Ubiquitous Synthesizers

Consistent and central use of synthesizer instrumentation as the primary sound source.

Synthetic Textures & Pads

Frequent employment of sustained synthesizer pads and layered electronic parts for atmospheric and harmonic depth.

Predominantly Electronic Sound

Overall sonic character primarily defined by electronically generated or processed sounds, with synthesizers as the core element.

Music fundamentally built upon and characterized by the pervasive use of synthesizers for most or all sonic elements, resulting in a distinctly electronic sound.


Synthesizer Timbres

Sounds generated by electronic synthesizers, including pads, leads, basses, and percussive elements.

Electric Instrument Sonorities

Characteristic sounds of amplified instruments like electric guitars and basses, often processed with effects.

Distortion and Saturation Effects

Deliberate signal processing creating harmonically rich, fuzzy, or aggressive textures on various sound sources.

Spatial and Temporal Effects Processing

Application of reverberation, delay, or echo to create acoustic space, depth, or rhythmic repetitions.

Consistent incorporation of sounds either generated electronically (e.g., synthesizers, drum machines) or modified through electronic processes (e.g., amplification of electric instruments, signal effects like distortion or reverb).


Dominant Electric Guitar

Electric guitar featured prominently, often carrying melodies, riffs, or main chord progressions; tones vary from clean to distorted.

Bass Guitar Foundation

Bass guitar consistently provides rhythmic and harmonic low-end, often outlining chord roots.

Acoustic Drum Kit Rhythms

Standard acoustic drum kit provides the core rhythmic drive, typically with rock-based beat patterns.

Consistent instrumentation featuring electric guitar(s), bass guitar, and acoustic drums, forming a typical rock ensemble.


Skanking Electric Guitar

Clean-toned electric guitar playing chords rhythmically on the off-beats, a defining characteristic of reggae and ska.

Prominent Reggae Bassline

Melodically active and rhythmically foundational bass guitar lines, central to the reggae groove.

Reggae Drum Beat

Drum patterns typical of reggae, often featuring a one-drop rhythm or a strong emphasis on the third beat, with distinctive hi-hat patterns.

Off-beat rhythmic guitar, prominent melodic basslines, and characteristic drum patterns defining the reggae genre.


Expressive Reedy Violin/Fiddle

Solo bowed string instrument, likely a violin or folk fiddle variant, characterized by a distinctively raw, reedy, and highly expressive vocal timbre. Techniques include intense vibrato, slides, and agile, often fast, phrasing.

Acoustic String Presence

Features traditional acoustic string instruments (e.g., violin, viola, cello, double bass, string sections) used for melodic lines, harmonic support, or rhythmic elements like pizzicato.

Synthesized String Textures

Use of electronic synthesizers to create timbres that emulate or function as string instruments, typically for pads, sustained harmonic layers, or melodic content.

Pervasive use of string timbres, whether from acoustic instruments (solo, ensemble, folk, or classical) or electronic synthesizers.


Resonant Synthetic Tones

High-pitched, clear, ringing electronic timbres with noticeable resonance, akin to synthesized bells or chimes.

Modulated Synthesizer Leads & Effects

Melodic synthesizer lines or sound effects featuring prominent electronic pitch manipulation (bends, glissandi) and dynamic timbral shifts.

Synthetic Rhythmic Elements

Rhythmic drive and percussive sounds built from artificial, electronically generated attacks and repetitive patterns.

Ambient Synthesizer Pads & Drones

Sustained or evolving atmospheric soundscapes, pads, and drones created with synthesizers.

Pervasive use of electronically generated timbres and sound events across all examples.


Four-on-the-Floor Kick Drum

A steady, propulsive kick drum pattern accenting every beat (1, 2, 3, 4), foundational to the rhythm.

Synthesizer-Based Instrumentation

Dominant use of electronic synthesizers for melodies, basslines, pads, and textural elements.

Uptempo Dance Rhythms

Fast-paced, energetic rhythmic structures designed for dancing, typically above 120 BPM.

High-energy electronic dance music characterized by a consistent four-on-the-floor kick, prevalent synthesizer sounds, and fast tempos.


Polished Production

High degree of audio clarity, balance, and professional mixing; minimal noise or raw artifacts.

Prominent Lead Melody

Features a clearly discernible melody carried by a primary instrument or voice.

Articulated High Frequencies

Well-defined high-frequency sounds contributing to overall sonic clarity and brightness.

Clean audio engineering, distinct melodic focus, and bright sonic characteristics common across varied musical styles.


Acoustic Woodwinds

Presence of traditional woodwind instruments (e.g., flute, clarinet, oboe) playing distinct musical parts.

Synthesized Woodwind Emulation

Electronically generated sounds mimicking the timbres of woodwind instruments, particularly flute-like sounds.

Woodwind Melodic Lead

Woodwind or woodwind-like timbres frequently performing primary melodic lines or prominent counter-melodies.

Pervasive woodwind timbres (acoustic/synthesized) in prominent melodic or textural roles.


Prominent Melodic Lines

Distinct, often memorable, lead melodic voices across various instruments (synthesizers, guitars, piano).

Strong Rhythmic Drive

Consistent and often energetic rhythmic foundations, utilizing electronic drum machines, rock drumming, and programmed patterns.

Wide Timbral Palette

Broad range of instrument sounds showcased across the set, including diverse synthesizers, electric guitars, piano, and string-like sounds.

Variable Energy and Tempo

Significant variation in musical pace and intensity across different pieces, from slow and atmospheric to fast and aggressive.

Primarily Instrumental Focus

Musical emphasis on instrumental performance and arrangement; vocals, if present, are often secondary or sampled.

Primarily instrumental music; strong melodic content and rhythmic drive; diverse styles (electronic, rock, orchestral-sounding) and energy levels; characteristic of versatile soundtracks, particularly for video games.


Synthesizer Pads and Atmospheres

Sustained, evolving, atmospheric background textures or pads created by synthesizers.

Synthesized Melodic & Rhythmic Elements

Melodic lines, lead parts, arpeggios, or rhythmic stabs performed by synthesizers.

Electronic Timbral Palette

Sound palette primarily consisting of timbres originating from electronic synthesis, distinct from acoustic instrumentation.

Dominant use of electronic synthesizers for melody, harmony, and texture across diverse styles.


Extended Duration Tones

Musical emphasis on notes and sounds held for significant lengths, creating a continuous sonic presence rather than short, transient events.

Idiosyncratic Timbres

Utilization of distinctive and often unconventional sound qualities, frequently from non-standard acoustic instruments (e.g., conch, shofar, singing bowls, glass harmonica) or electronic sources.

Pitch Instability and Ornamentation

Common presence of pitch variations such as vibrato, glissandi, portamenti, or natural wavering within sustained sounds, adding expressive character.

Primitive Aerophones

Use of non-orchestral wind instruments like conch shells or shofars, producing raw, powerful, and sustained blasts or melodic fragments.

Resonant Idiophones

Sounds generated by vibrating solid materials such as singing bowls, bowed cymbals, or glass harmonicas, characterized by sustained, often ethereal and high-frequency rich tones.

Electronic Sound Generation

Sounds characteristic of electronic synthesis, including pure tones, beeps, theremin-like wails, or synthesized textures, often sustained or in continuous streams.

Sustained tones with distinctive, often modulated, timbres from varied acoustic and electronic sources.


Dark Ambient Drones

Sustained, evolving sounds, often low-frequency and synthesized, creating unsettling or mysterious atmospheric backgrounds.

Textural Noise Elements

Incorporation of non-pitched sounds like crackling, scraping, or rustling, used for their timbral and atmospheric contribution.

Abstract Soundscapes

Sound compositions focusing on timbre, texture, and atmosphere, often lacking traditional melodic or rhythmic structure.

Eerie Metallic Resonances

Reverberant metallic, bell-like, or chime-like timbres contributing to a mysterious or unsettling mood.

Experimental creation of dark, immersive soundscapes using drones, textural noise, and abstract sonic structures.


Dominant String/Pad Textures

Sustained string instruments or synthesized pads creating lush, atmospheric, and emotional soundscapes.

Slow Tempo & Reflective Mood

Deliberate, slow pacing fostering a pensive, melancholic, or serene atmosphere.

Frequent Piano Presence

Piano often featured for melodies or harmonic accompaniment, enhancing emotional character.

Slow-paced, atmospheric instrumental music, consistently featuring string or synthesized pad textures, often with piano, creating an emotional and reflective mood.


Four-on-the-Floor Kick

A kick drum pattern hitting every quarter note (1, 2, 3, 4) in a 4/4 measure, providing a strong, driving pulse.

Synthesizer-Led Instrumentation

Melodies, basslines, and harmonic textures primarily created using electronic synthesizers.

Drum Machine Percussion

Rhythmic elements produced by electronic drum machines or samples, featuring synthesized kick, snare, and hi-hat sounds.

Driving Hi-Hat Patterns

Consistent and often fast-paced hi-hat rhythms (e.g., 8th or 16th notes) that contribute to the track's energy and groove.

