EDM song structure
EDM songs are built around the drop, in 8- and 16-bar phrases: an intro, a build-up, the drop, a breakdown, a second build-up and drop, and an outro. A radio edit runs about three minutes; a club mix makes the intro and the outro longer.
128 BPM · 96 bars · 3:00
An EDM beat across all 96 bars, with a marker at each section, to change part by part. No account needed to start.
The song map
Section by section, at 128 BPM. Every section is in bars of four beats; at 128 BPM, 8 bars is 15 seconds.
| Section | Bars | Starts |
|---|---|---|
| IntroOpens the song and sets its tempo, key and mood. | 16 | 0:00bar 1 |
| Build-upRaises the tension before a drop: rolls, risers, a filter opening. | 8 | 0:30bar 17 |
| DropThe full beat and bass after a build-up: dance music’s main section. | 16 | 0:45bar 25 |
| BreakdownParts drop out, in dance music; a heavy half-time section, in metal. | 16 | 1:15bar 41 |
| Build-up 2Raises the tension before a drop: rolls, risers, a filter opening. | 8 | 1:45bar 57 |
| Drop 2The full beat and bass after a build-up: dance music’s main section. | 16 | 2:00bar 65 |
| OutroEnds the song, winding it down. | 16 | 2:30bar 81 |
How EDM songs are built
The intro is mostly drums, for a DJ to mix in. The build-up raises the tension with snare rolls and risers, then the drop brings the full beat, the bass and the lead. The breakdown takes the drums away so the second build-up and drop can do it again, often with something new.
Every section starts on an 8- or 16-bar line, so DJs can mix one track into another on the phrase.
The sounds, chords and tempos are on the EDM page.
Questions about EDM song structure
How many bars is a drop?
Usually 16, 30 seconds at 128 BPM, and sometimes 32.
Why do EDM sections come in 8s and 16s?
So DJs can mix: a change every 8 or 16 bars is where a DJ expects one, so two tracks line up when they play together.
How long is an EDM song?
This map is 96 bars, 3:00 at 128 BPM. An extended or club mix doubles the intro and outro, adding about a minute.
Make an EDM song
The free editor opens on this map: an EDM beat across 96 bars, a marker at each section. Change any section part by part: mute the drums in the intro, add a melody, each part its own lane.
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