Styles Of House Music [Top 80 Sub-genres] | Beatmatch Guru

Styles Of House Music [Top 80 Sub-genres]

House music has so many styles and sub-genres that have evolved over time, this article looks at the top 80 styles that I’ve researched in Beatport, Forums and Comments on Beatmatch Guru YouTube Channel.

To kick start this exploration check out a quick DJ mix in this video showcasing some of my favourite types of House music styles in the mix.

Classic House

Characterised by soulful and uplifting vocals, piano riffs, and disco-style beats. Example: “Can You Feel It” by Fingers Inc, a timeless classic from the EP Washing Machine back in 1986.

Deep House

Deep House is recognised by complex melodies, soulful vocals, and a slower tempo, in some cases a bit more clubby vibes too. For example: “My Love Remix” by Low Steppa. There are other nuances of Deep House, which this article does justice.

US Garage / UK Garage

Similar in style, known by jazzy keys, soulful vocals, with UK Garage being known more for its bouncy basslines. Here’s a great video to highlight the subtle differences between US Garage and UK Garage.

UK Garage

UK Garage is so freaking amazingly recognisable with the swing and skippy 2-step beats, catchy and chopped up vocals, plus deep basslines. An absolute banger of an exampleis: “Flowers” by Sweet Female Attitude. Here’s a great mix to listen to.

Speed Garage

Speed Garage is a fast tempo 4/4 beat, slightly wompy and distorted basslines, and repetitive vocal samples. Example: “Ripgroove” by Double 99. Check out this mix doing Speed Garage justice.

2-Step Garage

Beautifully crafted with syncopated 2-step beats, soulful vocals, and a deep bassline. Examples: “Rewind” by Artful Dodger ft. Craig David, Indo – R U Sleeping (Bump ‘N’ Flex Remix) and B15 Project ft Crissy D & Lady G – Girls Like Us. Read this amazing article here.

Future Garage

Blended with a mixture of garage beats and atmospheric soundscapes, and intricate drum patterns. You can almost imagine this music on computer games and studying music. Example: MVSIEK – LUNAR.

Tropical House

Known by it’s breezy, summery vibe with an emphasis on melody, steel drums, and tropical-inspired sounds. Example: Kygo – Firestone ft. Conrad Sewell

Soulful/Vocal House

Identified by deep soulful vocals, piano chords, and gospel-inspired melodies. Example: “All About Love” by Knee Deep. Traxsource is a great website to download Soulful House music here.

Lo-Fi/Outsider House

Lo-fi by name and sound, a gritty sound with a DIY aesthetic, found sounds, and imperfections. Example: “U” by DJ Seinfeld. Also, check out one of my favourite mixes online for Lofi House.

Detroit House

Well known for its deep basslines, jazzy chords, and stand-out drums. Example: Nebula by Delano Smith.

Chicago House

Well known for the pumping 4/4 beats, piano riffs, and soulful vocals. Example: “Move Your Body” by Marhsall Jefferson.

Mixmag do it best in showcasing some of the best Chicago House music tracks here: https://mixmag.net/feature/best-chicago-house-music-tracks-records

Afro House

Created and re-knowned by tribal rhythms, percussion, and vocal chants. Check out this amazing mix on Defected Records by Sondela.

Tribal House

Created by a mixture of African rhythms, percussion, and electronic beats. Example: Cato Anaya & Les Castizos – Sabrosura

Kwaito

Rexognised by slow, groovy beats, and Zulu-style vocals. Example: Prince Kaybee ft Busiswa & TNS – Banomoya.

Amapiano

A fusion of deep house and jazz, with a slower tempo and piano melodies. Example: “Ke Star” by Focalistic ft. Vigro Deep.

Check out this mix by Romeo Makota.

Vina House

Characterised by a blend of tropical house and Vietnamese folk music, with a focus on melody and upbeat rhythms. Example: Thu Minh – Bay (Daniel Mastro Remix)

Slap House

Characterised by heavy basslines, melodic synths, and vocal chops. Example: Edward Maya & Vika Jigulina – Stereo Love (Slap House Remix Rainzz).

Brazilian House

Characterised by a fusion of house and Brazilian music, with an emphasis on percussion and melodic rhythms. Example: Check out this solid Brazilian House mix.

Phonk House

Characterised by a blend of house and funk music, with a focus on chopped up samples and a groovy bassline. Example: Mishashi Sensei – IN THE CLUB

Ghetto House

Hard-hitting beats, repetitive vocal samples, and an energetic vibe. Example: “Ass N Titties” by DJ Assault.

G-House

Fusion of house and hip-hop, with a focus on deep basslines and gritty beats.

Hip House

A blend of house and hip-hop music, with rapping over house beats.

Baltimore House

Fast, energetic “breaks” for beats and chopped up vocal samples from well-known songs.

