Year 8 - Music
Creating a syncopated EDM bass line
EDM remixing
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils learn about EDM (electronic dance music), the main features of the style and the impact these features have on creating excitement in the music and a danceable groove. They learn about arranging through creating a remix of a famous melody.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to create an effective syncopated bass line for an EDM remix.
Key Notes
- Syncopated rhythms are common in EDM music, creating excitement and music that is highly danceable.
- EDM bass lines are based around the root of the chord and often use syncopation.
- EDM bass lines are often played on a synth bass (low-pitched synthesizer)
Vocabulary To Learn
- syncopated: A syncopated rhythm is one that emphasises (accents) notes in between the main beats.
- synth bass: A synth bass is a low-pitched synthesizer.
- root note: The root note of a chord is its main note, and what the chord is named after.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- If a rhythm includes quavers it is syncopated.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key points.
Syncopated rhythms are common in EDM music, creating excitement and music that is highly danceable. EDM bass lines are based around the root of the chord and often use syncopation.
2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'syncopated'
A syncopated rhythm is one that emphasises (accents) notes in between the main beats.
3. Correct this common mistake.
Mistake: If a rhythm includes quavers it is syncopated. Correction: This is a common misconception when first learning syncopation. Reiterate that a rhythm is only syncopated if the emphasis is in between the main beats. In practice here, that means that there will be a quaver rest at the start of a beat.
More Lessons In This Unit
Browse all guides in the Year 8 Music guide library.