Loop-Based Structure

Musical composition built upon repeating rhythmic and melodic loops, characteristic of electronic dance music.

Four-on-the-floor kick drum, synthesizer-led melodies and bass, repetitive electronic drum patterns.


Smooth Jazz Genre

Music characterized by polished production, prominent melodic improvisations (often saxophone or guitar), R&B-influenced rhythms, and accessible jazz harmonies.

Electric Piano Accompaniment

Use of electric piano (e.g., Rhodes, Wurlitzer) for chords, harmonic texture, and rhythmic comping, often with a mellow, bell-like tone.

Melodic Saxophone

Prominent use of saxophone (typically alto or soprano) playing lyrical, often improvised, lead melodies.

Clean Electric Guitar

Electric guitar played with a clean tone, often featuring smooth melodic lines, chordal work, or subtle fills.

R&B Influenced Rhythmic Section

Foundation of electric bass and drums playing syncopated, groovy patterns characteristic of R&B and funk, adapted to a jazz context.

Instrumental smooth jazz featuring electric piano, melodic saxophone or guitar leads, and an R&B-influenced rhythm section.


Tune-forming Pitch Sequence

A succession of musical pitches organized to create a recognizable tune or melodic idea.

Clearly Articulated Melody

Melodic lines are presented with clarity, making them distinct and followable, whether by voice or instrument.

Structured Melodic Phrasing

Melodies are organized into coherent phrases or segments, often involving repetition, sequence, or development of motivic ideas.

Dominant role of distinct, structured, and clearly articulated melodic lines across diverse musical contexts.


Guitar (Acoustic or Electric)

Ubiquitous presence of guitar, manifested as acoustic (strummed, picked, fingerpicked) or electric (rhythm, lead).

Electric Bass Guitar

Consistent foundational role of electric bass guitar, providing harmonic and rhythmic underpinning.

Core instrumentation consistently combining guitar (acoustic or electric) with electric bass guitar.

Guitar and Electric Bass Core Instrumentation


Electronic Synthesis & Drum Machines

Use of synthesizers for melodic, textural, or drone content and electronic drum machines providing rhythmic foundations.

Sound Effects & Manipulated Audio

Incorporation of non-instrumental sounds, such as environmental recordings (e.g., glass breaking), mechanical noises (e.g., tape scratch), or signal tones (e.g., metronome).

Recorded Acoustic Performances

Traditional instruments (e.g., guitars, drums, accordion, horns, strings) and vocals captured and shaped by audio recording and production techniques.

All segments are products of audio technology, encompassing electronic sound generation, sampling of environmental/mechanical sounds, or the recording and processing of acoustic performances.


Acoustic Piano

The acoustic piano is the central and predominant instrument in all segments.

Instrumental Composition

Music composed without vocals, focusing solely on instrumental performance.

Melodic Focus

Strong emphasis on clear, discernible, and often lyrical melodic lines played by the piano.

Arpeggiated Textures

Frequent use of arpeggios or broken chord patterns, typically on the piano, creating a flowing harmonic and rhythmic texture.

Instrumental music centered on solo acoustic piano, featuring distinct melodies and prevalent arpeggiated textures.


Unhurried Pace

Music characterized by slow tempos and elongated note durations, creating a deliberate and unhurried progression.

Introspective Mood

Musical elements consistently evoke feelings of melancholy, contemplation, darkness, suspense, or mystery.

Spacious Textures

Immersive soundscapes created with reverberation, delays, and sustained sonic elements, emphasizing ambiance and depth.

Sustained Drones

Presence of continuous low-frequency tones or unchanging harmonic/textural beds providing foundational support or atmospheric fill.

Synthesized Timbres

Prominent use of sounds generated or significantly altered by electronic means, often creating non-acoustic or ethereal qualities.

Resonant Bell Tones

Clear, ringing percussive or keyboard sounds resembling bells, chimes, or celesta, often adding an ethereal or poignant layer.

Dominance of slow tempos, sustained sounds creating spacious textures, and moods that are predominantly introspective, melancholic, or mysterious.


Atmospheric Synthesis

Employment of synthesizers to generate ambient textures, pads, and evolving soundscapes.

Rhythmic Synthesis

Use of synthesizers and electronic drum sounds to construct beats, percussive patterns, and driving rhythmic basslines.

Melodic Synthesis

Application of synthesizers for crafting lead melodies, prominent hooks, or arpeggiated figures with clear melodic content.

Widespread application of synthesizers for textural, rhythmic, and melodic musical elements.


Crystalline Pitched Percussion

Use of high-pitched, clear-toned percussive sounds like bells, chimes, glockenspiel, music box elements, or synthesized equivalents, often with a metallic or glassy timbre.

High-Register Aerophones

Melodic content carried by wind instruments (e.g., flute, clarinet, recorder) playing in their upper, brighter registers.

Ethereal Sustained Highs

Atmospheric textures created by sustained, often pure or wavering, high-pitched tones from sources like glass harmonica, theremin, or synth pads.

Sharp High-Frequency Transients

Presence of abrupt, short-duration sounds rich in high frequencies, such as clicks, sharp attacks of percussive instruments, or mechanical noises.

Consistent emphasis on sounds and instruments primarily occupying the upper part of the audio spectrum, resulting in bright, clear, and often delicate or piercing textures.


Distorted Electric Guitars

Dominant presence of heavily overdriven electric guitars, providing both rhythmic and melodic content.

Fast Tempo Drumming

Rapid and energetic drum patterns, frequently employing double bass drumming and intricate, fast fills.

Aggressive Vocals

Harsh and intense vocal delivery, typically involving screaming, growling, or shouting techniques, characteristic of the genre.

Rapid Guitar Riffing and Solos

Electric guitars executing fast, often complex, rhythm patterns (riffs) and high-speed melodic solos.

High-tempo, aggressive heavy metal music featuring prominent distorted guitars, fast drumming, rapid guitar work, and often harsh vocals.


Sustained Drone/Pad Textures

Long, held synthesized or processed sounds forming atmospheric beds or drones.

Sparse Instrumental Melodies

Minimal, often melancholic, melodic lines from instruments like piano or plucked strings.

Prominent Background Noise

Audible environmental sounds (room tone, hum, hiss, handling noise) as significant textural elements.

Lo-Fi Recording Aesthetics

Unpolished sound character typical of non-studio, aged, or intentionally degraded recordings with audible artifacts.

Atmospheric, textural, slow-developing sound; often quiet, introspective, with environmental or lo-fi elements.


Solo Piano Performance

Music performed exclusively or predominantly on an acoustic piano.

Arpeggiated Textures

Chords played as broken, successive notes, forming a primary element of the musical fabric and creating flowing patterns.

Reflective Mood and Slow/Moderate Tempo

Predominantly slow to moderate tempos supporting a pensive, melancholic, or calm atmosphere.

Solo acoustic piano; prominent arpeggiated textures; reflective mood; generally slow to moderate tempo.


Instrumental Performance

Music performed solely on instruments, without vocal parts.

Acoustic & Clean Timbre Preference

Strong tendency towards acoustic instruments or clean, un-distorted electric instrument sounds.

Melody-Forward Instrumentation

Musical arrangements highlighting clear melodic lines, typically played by lead instruments.

World & Folk Music Elements

Frequent incorporation of instruments, scales, or rhythms from diverse global folk and traditional music.

Instrumental pieces characterized by predominantly acoustic or clean, unprocessed timbres.


Sustained Wind Tones

Wind instruments (brass, woodwind, bagpipes) producing notes of noticeable, extended duration.

Ringing Metallic Percussion

Metallic percussion (e.g., bells, chimes) creating long, resonant, sustained ringing sounds.

Sustained String Tones

String instruments (bowed, plucked with natural or enhanced sustain like electric guitar, or keyboard-strings like piano) producing notes with significant duration or resonance.

Continuous Electronic Tones

Electronic sources, such as synthesizers, generating drones or other sounds of extended, often unwavering, duration.

Consistent use of sound sources producing tones of significant duration, whether held notes, resonant decays, or continuous drones, across diverse instrumentation.

Predominance of Sustained Sound Elements


Synthesized Melodic Cues

Brief, synthesized melodic phrases; bright, clear timbres; notification or signature function.

Mechanical Action SFX

Short, non-pitched sounds emulating mechanical events, e.g., camera shutter.

Minimal Synthetic Percussives

Isolated, very short synthesized sounds; often percussive or simple plucks; accent or basic sound unit function.

Processed Vocal Effects

Short, digitally altered vocalizations; distinct sound effect or audio cue function.

Quiescent Audio Segments

Segments lacking prominent sound events; silence or very low-level ambient noise; potential pause or empty cue function.

Extreme brevity; elemental nature of all audio portions (synthesized sounds, effects, silences); discrete component characteristics.


Synth Bass

Electronically synthesized low-frequency tones, often percussive or sustained, forming the harmonic and rhythmic bass foundation.

