The Four-on-the-Floor Foundation

House music is more than just a genre; it's a global culture built on a simple "four-on-the-floor" kick drum rhythm. Since its birth in Chicago's warehouses in the early 80s, House has branched into dozens of specialized subgenres. For the modern producer, understanding these types of house music is essential for crafting tracks that resonate in specific club environments.

1. Deep House: The Soul of the Machine

Deep House focuses on atmosphere, soulful melodies, and complex chords (often borrowed from Jazz). It’s characterized by a slower tempo (120-124 BPM) and a "laid-back" feel.

Key Sound Design: The Deep Bass

The synth bass in Deep House is typically a sub-heavy Sine or Triangle wave with a soft attack. Think of the classic M1 organ bass or a warm, filtered Moog-style patch. It doesn't need to be aggressive; it needs to be "round."

2. Tech House: Precision & Groove

Tech House is the bridge between the soul of House and the clinical precision of Techno. It’s currently dominating festival stages worldwide thanks to its infectious energy and rugged rhythms.

Sound Design Elements

• Drums: Sharp, metallic claps and prominent hi-hats.
• Short Synth Bass: Unlike Deep House, Tech House basslines are often "percussive"—short, plucky sounds with heavy sidechain compression to the kick.
• Glitchy Vocals: Use vocal samples chopped into rhythmic loops. It’s often about the cadence of the words rather than the meaning.

3. Progressive House: The Emotional Journey

Progressive House is about the "build." These tracks are often 7-9 minutes long, slowly adding layers to create an epic, anthemic climax. Think Deadmau5 or Eric Prydz.

The Art of the Arpeggio

In this style, your synth bass often morphs over time. Start with a filtered-down saw-wave and slowly open the cutoff filter through the first 4 minutes. This creates a sense of relentless forward motion.

4. Modern Fusions (Future, Afro, Amapiano)

The landscape of House is constantly evolving. Future House introduced metallic, "talking" basslines, while Afro House and Amapiano have brought organic percussion and deep, log-drum bass sounds back to the forefront of the dance floor.

Pro Production Summary

Whether you are producing Tech or Deep House, remember these three pillars:

1. The Low End: Ensure your kick and synth bass aren't fighting. Use a spectral analyzer like Voxengo SPAN to see if they overlap in the frequency domain.
2. Vocal Identity: Even a 2-word vocal sample can become the iconic hook of a track if processed with unique delays and textures.
3. Dynamics: Use automation. A static House track feels "boring." A track that breathes through filter sweeps and volume changes feels "alive."