Jersey House

Fast tempo and choppy beats, with a focus on repetitive vocal samples. Example: Check out this sick mix on mixmg, by UNIIQU3.

Acid House

Well recognised by squelchy, synthesized basslines and a 4/4 beat. Example: “Acid Trax” by Phuture.

Ambient House

Atmospheric soundscapes, soothing melodies, and a relaxed vibe. Very CHILLED Ibiza if you ask me.

Electro House

A fusion of house and electro, with a focus on hard-hitting beats and futuristic sounds.

Classic Progressive House

Melodic synth lines and uplifting beats, with a focus on building up to a climax. Mixmag have put a great article together on classic progressive House.

Mainstream Progressive House

A more mainstream, commercial sound with a focus on big room sounds and catchy melodies. Example: “Strobe” by Deadmau5.

Big Room House

A large, stadium-like sound with heavy basslines and catchy melodies. Example: “Animals” by Martin Garrix.

Jungle Terror

A blend of jungle sounds and hard-hitting beats, with a focus on high energy and intense drops. Example: “Bumaye” by Major Lazer ft. Busy Signal.

Dutch House

A focus on hard-hitting beats, big room sounds, and Dutch-style synths. Example: “Spaceman” by Hardwell.

Latin House

A fusion of house and Latin American music, with a focus on percussion and upbeat rhythms. Example: “Calabria” by Rune RK.

Moombahton

A fusion of house and reggaeton, with a slower tempo and emphasis on Latin American rhythms. Example: “Get Free” by Major Lazer ft. Amber Coffman.

Complextro

Complex, glitchy sounds and heavy basslines, with a focus on experimentation and sound design. Example: “Bangarang” by Skrillex.

Tech House

A fusion of house and techno, with a focus on driving beats and minimalistic sounds. Example: “The Funk Phenomena” by Armand Van Helden.

Micro/Minimal House

A focus on minimalism and simplicity, with a stripped-down sound and emphasis on groove. Example: “All Day I Dream” by Lee Burridge.

Disco House

A fusion of house and disco, with a focus on funky basslines, string arrangements, and catchy vocals. Example: “Le Freak” by Chic.

French House

A focus on disco samples and funky basslines, with a distinctly French touch. Example: “One More Time” by Daft Punk. 41.

Funky House

A fusion of house and funk, with a focus on groovy basslines, funky guitar riffs, and brass instruments. Example: “Put Your Hands Up For Detroit” by Fedde Le Grand.

Jazzy House

A fusion of house and jazz, with a focus on improvisation, live instrumentation, and swing rhythms. Example: “Street Player” by Chicago.

Electro Swing

A fusion of house and swing music, with a focus on vintage samples, horns, and a swing rhythm. Example: “Booty Swing” by Parov Stelar.

Eurodance

A fusion of house and Euro-pop, with a focus on upbeat melodies, catchy hooks, and powerful vocals. Example: “Rhythm Is A Dancer” by Snap!

Ballroom House

A fusion of house and ballroom dancing music, with a focus on Latin rhythms, horn arrangements, and percussive beats. Example: “El Ritmo De Verdad” by Franky Rizardo.

Circuit House

A focus on high energy, dance floor-oriented sounds, with a mix of house, techno, and tribal elements. Example: “I Am Ready” by Hector Fonseca.

Future House

A fusion of house and bass music, with a focus on a deep, bass-heavy sound and futuristic elements. Example: “Gecko (Overdrive)” by Oliver Heldens.

Happy House

A focus on uplifting melodies, positive lyrics, and feel-good vibes, with a mix of house, pop, and disco elements. Example: “Show Me Love” by Robin S.

Melbourne Bounce

A focus on a heavy, bouncy bassline, upbeat rhythms, and vocal chops, with a mix of house and electro elements. Example: “Melbourne Bounce” by Uberjak’d.

Future Bounce

A fusion of house and future bass, with a focus on bright, energetic sounds and futuristic elements. Example: “Something Just Like This” by The Chainsmokers & Coldplay.

Hard Bounce

A focus on a fast-paced, hard-hitting sound with heavy basslines, synth stabs, and distorted leads, with a mix of house and hardstyle elements. Example: “Power Mode” by Hard Driver.

Hard House

A focus on a fast-paced, driving sound with aggressive basslines, staccato synth stabs, and pounding kicks, with a mix of house and hard trance elements. Example: “Adrenaline” by BK & Nick Sentience.

UK Hard House

A focus on a high-energy, aggressive sound with fast, hard-hitting beats, intense basslines, and distorted leads, with a mix of house and hard dance elements. Example: “Vicious Circle” by Lisa Pin-Up.

Organic House

A focus on a warm, natural sound with a mix of organic and electronic instrumentation, with a focus on grooves and rhythms, and a nod to the traditional sounds of world music. Example: “Isla” by Ben Böhmer.