Electric Bass Guitar

Amplified string instrument providing low-pitched lines, typically foundational in various popular and rock genres.

Piano Bass Register

The lower-pitched notes of a piano fulfilling the role of a bass line, providing harmonic support and contrapuntal interest.

Upright Bass

Large acoustic string instrument with a deep, resonant tone, providing foundational bass lines in jazz, classical, and folk music.

Low-Frequency Synthesizer Texture

Sustained or evolving synthesized sounds in the bass register, creating an atmospheric or harmonic foundation.

Cello Bass Lines

The cello, a bowed string instrument, playing melodic or harmonic material in its lower range to function as a bass part.

Universal presence of a distinct musical element in the low-frequency range, serving as harmonic and/or rhythmic support, realized through diverse instrumental or synthetic means.


Electric Guitar

Sound of electric guitars, performing rhythm, lead, or textural roles, with tones ranging from clean to heavily distorted.

Drum Kit

Rhythmic foundation provided by acoustic or electronic drum kits, typically including kick, snare, hi-hats, and cymbals.

Bass Guitar

Low-frequency harmonic and rhythmic support from an electric bass guitar, often playing foundational basslines.

Rock Band Instrumentation

Core ensemble of electric guitar(s), bass guitar, and drum kit, characteristic of rock music and its subgenres.

Consistent and prominent use of electric guitar as a central timbral and musical element across diverse styles.


Reverb for Depth and Space

Application of reverberation to instruments and/or vocals, creating acoustic space ranging from subtle ambience to prominent hall effects.

Strong Bass Foundation

Clearly defined low-frequency element (e.g., bass guitar, synth bass, orchestral lows, drone) anchoring harmony and rhythm.

Predominance of Instrumental Music

Majority of excerpts are instrumental, emphasizing melodic and harmonic development primarily through instrumentation.

Synthesizer Textures and Melodies

Frequent employment of synthesizers for melodic lines, harmonic pads, bass parts, or atmospheric sound design elements.

Consistent application of reverberation effects to create sonic space and atmosphere, irrespective of genre or specific instrumentation.


Camera Shutter SFX

Distinct mechanical camera shutter click, used as an isolated sound effect, often preceding an orchestral hit.

Synthesized Orchestral Hit SFX

Short, impactful synthesized orchestral stab, used for punctuation, often following a camera shutter.

Environmental Field Recording

Unprocessed recordings of natural ambient sounds, primarily birdsong, presented as distinct audio segments.

Synthesized Mallet Motif

Brief, bell-like melodic phrases from a synthesized mallet percussion instrument, resembling a vibraphone.

Isolated Electronic Kick Drum

Simple, repetitive electronic kick drum pattern, presented as a standalone rhythmic audio sample.

Reverberant Vocal Chant Sample

Solo male vocal performing a short, chant-like phrase, heavily treated with digital reverberation, presented as an isolated sample.

Diverse collection of short, isolated audio samples including sound effects, field recordings, and brief synthesized musical elements.

Collection of Short Audio Samples/Sound Effects


Atmospheric Synth Reverb

Synthesizers treated with prominent reverberation, creating spacious, ambient, or ethereal textures.

Vocal Space Enhancement

Reverberation applied to vocals, placing them in an artificial acoustic space and enhancing presence or emotional impact.

Percussion Reverb

Drums and percussive sounds processed with reverberation, adding size, depth, or room ambiance.

String Instrument Reverb

Acoustic, electric, and synthesized string instruments utilizing reverberation to enhance tonal quality and spatial characteristics.

Ubiquitous use of reverberation effect for spatial depth and ambiance across varied musical sources and styles.


Instrumental/Synth Melody

Clear melodic lines played by non-vocal sound sources such as traditional instruments or synthesizers, forming a recognizable tune or musical phrase.

Sung Vocal Melody

Melodic lines performed by the human voice through singing, creating a distinct tune.

Pitched Non-Sung Vocalization

Spoken phrases or vocal exclamations (e.g., speech, cheers) exhibiting discernible pitch intonation or contour, distinct from singing.

Prominent sound elements, whether instrumental, synthesized, or vocal, characterized by defined and discernible pitch contours or melodic shapes.


Extended Note Durations

Vocal or instrumental notes held for significant lengths, creating melodic emphasis or spaciousness.

Continuous Sonic Beds

Broad, sustained sound layers, often from synthesizers or string ensembles, providing atmospheric or harmonic foundation.

Lingering Instrumental Resonance

Instrumental timbres with noticeable ringing or decay post-attack, contributing to overall sonic sustain.

Dominance of sounds with extended durations, manifested as long notes, continuous textures, or lingering instrumental resonance.


Synthesizer Sonorities

Melodic, harmonic, or textural sounds generated by electronic synthesizers.

Drum Machine Beats

Rhythmic patterns built with synthesized or sampled sounds characteristic of electronic drum machines.

Chiptune Characteristics

Musical style employing simple synthesized waveforms, arpeggios, and limited polyphony, evoking vintage video game audio.

Beatboxing

Vocal percussion creating drum beats, rhythms, and musical effects using the mouth and voice.

Found Sound / Sound Effect

Incorporation of recorded non-instrumental or environmental audio as a distinct sonic element.

Electromechanical Keyboard

Timbre of keyboards producing sound mechanically with subsequent electronic amplification and processing (e.g., electric piano).

Sounds primarily generated, captured, or significantly modified and presented through electronic means.


Synthesizer Soundscapes

Synthesizers as primary source for melodies, harmonies, basslines, and textures.

Electronic Beat Construction

Rhythms built with electronic drums, samples, or synthesized percussion.

Loop-Based Composition

Repetitive melodic, harmonic, or rhythmic motifs forming structural basis.

Predominant synthesizers; electronic sound production; programmed rhythms.


Concise Musical Phrases

Each segment consists of a very short, self-contained musical idea or pattern.

Focused Timbral Presentation

Segments generally highlight a single, clear instrumental or vocal timbre, or a minimal combination of distinct sounds.

Pervasive Rhythmic Definition

All segments exhibit a clear rhythmic organization, whether through explicit beats, pulses, or precisely timed sonic events.

Short, distinct musical segments characterized by focused timbres and clear rhythmic articulation.


Rapid Tempo

Characterized by a consistently high number of beats per minute.

Energetic Percussive Drive

Rhythmic foundation built on prominent, fast-paced, and active percussion.

High-Intensity Character

Overall musical expression is forceful, dynamic, and energetic.

A musical approach combining rapid tempos with a strong, energetic percussive foundation, resulting in a consistently high-intensity character.


Four-on-the-Floor Kick

Steady kick drum on every beat, providing a foundational pulse.

Synthesizer Predominance

Synthesizers as the primary source for melodies, basslines, harmonies, and textures.

Prominent Synth Basslines

Clearly audible synthesizer bass parts providing harmonic foundation and rhythmic pulse.

Active Hi-Hat Rhythms

Continuous or prominent offbeat hi-hat patterns adding to the rhythmic drive.

Trance Genre Signatures

Features characteristic of trance music, like specific synth leads, uplifting melodies, arpeggiated figures, and atmospheric pads.

Trance-influenced electronic dance music; four-on-the-floor kick; dominant synthesizers (melodies, bass, textures); prominent synth basslines; active hi-hats.


Sustained Low Frequencies

Predominant use of long, held notes in the bass and sub-bass registers, often forming drones or atmospheric beds.

Ambient Soundscapes

Music characterized by spacious, atmospheric textures, emphasizing mood and immersive environments.

Resonant Timbres

Use of instruments or sounds with rich, ringing, or reverberant qualities, such as bowed strings, metallic percussion, or synthesized pads.

Dark and Meditative Mood

Evokes somber, introspective, mysterious, or calming and contemplative atmospheres through sound.

Sustained low-frequency resonant sounds creating dark, ambient, meditative soundscapes.


Sustained String/Pad Sonorities

Dominance of long, held notes from synthesized string or pad instruments, forming continuous textures.

Slow Tempo

Consistently slow musical pace, emphasizing elongated notes and gradual harmonic shifts.

Ambient Sound Design

Creation of atmospheric and immersive environments through sound, prioritizing texture and mood.

Layered Textures

Interweaving of multiple sustained melodic lines or harmonic elements, building rich, evolving soundscapes.

Minimal Percussion

General absence of prominent drums or percussive elements, focusing on tonal sustain.

Slow-tempo, atmospheric music built from layered, sustained synthesized string, pad, and sometimes choral-like sonorities, emphasizing texture and mood.


Pervasive Electronic Timbres

Soundscape dominated by electronically generated or synthesized instrumental textures across all musical layers.

Drum Machine Beats

Rhythmic foundation built on electronically produced drum sounds and programmed, often repetitive, patterns.

Synth Bass Foundation

Basslines consistently delivered by synthesized sounds, providing strong rhythmic and harmonic support.

Synthesizer Melodies & Harmonies

Melodic lines and primary harmonic content predominantly carried by various synthesized instruments.

Predominantly synthesized instrumentation for drums, bass, melody, and harmony, utilizing drum machines and synthesizers.


