Types of DnB
Complete guide to all Drum and Bass styles — from melodic Liquid to dark Neurofunk and raw Jungle
All Types of Drum and Bass
Liquid DnB
Liquid DnB
Smooth, melodic, and emotional — Liquid DnB focuses on lush chords, atmospheric pads, and often features soulful vocals. It's the most accessible type of DnB for newcomers.
Key Characteristics:
- •Melodic chords and atmospheres
- •Vocals and singing
- •Rolling but gentle drums
- •Warm basslines
- •Often 160-180 BPM
Best for you if: You enjoy melodic electronic music, trance, or house and want an easy entry into DnB.
Neurofunk (Neuro)
Neurofunk (Neuro)
Dark, futuristic, and technical — Neurofunk is defined by intricate sound design, precision basslines, and cinematic tension. It's the heaviest type of DnB.
Key Characteristics:
- •Complex sound design bass
- •Precision drum programming
- •Dark, sci-fi atmospheres
- •Technical production
- •Heavy sub-bass pressure
Best for you if: You love heavy bass, detailed sound design, and dark, futuristic vibes.
Jump-Up DnB
Jump-Up DnB
Bouncy, playful, and high-energy — Jump-Up focuses on big hooks, catchy basslines, and dancefloor-ready drops. It's festival-friendly and crowd-pleasing.
Key Characteristics:
- •Big, bouncy bass hooks
- •High dancefloor energy
- •Simple but effective drops
- •Playful and fun vibes
- •Crowd-friendly structure
Best for you if: You want high energy, big festival vibes, and music that makes you move.
Jungle
Jungle
Raw, breakbeat-driven, and rooted in reggae — Jungle is the predecessor to DnB from the early '90s. It features chopped breaks, dub influences, and organic energy.
Key Characteristics:
- •Chopped and screwed breaks
- •Reggae and dub influences
- •Raw, organic production
- •Bass pressure and weight
- •Classic samples
Best for you if: You want the original sound, raw energy, and the roots of DnB culture.
Techstep
Techstep
Minimal, robotic, and industrial — Techstep strips things back with tight drums, cold atmospheres, and driving sci-fi grooves. It's mechanical and precise.
Key Characteristics:
- •Minimal, stripped-back production
- •Cold, industrial atmospheres
- •Tight, mechanical drums
- •Driving sci-fi grooves
- •Robotic bass sounds
Best for you if: You prefer darker, more minimal sounds with an industrial edge.
Halftime / 87 BPM
Halftime / 87 BPM
Heavy, spacious, and slower-feeling — Halftime keeps the DnB tempo (~174 BPM) but places drums in half-time, creating a heavy, head-nodding groove.
Key Characteristics:
- •Half-time drum patterns
- •Heavy, spacious grooves
- •Dark atmospheres
- •Slower-feeling at 174 BPM
- •Head-nodding rhythm
Best for you if: You like heavy, slower-feeling beats with massive space and weight.
DnB Types Comparison Table
| Type | BPM | Energy | Mood | Complexity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liquid | 174 | Low-Medium | Melodic, Happy | Low | New listeners |
| Neurofunk | 174 | High | Dark, Technical | High | Bass heads |
| Jump-Up | 174 | Very High | Playful, Bouncy | Low | Festivals |
| Jungle | 160-175 | Medium-High | Raw, Organic | Medium | Purists |
| Techstep | 170-180 | Medium-High | Cold, Industrial | High | Minimalists |
| Halftime | 174 | Medium | Heavy, Dark | Medium | Head-nodders |