Italo House

A focus on a mix of house and Italo disco, with a focus on upbeat melodies, big vocals, and driving beats, with a nod to the sounds of the 80s. Example: “Ride On Time” by Black Box.

Fidget House

A focus on a raw, gritty sound with a mix of house and electro, with a focus on distorted basslines, glitchy synths, and aggressive beats. Example: “Warp 1.9” by The Bloody Beetroots feat. Steve Aoki.

UK Bassline

A focus on a mix of house, garage, and bassline, with a focus on fast-paced, punchy beats, and a distinctive bassline sound. Example: “Heartbroken” by T2 feat. Jodie Aysha.

Jackin House

A focus on a classic, funky sound with a mix of house and disco, with a focus on soulful vocals, brass instruments, and groovy beats. Example: “Let Me Show You Love” by Da Housecat.

Bass House

A focus on a blend of house and bass music, with a focus on heavy basslines, chopped vocal samples, and catchy hooks. Example: “Jauz x Ephwurd – Rock The Party.

Afrobeat House

A blend of African rhythms and instruments with house music, often featuring energetic percussion and vocal chants. Example: “Boddhi Satva feat. E-Man – Sweet Brown Sugar (Eltonnick Dub Mix)”.

Funky Tech House

A blend of house and techno elements, often featuring funky basslines, chopped vocals, and a four-on-the-floor beat. Example: “Hector Couto – Lights Off”.

Acid Jazz House

A blend of house and acid jazz, often featuring funky basslines, jazzy chords and melodies, and a four-on-the-floor beat. Example: “St. Germain – Alabama Blues (Todd Edwards Dub Mix)”.

Acid House Breaks

A blend of house and breakbeat elements, often featuring acid basslines, chopped vocals, and a mix of breakbeats and four-on-the-floor rhythms. Example: “Josh Wink – Higher State of Consciousness (Tweekin’ Acid Funk Mix)”.

G-Funk House

A blend of house and G-funk elements, often featuring funk basslines, chopped vocals, and a four-on-the-floor beat. Example: “Daft Punk – Da Funk”.

Deep Progressive House

A focus on deep, atmospheric sounds with a mix of house and progressive elements, often featuring emotive melodies and long, building tracks. Example: “Dusky – Yoohoo”.

Acid Trance

A blend of trance and acid house, often featuring hypnotic acid basslines, emotive melodies, and a four-on-the-floor beat. Example: “Art of Trance – Madagascar (Richard Durand Remix)”.

Ambient House

A focus on atmospheric and ethereal sounds with a mix of house elements, often featuring long, building tracks and dreamy melodies. Example: “The Orb – Little Fluffy Clouds”.

Balearic House

A focus on laid-back and tropical sounds with a mix of house and world music elements, often featuring lush chords, light percussion, and airy vocals. Example: “Dimitri from Paris – Sacré Français”.

Jersey Club

A mix of house and hip-hop elements with a focus on quick, repetitive beats and chopped vocal samples, often accompanied by a signature “Jersey bounce” dance. Example: “DJ Sliink – Put Cha Back In It”.

Acid Breaks

A blend of house and breakbeat elements with a focus on acid basslines and gritty, distorted sounds. Example: “The Chemical Brothers – Chemical Beats”.

Future Bass House

A blend of house and future bass elements, often featuring energetic basslines, melodic synths, and chopped vocal samples. Example: “Oliver Heldens – Gecko (Overdrive)”.

Soulful Deep House

Emotive and soulful sounds with a mix of deep house elements, often featuring smooth chords, soulful vocals, and a slower tempo. Example: “Kerri Chandler – Atmosphere (Kerri’s Foundation Dub)”.

Nu-Disco House

Crafted with a blend of house and disco elements with a focus on funky basslines, groovy guitar riffs, and disco samples. Example: “Purple Disco Machine – Dished (Male Stripper)”.

Acid Electro

Known by a blend of electro and acid house elements with a focus on gritty, distorted sounds and driving basslines. Example: “Miss Kittin & The Hacker – Stock Exchange”.

Fidget Bass House

A blend of house and fidget elements, often featuring energetic basslines, chopped vocal samples, and glitchy sounds. Example: “Switch – A Bit Patchy”.

Acid Techno

A blend of techno and acid house elements with a focus on hypnotic acid basslines and driving rhythms. Example: “Hardfloor – Acperience”.

Dark Progressive House

Moody and atmospheric sounds with a mix of house and progressive elements, often featuring deep basslines, haunting melodies, and a slower tempo. Example: “Guy J – Lost & Found”.

Tribal Techno

Focusses on tribal rhythms and percussion with a mix of techno elements, often featuring hypnotic beats and atmospheric sounds. Example: “Maceo Plex – Conjure Balearia”.

Dan Dracott

I'm Dan Dracott from Beatmatch Guru. I love DJing and have done since I was 15 years old. I want to share my knowledge and love of DJing to help you guys get better at DJing.

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