Synthesizer Basslines

Rhythmic and melodic low-frequency lines from synthesizers, forming a clear bass part.

Low-End Synth Textures

Sustained, atmospheric synthesized sounds (pads, drones) with significant weight in the bass register.

Heavy Low-Register Guitars

Distorted electric guitars playing powerful riffs and chords primarily in the bass frequency range.

Acoustic Instrument Bass Tonality

Natural bass frequencies produced by the lower register of acoustic instruments like guitars or drums.

Electronic Kick Drum Bass

Deep, percussive bass frequencies from electronic kick drums, contributing significantly to the low-end.

Consistent and notable musical energy in the lower frequency range (bass and sub-bass), manifested through various instruments and textures across all snippets.


Electric Guitar Driven

Prominent role of electric guitars in delivering melodies, harmonies, and riffs, utilizing both clean and distorted timbres.

Drums & Bass Rhythm Section

Cohesive rhythmic and harmonic underpinning provided by a full acoustic drum kit and electric bass guitar.

Instrumental Music

Purely instrumental performances lacking any discernible vocal elements.

Instrumental rock music consistently built upon electric guitars, a drums-and-bass rhythm section, and an absence of vocals.


Expansive Reverberation

Dominant use of reverberation creating vast, spacious, and resonant sonic environments.

Sustained Drones and Pads

Prominent use of long, sustained tones (drones) or slowly evolving synthesizer pads, forming a textural and harmonic foundation.

Slow Pacing and Evolution

Musical development characterized by a very slow tempo, gradual changes, and unhurried unfolding of sonic events.

Atmospheric Textures

Emphasis on timbre and evolving sound textures over prominent melodic or rhythmic structures, creating immersive soundscapes.

Immersive, atmospheric music defined by expansive reverberation, sustained textures, slow evolution, and a focus on sonic environment.


Strong Rhythmic Drive

Consistent, distinct, often danceable beat from percussion and bass, forming a solid rhythmic foundation.

Upbeat and Energetic Tempos

Predominantly fast or moderately fast tempos creating a lively, energetic mood.

Clear Melodic Content

Easily discernible vocal or instrumental melodies central to each piece.

Diverse Popular & Folk-Influenced Genres

Broad collection of accessible musical styles, often drawing from popular idioms or incorporating regional folk characteristics, unified by rhythmic focus.

Strong rhythmic drive; generally energetic tempos; clear melodies; diverse popular and folk-influenced global styles.


Banjo Tonality

Bright, twangy timbre of plucked banjo strings, creating resonant melodic and rhythmic patterns with noticeable sustain.

Bell Harmonics

Clear, metallic ringing tones with rich upper partials and extended, resonant decay, characteristic of struck bells.

Continuous Pitch Modulation

Smoothly gliding, sustained pitches with an ethereal, singing quality, often featuring portamento and inherent resonance.

Middle Eastern String Resonance

Warm, resonant sound of plucked strings, typical of instruments like the oud, used for melodic expression with sustained notes.

Accordion Reed Sustain

Full-bodied, sustained tones and chords produced by vibrating reeds, characteristic of accordion music.

Amplified String Instruments

Sound of electric guitars and bass, providing sustained melodic lines, chords, and rhythmic drive with inherent string resonance.

High-Gain Guitar Sustain

Thick, heavily distorted electric guitar tones characterized by aggressive attack and prolonged, powerful sustain and resonance.

Musical selections featuring instruments that primarily produce tones with significant sustain and resonance, regardless of specific instrumental family.


Acoustic String Timbre

Sounds of traditional bowed string instruments (e.g., violin, cello), played solo or in ensemble.

Synthesized & Processed String Sounds

Electronic or heavily modified string-like timbres used for pads, atmospheric layers, or modern textures.

Melodic Prominence of Strings

Primary melodic themes and significant melodic lines are frequently performed by string instruments.

Dominant and pervasive presence of string instrument timbres, both acoustic and synthesized/processed, fulfilling key melodic, harmonic, and textural roles.


Melodic Electric Bass

Electric bass guitar playing prominent, tuneful lines; often clean and articulate.

Pizzicato and Bowed Low Strings

Orchestral low strings (cello/double bass) using plucking and bowing for thematic, often tense or dramatic, material.

Repetitive Bass Groove

Low-register instruments creating a strong rhythmic foundation through repeated melodic or rhythmic patterns (ostinatos).

Foregrounded low-frequency instruments defining melody, rhythm, or atmosphere across diverse styles.


Prominent Horn Section

Dominant brass and woodwind instruments (typically trumpets, trombones, saxophones) playing melodies, harmonies, and rhythmic accents.

Ska Rhythm

Upbeat tempo characterized by a strong emphasis on the off-beats, often articulated by guitar (skank) and drums.

Walking Basslines

Bass guitar plays a continuous, stepwise melodic line outlining chord changes, providing rhythmic and harmonic drive.

Energetic Upbeat Feel

Music generally possesses a fast tempo, driving rhythm, and an overall lively, danceable quality.

Upbeat music featuring prominent horn sections, a characteristic off-beat rhythmic emphasis (ska rhythm), often with walking basslines, creating an energetic and danceable feel.


Synthesizer Lead Voices

Prominent melodic lines are frequently carried by sounds generated by synthesizers, encompassing both emulations of traditional instruments and unique electronic timbres.

Ambient Synthesizer Textures

Sustained pads, drones, and evolving synthesized soundscapes are commonly used to create atmospheric backgrounds and harmonic foundations.

Bright Digital Timbres

A recurring presence of clear, often high-frequency or bell-like synthesized sounds, particularly for melodic or arpeggiated elements.

Electronic Drum Machine Rhythms

Rhythmic accompaniment often features programmed beats and percussion sounds characteristic of electronic drum machines.

Electronically generated sounds from synthesizers are a fundamental and consistent component, fulfilling diverse musical roles including melody, harmony, texture, and rhythm.


Instrumental Performance

Music created solely by instruments, without any vocal elements.

Acoustic Timbre Focus

Sound palette dominated by the natural, unamplified or lightly-amplified timbres of acoustic instruments, chiefly piano and guitar.

Prominent Melodic Lines

Presence of clear, easily discernible tunes that form a central expressive element.

Chordal Harmony Structure

Musical foundation built upon sequences of chords, providing harmonic support and progression.

Gentle Dynamics and Mood

Overall soft to moderate volume levels, contributing to a calm, reflective, or subtly melancholic emotional quality.

Instrumental music performed on acoustic piano or guitar, characterized by prominent melodies, underlying chordal structures, and a generally calm or reflective atmosphere.


High Pitch Dominance

Primary melodic voice consistently in a high frequency range.

Singing or Wind-like Timbre

Lead melody produced by voice, wind instruments, or timbres emulating these clear, pure qualities.

Prominent Melodic Line

Music centered around a distinct, singular melody, clearly dominant over other musical elements.

Dominant, high-pitched single melodic lines with clear, often singing or wind-like, timbres.


Industrial Distortion

Harsh, complex timbres from mechanical or metallic sources combined with heavy audio signal degradation.

Noise-Centric Textures

Predominance of non-pitched, often chaotic and dense sound elements.

Rumbles and Impacts

Deep, vibrating low frequencies and sudden, forceful percussive sounds.

Processed Atmospherics

Manipulated environmental or movement-suggesting sounds like whooshes or synthesized textures.

Isolated Pitched Sounds

Singular, brief sounds with discernible pitch, often contrasting with atonal or noisy contexts.

Short-duration audio occurrences characterized by diverse textures (often noisy, metallic, or impactful), largely prioritizing timbre and effect over developed melody or harmony.


Atmospheric Sustained Sounds

Prolonged or reverberant sounds (drones, held notes, evolving textures) creating immersive, moody soundscapes.

Tension and Foreboding Moods

Musical elements evoking suspense, unease, dread, or mystery, often through dissonance, unsettling timbres, or slow pacing.

Textural Sound Design

Emphasis on timbral quality and sonic textures to build specific atmospheres, often prioritizing this over traditional melody.

Predominantly dark, tense, or mysterious atmospheres built with sustained sounds, textural layers, and timbral emphasis.


Synthesizer Textures and Leads

Use of synthesizers for creating atmospheric pads, melodic leads, basslines, and synthesized choir sounds.

Hammered Dulcimer Melodies

Prominent melodic and textural role of a hammered dulcimer instrument (e.g., Santur), often with fast arpeggios and noticeable reverberation.

Bagpipe Melodies and Drones

Music featuring bagpipes playing both melodic lines and characteristic drones, presented with spatializing reverb.

Electronic Drum Rhythms

Rhythmic foundation provided by programmed drum machines or electronic percussion.

Electric Guitar-Based Ensemble

Rock or pop band instrumentation featuring electronically amplified instruments like electric guitars and electric bass, alongside processed vocals and drums.

All musical examples incorporate electronically generated sounds (e.g., synthesizers, drum machines) or feature significant electronic signal processing (e.g., reverb, amplification, effects) applied to acoustic or electric sources.


