Drum and Bass — often shortened to DnB — is a high-energy electronic music genre defined by fast breakbeats (160–180 BPM, often ~174), deep basslines, and complex rhythmic structures.
In this guide: definition, BPM, origins, modern sound, subgenres, and a quick FAQ.
At its core, Drum and Bass is about rhythmic precision and bass energy.
While techno and house focus on steady four-on-the-floor beats, DnB uses syncopated breakbeats — chopped, swung drum patterns that create tension and movement.
The name itself says it all: Drums and Bass are the foundation — everything else (melodies, atmospheres, vocals) serves the rhythm.
Drum and Bass was born in early '90s London, growing out of jungle, hardcore, and breakbeat rave.
Pioneers like Goldie, LTJ Bukem, and Roni Size shaped the first wave — merging breakbeats, dub basslines, and soulful samples.
By the 2000s, the genre diversified:
smooth, melodic, emotional
dark, technical, cinematic
aggressive, playful, built for clubs
industrial, robotic, minimal
Each subgenre kept the DnB DNA but evolved its own identity and energy.
Deep dive: the history of Drum and Bass.
Modern DnB is produced with high-precision digital tools — DAWs like Ableton Live, FL Studio, or Cubase, and plugins such as Serum, Phase Plant, or FabFilter.
🎧 The genre has always balanced engineering and emotion — high-tech sound with human groove.
From underground raves in Bristol to main stages at Let It Roll, Drum and Bass has become a worldwide subculture.
the birthplace, home of Hospital, RAM, Metalheadz
Let It Roll & DnB Doctor generation
vibrant live scene, artists like The Upbeats
neurofunk and liquid resurgence
The community thrives on respect, collaboration, and sonic experimentation — it's more than a genre; it's a global network of producers, DJs, and fans.
| Subgenre | Description | Example Artists |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid DnB | Smooth, melodic, emotional | Netsky, LSB |
| Neurofunk | Dark, futuristic, mechanical | Noisia, Mefjus, DnB Doctor |
| Jump-Up | Playful, heavy, rave-ready | DJ Hazard, Macky Gee |
| Techstep | Minimal, robotic | Ed Rush & Optical |
| Jungle | Organic, breakbeat-driven | Shy FX, Congo Natty |
(See also: /drum-and-bass-subgenres)
Drum and Bass has shaped not just club music but also film scores, video games, and advertising.
Its mix of intensity and precision influenced genres like dubstep, trap, and techno.
The best way to understand it?
➡️ Listen. Explore our latest releases below.
Drum and Bass is a big umbrella. The fastest way to “get it” is to pick a lane, then branch out.
Start with Liquid DnB — smoother chords, vocals, emotional energy.
Try Neurofunk — darker, technical, futuristic bass movement.
Go Jump-Up — bouncy drops, big hooks, rave-ready.
A legendary sampled drum break used across jungle and DnB — often chopped into new patterns.
A gritty, detuned bass tone (often with movement) that became a core DnB sound.
DJ technique: two tracks drop at the same time for extra impact.
The DJ “pulls up” the track and restarts it — usually because the crowd reaction is huge.
A slower-feeling drum groove inside DnB tempo — common in heavier, darker styles.
A driving, continuous groove that “rolls” forward — often minimal but very danceable.
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DnB means "Drum and Bass" — a fast, bass-driven electronic music genre.
Jungle uses more reggae-inspired basslines and samples, while DnB tends to sound more polished and modern.
Usually between 160–180 BPM, most tracks sit around 174 BPM.
Halftime is a DnB groove where the drums feel slower (around half-time) while the track still runs at DnB tempo — often darker and heavier.
It can be technical (drum programming, bass design, and mix clarity), but many producers start with simple breakbeats and a clean sub-bass, then build complexity over time.
Start with one subgenre you enjoy (liquid = melodic, neurofunk = dark/technical, jump-up = ravey), then explore DJs, playlists, and labels in that lane.
"Drum and Bass isn't just music — it's a frequency culture."
— DnB Doctor