Developing texture and timbre in EDM
Copyrighted materials: to view and download resources from this lesson, you’ll need to be in the UK and
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create a chordal part and develop the texture and timbre in my EDM remix.
Key learning points
- In EDM the texture can vary between thick and thin to create excitement and interest.
- Texture in EDM is often described as thick or thin depending on the number of different layers in the music.
- The main layers in EDM music are the melody, the chords, the bass line and the drum groove.
- You can develop texture by adding, removing and changing instruments and tracks.
Keywords
Chord sequence - A chord sequence is a pattern of chords that usually lasts for 4, 8 or 16 bars.
Texture - The texture of a piece of music is how many layers of sound are heard at the same time and how they fit together.
Thick texture - A piece of music has a thick texture if there are many different musical layers playing at the same time.
Thin texture - A piece of music has a thin texture if there are very few musical layers playing at the same time.
Synth pad - A synth pad is a synthesizer that creates a sustained sound suitable for thickening texture.
Common misconception
Having lots of layers of music playing simultaneously is effective use of texture.
It is easy to create a texture that is too thick and too busy. Encourage students to experiment with both thin and thick textures and reiterate that adding too many layers simultaneously can make music sound ineffective.
Teacher tip
Encourage students to develop their texture in depth, by creating further opportunities where possible. Doing this effectively requires extensive trial and error, so encourage students to embrace the process and be willing to make changes that don't work initially.
Equipment
A DAW or other suitable compositional tool or instrument
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Sign in to continue
Our content remains 100% free, but to access certain copyrighted materials, you'll need to sign in. This ensures we’re both staying within the rules.
P.S. Signing in also gives you more ways to make the most of Oak like unit downloads!