Dominant Melodic Focus

A clear, primary melodic line as the central musical element.

Soloistic Melodic Timbre

Lead melody performed by a single, solo-sounding instrumental or vocal timbre, enabling nuanced expression.

Lyrical and Expressive Character

Melodies exhibiting song-like, flowing qualities with emotional resonance.

Reflective or Emotional Mood

Music often creates a reflective, melancholic, or broadly emotional atmosphere.

Atmospheric or Sustained Accompaniment

Melodies frequently supported by sustained pads, harmonies, or background atmospheric textures.

Prominent, expressive, lyrical melodies by solo-sounding timbres, often creating a reflective or emotional mood.


Vocal Lament

Expressive human singing featuring sustained, often high-pitched notes with emotional inflections, glissandi, or portamento, resembling a wail or cry.

Instrumental Wail Emulation

Musical instruments producing sounds that emulate a wail, siren, or cry through techniques like pitch bending, glissando, or sustained emotive tones.

Literal Siren or Howl

Sounds that are explicitly man-made sirens or natural animal howls, characterized by distinctive, sustained or undulating pitches.

Wailing, crying, or siren-like sonic characteristic; manifested vocally, instrumentally (pitch modulation, sustain), or as literal sirens/howls.


Guitar as Primary Melodic Voice

The guitar, electric or acoustic, predominantly carries the main melody or performs solos.

Ubiquitous Bass Guitar

Bass guitar is present in all tracks, providing a foundational harmonic and rhythmic layer.

Varied Electric Guitar Timbre

A range of electric guitar sounds, including clean, overdriven, and effected tones, is commonly featured.

Consistent focus on a primary instrument delivering a clear melody or solo.


Long Sustained Notes

Prevalent use of notes held for extended durations, forming the basis of melodic lines and harmonic structures.

Atmospheric Ambience

Creation of a pervasive mood or sense of spaciousness, often through reverberation and continuous sound layers.

Prominent String and Pad Sonorities

Frequent featuring of timbres from orchestral strings, synthesized strings, or pads, contributing significantly to the sustained textures.

Music primarily characterized by long, held notes and chords, often delivered by string or pad-like instruments, creating atmospheric and continuous soundscapes.


Synthesized Pad Textures

Ambient, atmospheric soundscapes from sustained synthesizer pads forming the primary harmonic and textural basis.

Electronic Lead Synthesizer

Prominent melodic lines or driving rhythmic patterns from a lead synthesizer voice, characteristic of various electronic genres.

Acoustic Guitar Sonority

Central focus on the natural timbre of an acoustic guitar, often via fingerpicking or strumming as the core element.

Lead Vocal Prominence

The human singing voice as the primary melodic and expressive component, carrying the main musical narrative.

Clean Electric Guitar Lead

Melodic or harmonic focus on an electric guitar's clear, articulate tone, typically without heavy distortion.

Solo Wind Instrument Feature

A solo wind instrument carrying the main melody or improvisational section with its distinct timbre.

Pitched Percussion Spotlight

A pitched percussion instrument, such as a vibraphone, serving as the central timbral and melodic element.

Strong emphasis on a specific, defining instrumental or vocal timbre.


Synthesizer Basslines

Prominent bass parts created using electronic synthesizers, often with distinct timbres and driving rhythmic patterns.

Repetitive Low-End Rhythms

Consistent, often looping, rhythmic patterns carried by low-frequency instruments (e.g., synth bass, bass guitar, or percussive low sounds).

Prominent Electric Bass

Clearly audible electric bass guitar providing a strong rhythmic and harmonic foundation, often with a driving quality.

Music characterized by a dominant low-frequency component, typically from synthesizers or electric bass, establishing a strong rhythmic and harmonic foundation.


Resonant Percussion

Large, reverberant drums with powerful, resonant tonal qualities in an acoustic space.

Lo-fi Vocal Timbre

Human voice (sung or percussive) shaped by lo-fi recording characteristics and audible noise artifacts.

Field Recording / Found Sounds

Captured ambient environmental sounds, speech, and object interactions with their natural timbres.

Acoustic String Instrument Focus

Natural, unadorned timbre of acoustic string instruments, such as guitar or orchestral strings.

Sustained Metallic Resonance

Long, sustained tones from a metallic resonant source (e.g., bell, gong) highlighting decay and overtones.

Diverse Electronic Timbres

Synthesized sounds showcasing varied electronic timbres, from atmospheric drones to clear arpeggiated patterns.

Strong emphasis on unique, characteristic sonic qualities; timbre and texture are central defining elements.


Broadband Hiss and Static

High-frequency, often continuous, noise elements like tape hiss or electronic static.

Low-Frequency Rumble and Hum

Sustained low-pitched noise, such as electrical hum, mechanical rumble, or deep ambient tones.

Lo-Fi Recording Artifacts

Sound degradation including noise, distortion, and limited frequency response from old or low-quality recordings.

Audible sounds from specific environments or machinery, often perceived as part of the noise floor or as distinct sound events.

Significant and noticeable background noise (hiss, static, rumble, environmental sounds) across all segments.


Camera Shutter SFX

A distinct, sharp mechanical click, characteristic of a camera shutter, used as a non-musical sound event.

Synthesized Musical Stings

Short, synthesized melodic or harmonic phrases, often functioning as brief jingles, alerts, or punctuations.

Ambient Field Recordings

Environmental soundscapes characterized by subtle, often undefined noises, creating an atmospheric or naturalistic background.

Isolated Musical Phrases

Short, self-contained melodic, harmonic, or rhythmic motifs played by various sources (synthesized, acoustic, vocal, percussive) presented in isolation.

Collection of brief, distinct sonic events, encompassing musical motifs, sound effects, and ambient textures, each presented as a short, self-contained audio cue.


Programmed Drum Beats

Rhythmic foundation provided by drum machines, featuring distinct kick, snare, and hi-hat sounds in repetitive patterns.

Synthesizer-Led Instrumentation

Predominant use of synthesizers for melodies, basslines, harmonies, and textural elements.

Repetitive Loop-Based Structure

Musical arrangements built on repeating rhythmic and melodic sections (loops), creating continuous grooves suitable for dancing.

Dominance of synthesized sounds, programmed drum machine rhythms, and repetitive loop-based structures typical of electronic dance music.


Heavy Reverberation

Pervasive application of reverberation effect, generating a sense of vast space, pronounced echoes, and elongated sound decay.

Sustained Sonic Elements

Predominance of long-held notes, drones, or slowly evolving synthesized pads, contributing to a continuous and flowing sound.

Ambient Textures

Soundscapes emphasizing atmosphere and environmental quality over distinct melody or rhythm, often creating an immersive or ethereal feeling.

Slow or Stretched Pacing

Music characterized by a slow tempo, a sense of suspended time, or the elongation of musical phrases, enhancing spaciousness.

Pervasive heavy reverberation and sustained sonic elements creating spacious, ambient, and often ethereal soundscapes.


Piercing Double-Reed Aerophone

Melodic lines from a high-pitched, nasal, penetrating double-reed wind instrument.

Bright Lead Synthesizer

Dominant synthesizer melodies with a clear, bright timbre in the upper-mid to high frequency spectrum.

Acute High-Pitched Accent

Extremely high-pitched, clear, and penetrating sound, often sustained, serving as a distinct sonic event.

Ethereal High-Frequency Harmonics

Atmospheric textures with sustained, evolving high-frequency content, featuring bright, often metallic or crystalline, resonant harmonics.

Cutting Upper-Mid Vocals/Guitars

Higher register vocals with a forceful, sharp quality, and/or bright, distorted electric guitars with a tone that cuts through.

Consistent featuring of sonically dominant elements characterized by high-pitched, bright, and often sharp or piercing timbres in the upper frequency range.


Four-on-the-Floor Kick Drum

Steady kick drum accenting every quarter note (1, 2, 3, 4), creating a driving pulse.

Synthesizer Basslines

Prominent, repetitive bass parts played on electronic synthesizers, providing rhythmic and harmonic foundation.

Programmed Hi-Hat Patterns

Consistent 8th or 16th note hi-hat rhythms, generated by drum machines or synthesizers, adding rhythmic drive.

Electronic Sound Palette

Predominant use of sounds generated by synthesizers, drum machines, and samplers, defining the overall timbre.

Electronic dance music foundation: four-on-the-floor kick, synth bass, programmed hi-hats, synthetic timbres.


Synthesizer-driven Electronic Music

Tracks built primarily with synthesizers for melodies, harmonies, bass, and often featuring electronic drum machine rhythms.

Guitar-based Rock Instrumentation

Music featuring electric guitars (clean or distorted), electric bass, and acoustic drums as the core instrumental texture, often with vocals.

Acoustic Guitar and Vocal Focus

Sparse arrangements centered on male vocals accompanied by acoustic guitar, typical of folk or singer-songwriter styles.

Drum Machine Beats

Rhythmic foundation provided by programmed electronic drum sounds, characteristic of many electronic genres.

