. Make it as big and bad as possible. Some producers are starting to put in a 8-16 bar Dubstep break. Personally, I hate those. If you are going to do one, make sure it’s really a dubstep breakdown, and not just the same components with a half-time drum pattern.

Drum Outro: Kill most instruments except a select few. Have them come in every 2-4 bars. Fade Out.

[quote]Flaxo (22/07/2011)[hr]Ok, well Electro House is pretty simple, it all essentially follows this structural formula:

Drum Intro: 4Bar/8Bar, with Kick + Snare

8Bar/16Bar with Kick + Snare + Perc/Hi-Hat

First bassline:

Some sort of automation, usually a LPF on a bassline that builds up. Add uplifters and maybe some chords overlayed.

Breakdown 1:

Most melodic part of the track. Limit to (max) 1 minute. Includes trance synths, pianos, violins, whatever sort of melodic things you will use in contrast with the “filthy filthy” drop.

Drop 1:

Relatively simple, this is in EVERY track. 1-4 quarter notes of a typical electro house bass, then whatever you want really. Vocal scats, squeaky synths, retro 80’s solos. Everything and the kitchen sink. Try to have a little restraint so you have enough left for Drop 2.

Breakdown 2:

Retains the melodic feel, but add in more uplifters, white noise, laser sounds, whatever, to give the second buildup a bigger and more important feel.

Drop 2:

Everything you can think of. Make it as big and bad as possible. Some producers are starting to put in a 8-16 bar Dubstep break. Personally, I hate those. If you are going to do one, make sure it’s really a dubstep breakdown, and not just the same components with a half-time drum pattern.

Drum Outro: Kill most instruments except a select few. Have them come in every 2-4 bars. Fade Out.[/quote]



+1 great post :slight_smile:

Wow that was very very helpful! Thank you so much!:slight_smile: