The Art of Dancehall: The definitive guide for producers

Dancehall is a mighty river that carries with it the essence of Jamaica. Its murky and deep waters hide sound treasures that only the most attentive ears can discover, a space where rhythms meet the raw energy of dance and urban stories. 

For those producers looking to delve into this fascinating world, understanding dancehall from its foundations and mastering the techniques and fundamental elements of the genre is key to capturing the essence that has rocked generations.

Let's walk through the most important and necessary aspects you need to know as a producer, from its history to the tools and tips that will make your beats sound with the level of authenticity and power that the industry demands. Welcome to this definitive guide, where rhythm becomes art.

Historical Context: Where It All Began

Dancehall was born in the vibrant streets of Jamaica in the late 1970s, as an evolution of traditional reggae, but more direct, more raw, and above all, more danceable. In its early days, sound systems dominated the music scene, where DJs and toasters - the forerunners of MCs - would liven up parties with infectious rhythms and improvised lyrics.

The boom of digital technology in the 1980s was a turning point, thanks to riddims like Sleng Teng, produced by King Jammy. This digital beat, created with a Casio keyboard, ushered in an electronic era that gave dancehall a new dimension. Since then, dancehall has influenced global genres from reggaeton to EDM, leaving its mark on artists such as Sean Paul, Popcaan and Major Lazer.

The Power of the Riddim in Dancehall

The riddim is the soul of dancehall. More than just an instrumental track, the riddim is the canvas on which the different voices and styles of the artists are painted. Unlike other genres where the track may be exclusive to a single track, in dancehall, the same riddim can be used by multiple artists to create completely different songs, each with its own identity.

Riddims serve a fundamental purpose: to provide a solid, recognizable foundation that connects the audience to the essence of the beat. These repetitive patterns allow producers and artists to play creatively, and what really matters is how each vocalist adapts and excels over them.

There are legendary riddims like the Sleng Teng, which ushered in the digital era in dancehall, and more recent riddims like the Diwali riddim, which dominated the mainstream in the early 2000s. Each has its own style and energy, some influenced by classic reggae, others by more electronic or even pop rhythms.

Producing a riddim is a mix of precision and simplicity. Often they are minimal structures, with an emphasis on rhythmic repetition, leaving enough space for the vocals and lyrics to take center stage. The key is to create something that is memorable but flexible enough to support multiple interpretations, giving each track a unique identity within the same mold.

Read more: What is a Riddim?

How to Make Dancehall Beats: Step by Step Guide

Making a dancehall beat is a process that combines rhythmic simplicity with subtle elements that create movement and energy. Each step must be well thought out, from selecting the sounds to the final mix. Let's break down the process in detail, so you can create beats that capture the essence of this vibrant genre.

Step 1: Setting the Tempo

Tempo is one of the most important aspects of creating a dancehall beat. Classic dancehall is usually in the 80 to 100 BPM range, which gives it that laid-back yet dynamic bounce feel. To get started, open a new project in Soundtrap and set the BPM within this range, then test to see what speed best suits the energy you're looking to convey.

Step 2: Building the Drum Pattern

Once the tempo is set, the next step is to build a drum pattern. Dancehall is based on a syncopated rhythm, which means that certain beats fall “off” the regular beat, creating an irresistible groove. Here is a basic guide to set up the drum kit:

1. Bass drum: Place the bass drum on each beat of the measure, creating a simple but effective pattern. You can add slight variations on the third beat for a more dynamic feel.

2. Snare/Clap: When you write a drum pattern it can be divided into 8 parts (8 eighth notes) or 16 parts (16 sixteenth notes). With this in mind divide the measure into sixteenth notes and place a snare or clap on 4, 7, 12 and 15. This pattern keeps the rhythm steady and clear that is representative of dancehall.

3. Hi-Hats: Hi-hats can follow an eighth or sixteenth note pattern. An interesting variation is to use a shaker or open hat at certain times to keep the beat moving more smoothly.

Once you have this basic pattern, you can start experimenting with additional elements, such as light percussion (congas, bongos, or shakers) to give it more complexity and rhythmic richness.

Remember that this is just one of many possible patterns you can use in dancehall.

Soundtrap’s Beatmaker will help you build out the perfect Dancehall drums.

Step 3: Creating the Bass Line

The bass line in dancehall not only reinforces the rhythmic structure, but is also the emotional engine of the beat. Here are some essential steps to create an effective bass line:

1. Bass Sound: Deep bass in dancehall is usually sine waves or synthesized bass with little harmonic, so that it takes up the least amount of space in the mix but is still punchy. Many producers also add a little harmonic distortion or saturation to the bass to give it more presence without increasing the volume too much.

2. Notes: Keep bass lines simple, often following the root of the main chords. Repetition is key here, but make sure the bass line complements and reinforces the groove of the beat.

3. Bass Rhythm: The bass should follow the same syncopated logic as the drums. Play with the placement of the notes to match the bass drum or fill in the gaps between the percussion beats. 

Step 4: Adding the Chords or Melodies

Melody and chords in dancehall tend to be simple but effective. You can start with a basic chord progression or a short, repetitive, catchy melody. The instruments that work best here are keyboards with organ-like sounds, synthesizers, or even some wind or string instrument with a synthetic feel.

1. Chord Progression: Opt for a two or four chord progression, and keep it repetitive. Dancehall doesn't need complex progressions, as the focus is on the groove and vocals.

2. Synth Sound: Use a warm, smooth synth sound that doesn't overpower the mix. Pads or organ type sounds are very popular in this genre, plus the use of piano chords in counter time work very well with the groove of the beat.

3. Layers: You can add more layers of melody in the chorus or breaks to vary the beat. However, be sure not to saturate the sound space.

Step 5: Incorporating Effects and Transitions

Effects play an important role in maintaining the energy and flow of the beat. Some of the most common effects in dancehall include:

1. Delay: Delay is a classic in dancehall productions. Using it on vocals or some melodic elements can add dimension and depth. Adjust the delay to match the tempo of the track and create repeats that reinforce the beat.

2. Reverb: Reverb can help create space in the mix, especially on percussion and effects. Use a short reverb for drum hits and a longer reverb for melodic sounds.

3. Filters and Transitions: Use filters and sweep effects for transitions between sections. Cutting the lows or highs with a filter can create dramatic moments before the beat hits hard again.

Step 6: Arranging the Beat

Once you have all the basic elements of the beat (drums, bass, melody), it's time to arrange them into a structure. Dancehall usually follows a simple structure that allows the vocals and groove to take center stage:

1. Intro: Keep the intro simple. Often a loop of the basic riddim or a filtered version of the main beat is used, setting the stage for the vocals to come in.

2. Verse: The verse usually has fewer elements, leaving room for the vocal to be the focus. You can remove some instruments or reduce the effects to give more prominence to the vocal.

3. Chorus/Chorus: This is where the beat becomes fuller and more energetic. Add more percussion, effects or melodic layers to give it more impact.

4. Breakdowns and Fills: Use fillers and moments of silence at key points to add dynamics. These moments of pause can create anticipation in the listener before the beat returns.

Read More: How To Create a Good Song Structure - Parts of a Song Explained

Step 7: Incorporate Vocals (Optional)

If you are working with a vocalist or integrating vocal samples, the last step is to incorporate vocals. As mentioned in the basics, vocals in dancehall have a leading role and are usually rhythmic. Make sure to leave enough room in the mix for the vocals, and don't forget to apply effects like delay and reverb to give them more depth and emotion.

Read more: How To Make Pro Beats: Step-by-Step Guide.

Space and Silence: The Invisible Element

In dancehall, what you don't play is as important as what you do play. The use of space and silence between rhythmic beats is an art in itself. Leaving gaps in the rhythmic structure not only allows other elements such as vocals or effects to shine, but also creates a sense of tension that makes each drum beat or bass line more effective.

This conscious use of silence is what gives dancehall that characteristic feeling of pushing and relaxing at the same time. Leaving those spaces also allows listeners to connect more deeply with the groove, as if each pause gives them time to anticipate what's coming next.

Advanced Production Tips

If you've mastered the fundamentals of dancehall, these advanced tips will help you take your productions to a new level, using techniques that the genre's top producers use to give their beats that professional touch.

• Strategic Percussion Layering: Combine various types of percussion (digital and acoustic) to create a richer texture. Apply EQ to each layer to avoid frequency conflicts.

• Sidechain Compression: Uses sidechain not only on bass and kick drum, but also on other melodic or percussive elements to create a “breathing” effect in the mix.

• Creative Automation: Automate reverb and filters to add dynamics and movement to different parts of the beat, such as before a drop or in transitions.

• Strategic Riddim Stabs: Introduce melodic stabs or short chords at key moments, such as at the end of phrases or just before the chorus, to add impact.

• Tight Swing: Subtly swing elements such as hi-hats to add groove, while maintaining a stiffer rhythm on kick and snare.

• Controlled Saturation: Apply soft saturation to bass and percussion to add harmonics without compromising the clarity of the sound.

• Pitch-Shifting Vocals: Duplicate the vocal track and adjust the pitch (pitch-shifting) by one or two semitones to generate subtle harmonies that enrich the vocal texture.

• Creative Resampling: Resample a portion of the beat, apply effects and reinsert the processed section to add variation and surprise to the production.

Dancehall in the World: Global Impact

Dancehall has left a mark on global music. From its beginnings in Jamaica to its influence on modern pop, artists such as Drake and Rihanna have incorporated elements of the genre into their hits. Songs such as Rihanna's “Work” and Drake's “Controlla” are clear examples of how dancehall has transcended borders and is arguably the biggest precursor to the urban music we hear today.

Conclusion: Dancehall with the Beat

Producing dancehall beats goes beyond following a formula; it is an art that combines technique, creativity, and a deep understanding of rhythm and the surrounding culture. From mastering rhythmic patterns to experimenting with advanced techniques such as layering and dynamic automation, each element contributes to bringing life and authenticity to your productions. In addition, it's the little details like the use of riddim stabs and vocal manipulation that make the difference between an average beat and one that really resonates with the listener.

Dancehall is not just a genre of music; it is a universe of sound that allows you to play with space, groove and texture. By applying these tips and honing your skills, you'll be well on your way to creating productions with the hallmarks of the greats of the genre. The art of dancehall is in your hands!

About the author

Odiseo is a music producer and mixing and mastering engineer with experience ranging from music creation as a session and concert musician, beatmaker, live sound engineer, and recording engineer, to audio production for short films, providing a broad perspective on technical concepts and musical skills to take music to another level.