Male Lead Vocals

Predominant melodic expression through a male singing voice in several distinct genres.

Consistent low-frequency instrumental presence providing harmonic and rhythmic foundation across diverse genres and instrumentations.


Drum Beat Centrality

Drum patterns, whether from acoustic kits, drum machines, or marching percussion, form the core or sole musical element in each segment.

Ubiquitous Snare Drum

The snare drum is consistently present and plays a critical rhythmic role, such as providing backbeats, rolls, or defining characteristic patterns.

Cyclical Rhythmic Structures

Rhythms are fundamentally built upon repeating patterns, loops, or ostinatos, creating a consistent and often driving groove.

Percussive Timbre Focus

The dominant sound characteristic across all segments is percussive, with a clear emphasis on the timbres of struck drums and cymbals.

All segments exclusively or primarily feature drum-based rhythmic patterns, characterized by repetitive structures and prominent snare drum articulation across various styles.


Arpeggiated Synthesizer Lines

Sequential, repeating synthesizer notes derived from chords, creating flowing melodic/harmonic patterns.

Distorted Guitar Power Riffs

Impactful, repeated electric guitar phrases with distortion, central to song structure in rock contexts.

Looping Electronic Beats

Rhythmic foundation from repeating patterns of synthesized or sampled drum sounds in electronic styles.

Short, cyclically repeated melodic, harmonic, or rhythmic units forming primary musical construction.


Synthesizer Sound Palette

Exclusive or near-exclusive use of synthesized sounds for all instrumental parts, creating a purely electronic timbre.

Ubiquitous Arpeggios

Melodies, harmonies, and rhythms predominantly constructed using arpeggiated or sequenced series of notes, often at a rapid tempo.

Electronic Music Framework

Stylistic elements, including driving rhythms, repetitive structures, and synthetic textures, align with subgenres of electronic dance music like trance or techno.

Electronic music compositions built on synthesized timbres, defined by the pervasive use of arpeggiated patterns for melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic content.


Drone

Continuous, sustained musical notes or sonic textures forming a harmonic or atmospheric foundation.

Synthesizer Pads

Lush, sustained synthesizer timbres, typically with slow attack and release, creating atmospheric harmonic beds.

Ambient Texture

Spacious, immersive soundscapes emphasizing evolving timbres and mood over prominent melody or strong rhythm.

Sustained electronic synthesizer pads creating ambient, drone-like textures.


Synthetic Percussive Textures

All percussive elements feature synthesized, metallic, or heavily processed timbres.

Dominant Synth Bass

Low-frequency foundation primarily driven by synthesized bass sounds.

Programmed Drum Rhythms

Beats and rhythmic patterns constructed using drum machine sequencing and synthesized sounds.

Loop-Based Composition

Musical structure heavily reliant on short, repeated electronic motifs and phrases.

Entirely electronic sound sources; absence of acoustic instruments.


Reedy Aerophones

Melodies from reed instruments (e.g., clarinet, oboe family, bagpipes) with characteristic nasal, buzzing, or penetrating timbres.

Lead Vocals

Primary melodies carried by human voice, often with expressive, clear, bright, or resonant qualities.

Synthesizer Lead

Electronically generated melodic lines with bright, cutting, or distinctive synthetic timbres.

Metallic Idiophones

Melodies from struck or plucked metallic instruments (e.g., music box) with clear, bright, bell-like tones.

Brass Instruments

Melodic parts by brass aerophones, featuring brilliant, resonant, metallic timbres.

Dominant melodic lines; distinctive timbres: sharp, bright, penetrating, reedy, or metallic.


Symphony Orchestra

Music performed by a large ensemble featuring string, brass, woodwind, and often percussion sections.

Dominant String Section

Bowed string instruments (violins, violas, cellos, double basses) forming a core textural and melodic element.

Brass Section

Integral use of brass instruments (trumpets, horns, trombones, tuba) contributing to the orchestral texture and dynamics.

Woodwind Section

Presence of woodwind instruments (flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons) providing melodic lines and timbral variety.

Classical / Film Score Genre

Music adhering to stylistic conventions of Western classical music or orchestral film scores, including characteristic harmonies and forms.

Symphonic compositions in classical or cinematic styles, utilizing full orchestral forces including prominent string, brass, and woodwind sections.


Sustained Harmonies and Textures

Extended duration sounds and chords forming continuous, evolving sonic beds; often pads or drones.

Atmospheric Soundscapes

Immersive environments or moods created via spacious sound design, reverberation, and evolving timbral qualities.

Slow Structural Unfolding

Gradual musical development with slow harmonic rhythm and emphasis on subtle textural or timbral changes over time.

Spacious Reverberation

Significant reverberation effects creating sonic depth, openness, and immersion.

Sustained harmonies, immersive atmospheric soundscapes, slow structural unfolding, and spacious reverberation define the shared musical character.


Acoustic Piano in Jazz

Prominent acoustic piano performing melodic, harmonic (comping), and soloistic roles within a jazz context.

Upright Bass Foundation

Acoustic double bass providing harmonic grounding and rhythmic drive, often through walking bass lines.

Jazz Drum Kit Rhythms

Drum kit employing jazz-specific techniques like swing patterns on ride cymbal, brushwork, and interactive accompaniment.

Extended Jazz Harmony

Use of seventh chords, altered chords, extensions, and typical jazz chord progressions.

Swing Rhythmic Feel

Rhythmic characteristic where eighth notes are typically performed with a long-short, triplet-based subdivision.

Instrumental Improvisation

Spontaneous melodic creation by instrumentalists over established harmonic structures.

Acoustic jazz ensembles; core piano-bass-drums instrumentation; swing rhythm; improvisation; extended harmony.


Pitched Elements for Melody/Harmony

Utilizes sounds with definite pitch to construct melodic lines and harmonic textures.

Tonal Harmonic Framework

Employs harmony that establishes a key or tonal center, using chord relationships common in Western music.

Regular Metrical Structure

Features a consistent underlying beat and organization into measures or bars, providing rhythmic coherence.

Diverse musical styles sharing core principles of pitched melody/harmony, tonal centers, and regular metrical organization.


Electric Bass Guitar Timbre

Prominent use of the characteristic sound of an electric bass guitar, often for melodic or rhythmically active lines.

Synthesizer Bass Sounds

Utilization of synthesized tones for bass lines, characterized by electronic timbres and often providing deep low-end.

Steady Drum Rhythms

Continuous percussive backing from acoustic or electronic drums establishing a consistent rhythmic pulse.

Melodic Bass Articulation

Bass lines exhibiting clear melodic contours and movement beyond simple root-note support.

Ensemble Groove Dynamics

Interplay within the rhythm section, primarily bass and drums, creating a distinct and often compelling rhythmic feel.

Ubiquitous bass instrumentation (electric or synth) providing core rhythmic and harmonic foundation.


Prolonged Melodic Notes

Lead melodic elements, vocal or instrumental, characterized by notes of extended duration.

Continuous Sonic Atmospheres

Background textures built from lingering sounds like drones, resonant percussion, or synthesizer pads, creating an ongoing ambient presence.

Sustained Harmonic Foundations

Harmonic structures based on chords or instrumental layers that are held or resonate, providing continuous underlying support.

Musical emphasis on sustained sonorities; sounds are noticeably prolonged, held, or resonate, shaping melodies, harmonies, and textures.


Low-Frequency Drones

Dominant sustained or slowly evolving sounds in the low-frequency range, creating a deep, resonant character.

Dark Ambient Atmosphere

Ominous, unsettling, and immersive sound environments, prioritizing texture and mood over traditional musical elements.

Evolving Textures

Sonic textures that gradually shift and transform in timbre, density, or intensity over time.

Synthesized/Processed Sonorities

Electronically generated or heavily manipulated sounds, resulting in non-traditional timbres and sound qualities.

Deep, evolving, synthesized low-frequency drones creating ominous and immersive textural soundscapes.


Regional Folk Provenance

Music strongly rooted in, or imitative of, traditional folk styles from the Balkan Peninsula, Anatolia, and/or the Middle East.

Characteristic Folk Instrumentation

Utilizes instruments (e.g., regional strings like violin, oud, saz; winds like duduk; traditional percussion) and vocal timbres distinctive to the folk music of these areas.

Modal Melodic Language

Melodies and improvisations are based on modal systems (e.g., maqamat, Balkan modes) rather than primarily Western diatonic harmony.

Traditional Rhythmic Patterns

Employs rhythmic structures, meters (often complex or additive), and percussive articulations characteristic of the region's folk dances and songs.

Ornamented Performance Style

Vocal and instrumental lines frequently feature embellishments, trills, glissandi, and microtonal inflections typical of the performance practice in these traditions.

Folk traditions of Balkan Peninsula, Anatolia, Middle East; defined by regional instrumentation, modal melodies, characteristic rhythms, and ornamented performance styles.

Balkan, Anatolian & Middle Eastern Folk Music


Sustained Sonorities

Musical sounds characterized by extended duration, including held notes, drones, or lingering decays.

