Creating an EDM drum beat
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Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create an EDM drum beat and understand what its component parts are.
Key learning points
- EDM (electronic dance music) is a term used to describe a broad range of genres which all have similar musical features.
- EDM uses electronic instruments, has a strong beat, a fast tempo, 4 beats in a bar and uses repetitive musical ideas.
- Remixes, where a new version of a piece of music is created using music technology, are common in EDM.
- An EDM drum beat typically includes four-on-the-floor kick drum, off-beat hi-hats and snare/clap on the backbeat.
Keywords
EDM (electronic dance music) - EDM (electronic dance music) is a music genre with a strong danceable beat made using synthesisers and drum machines.
Remix - A remix is a new version of a piece of music, usually created using music technology.
Quaver rest - A quaver rest is half a beat of silence.
Off-beat quavers - Off-beat quavers are quavers that plays on the second quaver of each beat.
Four-on-the-floor - A four-on-the-floor drum beat plays the kick drum on each of the four crotchet beats.
Common misconception
The backbeat and off-beat are the same.
The backbeat is on beat 2 and 4 while the off-beat is on the second half of a beat (in between the beats).
Teacher tip
Where possible, engage the pupils with the rhythmic exercises through clapping. You could ask them to work out each rhythm independently, then to try and clap it as a class, before listening to it.
Equipment
A DAW or other suitable compositional tool or instrument
Files needed for this lesson
8U6 New World Symphony template with melody.band 307.84 KB (ZIP)
8U6 melody synth lead 1 346.49 KB (MP3)
8U6 melody synth lead 2 332.07 KB (MP3)
8U6 melody synth lead 3 215.05 KB (MP3)
8U6 melody synth lead 4 384.94 KB (MP3)
8U6 melody synth lead 5 380.6 KB (MP3)
8U6 melody synth lead 6 270.12 KB (MP3)
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