Resonant Timbral Quality

Auditory characteristic of sounds that ring or reverberate, often rich in overtones and decaying gradually.

Expressive Pitch Inflection

Deliberate or inherent variations in pitch within notes, such as vibrato, glissandi, bends, or timbral shifts affecting perceived pitch.

Predominance of lingering, resonant sounds featuring expressive pitch variations.


Walking Bass

Upright bass playing a continuous sequence of notes, typically one per beat, outlining chords and providing a driving rhythmic pulse.

Swing Rhythm

Uneven division of eighth notes creating a lilting, propulsive groove characteristic of jazz music.

Jazz Keyboard Accompaniment

Keyboard instrument (piano or organ) providing harmonic support and rhythmic texture through chordal playing (comping) in a jazz style.

Jazz Drumming

Drum kit played with techniques typical of jazz, emphasizing ride cymbal patterns for swing feel and interactive accompaniment.

Improvised Horn Solos

Melodic improvisations played by brass (e.g., trumpet, trombone) or woodwind (e.g., saxophone) instruments over the ensemble.

Small ensemble jazz performances characterized by swing rhythms, prominent walking bass lines, and improvised instrumental solos.


Electronic Dance and Synth-Pop Elements

Use of synthesizers for arpeggiated melodies, rhythmic patterns, and pad textures common in electronic dance music and synth-pop.

Traditional Acoustic Jazz

Performances by acoustic jazz ensembles, featuring piano, upright bass, brushed drums, and often scat vocals, with improvisational elements.

Guitar-Driven Rock

Rock music characterized by prominent electric guitars providing melodic leads and rhythmic chording, supported by electric bass and drums.

Ambient Synthesizer Textures

Music focusing on atmospheric soundscapes, sustained drones, and slowly evolving pads generated primarily by synthesizers.

Musical organization around a central pitch or key; melodies and harmonies referential to this tonal center across all segments.


Bell-like High Melodies

Bright, high-pitched melodic lines from tuned percussion like glockenspiel or celesta.

Violin/High String Leads

Expressive melodies played by high orchestral string instruments, primarily violins.

Gliding Electronic High Melodies

Smooth, pitch-bending electronic melodies in upper registers, often with an ethereal or vocal quality.

Accordion Treble Melodies

Melodic lines played on the accordion's higher-pitched treble side, characterized by a reedy timbre.

Acoustic Guitar Upper Register Melodies

Melodic phrases played on acoustic guitar, emphasizing its brighter, upper-range capabilities.

Synth High-Frequency Leads/Textures

Synthesizer lines or textural layers prominent in high frequencies, contributing to melodic or harmonic focus in the upper register.

Predominance of melodic material in upper frequency ranges across various instrumentations.


Prominent Bass Sonority

A distinct and often foregrounded bass part, played on electric bass guitar or synthesizer, contributing significantly to melody, rhythm, or harmony.

Synthesizer Elements

Incorporation of synthesized sounds for various musical functions such as pads, basslines, leads, or atmospheric textures.

Atmospheric Sound Design

Emphasis on spacious, evolving, or ambient soundscapes, often created with sustained synth pads or reverberant effects.

Electric Guitar Family Timbre

Presence of instruments from the electric guitar family, including electric lead/rhythm guitar and electric bass guitar.

Compositions primarily driven by instruments, with vocal elements being absent or used texturally rather than for lyrical delivery.


Dominant Synthesizers

Synthesizers as the primary source for melody, harmony, and texture across all tracks.

Electronic Drum Rhythms

Rhythmic foundation consistently provided by synthesized drum sounds or programmed electronic beats.

Repetitive Musical Structures

Frequent use of repeating patterns, ostinatos, or looped melodic and rhythmic phrases.

Dominant synthesizers, electronic rhythms, and repetitive musical structures.


Electric Guitar Melody/Solo

Prominent melodic lines or improvisational solos played on electric guitar, often with clean or bluesy tones.

Vocal with Acoustic Guitar

Song structure featuring a lead vocal melody supported by strummed or fingerpicked acoustic guitar.

Metallophone Ensemble

Interlocking patterns of tuned metallic percussion instruments, characteristic of Gamelan music.

Pop Vocal with Rhythmic Backing

Clear lead vocal melody over a rhythmic, often synthesized, instrumental arrangement typical of popular songs.

Spoken Word

Audio primarily consisting of human speech, focusing on linguistic content and vocal timbre.

Prominent instrumental melody, sung melody, or spoken voice.

Focal Melodic Content or Vocal Articulation


Held Instrumental Tones

Musical notes of prolonged duration produced by instruments, whether melodic or harmonic.

Ringing Resonance

Sound quality exhibiting a lingering, vibrant character, often with noticeable decay and rich overtones.

Continuous Sound Textures

Sonic layers characterized by their unbroken or slowly evolving nature, such as drones or ambient fields.

Predominance of sounds marked by extended duration, slow decay, or ongoing presence.


Guitar Family Instrument

Features a fretted string instrument from the guitar family (e.g., electric guitar, acoustic guitar, ukulele) playing melodic, harmonic, or rhythmic roles.

Percussive Rhythmic Accompaniment

Incorporates rhythmic drive or texture from percussion instruments, ranging from full drum kits to simpler percussive elements.

Music consistently built around the combination of guitar-family instruments and percussive rhythmic elements.

Guitar and Percussion Core Instrumentation


Prominent Melodic Lead

A clear and distinct melodic line is carried by a primary voice or instrument, relying on its ability to produce sustained and pitched notes.

Expressive Aerophonic Timbre

Melodic or harmonic content is significantly shaped by the timbre of wind instruments or human voice, characterized by breath-controlled sustain and articulation.

Sustained Harmonic Foundations

Use of sustained tones from instruments (e.g., drones, string pads, guitar chords, synth pads) to create harmonic backgrounds or supportive textures.

All clips prominently feature sound sources (instruments, voice, or synthesizers) that produce clearly defined pitches capable of noticeable sustain, forming the basis of melodic and/or significant harmonic content.


Metallic Resonant Timbres

Sounds characterized by a metallic quality, typically high-pitched, with noticeable sustain, resonance, or decay.

Sharp High-Frequency Transients

Brief, well-defined sounds with strong high-frequency content at their onset, such as plucks, strikes, or sharp articulations.

Airy and Sibilant High Frequencies

Presence of continuous or semi-continuous unpitched or subtly pitched high-frequency energy, like breath sounds, hiss, or shimmer.

Dominant Upper Register Tonality

Melodic lines, harmonic textures, or prominent instrumental voices situated in a high pitch range, contributing to overall brightness.

Consistent presence of sounds rich in upper harmonics or high-frequency energy, creating bright, clear, or shimmering sonic textures across diverse musical styles and sound sources.


Drone

Long, sustained musical notes or tones, often low-pitched, creating a continuous sonic background and evolving slowly.

Dark Ambient Texture

Atmospheric soundscapes characterized by an ominous, unsettling, or mysterious mood, typically with slow development and a focus on texture over melody.

Synthesized Sound Sources

Predominant use of electronically generated or heavily processed sounds, likely from synthesizers, creating evolving timbres.

Low-Frequency Emphasis

Significant presence and focus on bass and sub-bass frequencies, contributing to a sense of depth, weight, or unease.

Sustained, low-frequency, synthesized drones creating dark, evolving ambient textures.


Acoustic Guitar

The featured instrument is an acoustic guitar, including both nylon and steel-stringed types.

Fingerpicking Technique

Guitars are played using a fingerpicking method, plucking individual strings.

Solo Guitar Performance

Music features a solo acoustic guitar without vocals or other instrumental accompaniment.

Melodic & Arpeggiated Content

Guitar playing primarily consists of melodic lines and arpeggiated chord patterns.

Solo acoustic guitar performances characterized by fingerpicking, featuring melodic and arpeggiated playing styles.


Synthesizer Melodies and Harmonies

Melodic lines and harmonic structures primarily articulated by electronic synthesizers.

Layered Synthesizer Textures

Construction of soundscapes or musical fabric through multiple layers of synthesized sounds.

Overtly Electronic Timbre

Sound palette characterized by timbres clearly originating from electronic synthesis, distinct from acoustic instrumentation.

Dominance of electronic synthesizers in creating melodies, harmonies, textures, and overall sound character.


Prominent Violin/Fiddle

Violin or fiddle consistently featured as a lead or primary melodic instrument.

Bowed String Arrangements

Arrangements featuring bowed string instruments, ranging from solo lines to ensemble textures.

Folk Music Characteristics

Melodic, rhythmic, or harmonic elements typical of various folk music traditions.

Predominant violin/fiddle lead, commonly set in folk-styled arrangements with bowed strings.


Solo Piano Performance

Music performed exclusively on a piano without other instrumental or vocal accompaniment.

Classical Piano Music

Compositions for piano rooted in the Western classical tradition, often featuring melodic development and complex harmonic language.

Arpeggiated Figures

Consistent use of arpeggios and broken chord patterns as a significant textural and melodic element.

Solo piano performances of classical music, characterized by melodic lines and frequent arpeggiation.


Instrumental Music

Music performed exclusively by instruments, without any sung vocals or spoken word.

Pitched Sound Material

Musical content primarily derived from sound sources producing definite, discernible musical pitches (notes), as opposed to unpitched percussion or noise.

Melodic and Harmonic Structuring

Pitched sounds are organized to form melodic lines, harmonic progressions, or textural layers with harmonic and melodic interest.

Instrumental compositions characterized by the use of pitched sounds to create melodic and harmonic content.


Bell-like Pitched Percussion

Clear, resonant, metallic or crystalline struck tones from instruments like celesta, glockenspiel, music box, vibraphone, or emulative synthesizers.

Plucked String Articulation

Melodic and harmonic material articulated by plucking strings (e.g., harp, ukulele, zither), yielding a distinct attack and decaying resonance.

Pianistic Textures

Musical passages featuring the piano; hammer-struck strings creating rich, resonant tones, often in melodic or arpeggiated forms.

Dominance of instruments producing sound via plucking or striking, yielding clear, resonant, decaying tones.


Fast Tempo

Consistently high beats per minute, energetic pace across all examples.

Major Key Tonality

Predominant use of major scales and chords, creating a bright, optimistic sound.

Pop Band Instrumentation

Features common contemporary pop music instruments: drums, bass, guitars (acoustic/electric), and keyboards/synthesizers.

Strong Rhythmic Drive

Clear, consistent, and driving pulse, typically from percussion and bass instruments, propelling the music.

Consistently Cheerful Affect

Overwhelmingly positive, upbeat, and feel-good emotional quality conveyed by the music.

Fast-tempo, major-key pop music; strong rhythmic drive; consistently cheerful and energetic affect.


Dominant Synthesizer Usage

Synthesizers as principal instruments for all musical roles: melody, harmony, rhythm, and texture.

Electronic Sound Design Elements

Prominent electronically generated soundscapes, drones, and evolving sonic textures.

Programmed Rhythmic & Melodic Patterns

Frequent sequenced patterns, arpeggios, and synthesized rhythmic components.

Artificial Timbres

Sound palette characterized by clearly synthetic and electronically generated instrumental tones and effects.

Music predominantly created using synthesizers, characterized by electronic sound design, artificial timbres, and programmed rhythmic/melodic patterns.


High Perceived Loudness

Consistently high volume or strong sonic impact; absence of quiet or subtle passages.

Rapid Sonic Activity

Fast musical tempos or high-density, continuous sound events in non-musical segments.

Forceful Timbres

Assertive sound qualities, often incorporating distortion, bright synthetic textures, or powerful instrumental attacks.

Characterized by high perceived loudness, rapid sonic activity, and forceful timbres, creating a powerful and energetic auditory experience.


Synthesizer Dominance

Predominant use of electronically generated sounds from synthesizers for melodies, harmonies, basslines, and textures.

Electronic Rhythms

Beats and rhythmic patterns created by drum machines, synthesized percussion, or rhythmic sequencing.

Audio Signal Processing

Application of audio effects like distortion, reverb, delay, or filtering to shape and transform sound timbres.

Synthesizer-driven; prominent electronic rhythms; extensive audio processing.


Orchestral Ensemble

Music performed by a symphonic orchestra, featuring prominent string, brass, and percussion sections.

Cinematic Scoring Style

Dramatic, evocative, and thematic musical language characteristic of film soundtracks or epic trailer music.

Dominant Brass Section

Brass instruments frequently deliver powerful melodic statements, fanfares, and impactful harmonic textures.

Sweeping String Arrangements

Lush, broad, and emotive melodic lines and harmonic beds provided by a large string section.

Epic and Heroic Mood

Music consistently evokes grandeur, heroism, adventure, and intense dramatic tension.

Orchestral compositions with a dramatic, epic, and heroic character, typical of cinematic scores or trailer music.


Percussion-Led Rhythmic Drive

Rhythmic momentum and core beat defined by prominent percussive instrumentation (acoustic, electronic, orchestral, or vocal).

Ubiquitous Kick Drum Equivalent

A foundational low-frequency percussive pulse, akin to a kick drum, consistently marking primary beats regardless of sound source.

Consistent Snare Drum Equivalent

A distinct mid-to-high frequency percussive accent, analogous to a snare drum, consistently emphasizing secondary beats or backbeats across varied sound sources.

Prevalent Hi-Hat Rhythmic Subdivision

High-frequency, patterned percussive sounds, similar to hi-hats, providing rhythmic subdivision and texture in most instances.

Core rhythmic structure driven by percussive elements; foundational kick-like pulses and accenting snare-like hits; universal across diverse genres and sound sources.


Sustained Pitches

Individual musical pitches are held for an extended duration, emphasizing their timbral character and resonance.

String Instrument Timbre

Dominant sound quality characteristic of vibrating string instruments, such as electric guitar and violin.

Monophonic Texture

Musical content primarily consists of single, isolated notes or a single melodic line, without simultaneous harmonies.

Individually articulated, sustained pitches originating from string instruments, presented monophonically.


Resonant Metallic Quality

Sounds exhibiting sustained resonance with timbral characteristics of metal, often pitched or harmonically rich (e.g., bells, cymbals).

Sharp Metallic Attack

Sounds with a distinct, bright, and percussive initial transient typical of struck metal or synthesized equivalents.

High-Frequency Shimmer

Presence of bright, often complex, high-frequency sonic energy creating a shimmering, sparkling, or sizzling texture.

Pervasive metallic timbres: resonant tones, sharp attacks, high-frequency shimmer; common across varied musical styles and sound sources (acoustic/synthetic).


Cinematic Ensemble Percussion

Powerful, reverberant rhythms from large acoustic drums like toms and timpani, creating a dramatic or epic atmosphere.

Electronic Drum Machine Beats

Rhythmic foundations built with synthesized or sampled drum sounds (kicks, snares, hi-hats, claps), common in various electronic music genres.

Acoustic Hand Percussion

Intricate and diverse rhythms performed on unpitched acoustic instruments played by hand, such as tabla, congas, or djembe.

Vocal Percussion (Beatboxing)

Creation of rhythmic patterns and drum sounds using the human mouth, lips, and voice.

Diverse percussive sources (orchestral, electronic, hand drums, vocal) driving rhythm-centric compositions.


Synth Bass

Basslines performed using synthesizer-generated sounds.

Drum Machine Presence

Use of drum machines or synthesized/programmed drum sounds for rhythm.

Repetitive Loop-Based Structure

Composition built on repeating short melodic/rhythmic phrases (loops).

Prominent electronic keyboard instrumentation (synthesizers, electric pianos, organs).


Isolated Notes

Single, distinct musical pitches presented without accompanying harmony or other simultaneous musical lines.

Sustained Articulation

Musical notes are held or allowed to resonate, emphasizing their duration rather than a percussive attack.

Plucked String Timbre

The sound quality is characteristic of stringed instruments where sound is produced by plucking the strings (e.g., guitar, ukulele).

Isolated, sustained pitches produced by plucked string instruments.


Chiptune Genre

Music style emulating early video game soundtracks, utilizing synthesized sounds, simple waveforms, and often arpeggiated melodies.

Synthesized Lead Instruments

Melodic focus carried by synthesized sounds with timbres characteristic of 8-bit or 16-bit era sound chips (e.g., square, pulse, sawtooth waves).

Electronic Percussion

Rhythmic foundation built from synthesized drum and percussion sounds, often simple, punchy, and repetitive.

Arpeggiated Melodies and Basslines

Frequent use of arpeggios in melodic and bass parts, creating rapid, sequential note patterns.

Chiptune music characterized by 8-bit synthesized timbres, electronic percussion, and prominent arpeggiated melodic figures.


String Timbre Presence

Clear presence of sounds characteristic of string instruments, whether acoustic, synthesized, or sampled.

Melodic String Lines

String or string-like sounds performing distinct and often prominent melodic phrases or themes.

String Harmonic/Textural Layers

String or string-like sounds creating harmonic foundation or background texture, often via sustained notes or pads.

Universal feature: string instrument timbres (acoustic/synthetic/sampled) in prominent melodic and harmonic/textural functions.


Percussive Samples

Short audio clips featuring drum sounds, beatboxing, or other rhythmic impact sounds.

Sound Effect (SFX) Samples

Short audio clips of non-musical or synthesized sounds for specific effects (e.g., clicks, swooshes, environmental sounds).

Short Melodic/Tonal Samples

Brief audio clips with instrumental notes, short melodic phrases, or distinct synthesized tones.

Brief, distinct audio recordings; percussion, SFX, short instrumental/synth phrases.


Female Lead Vocal

Musical characteristic where a solo female voice is the primary carrier of the melody.

Acoustic Piano Accompaniment

Instrumental arrangement where an acoustic piano provides the main harmonic and rhythmic support, often as the sole instrument.

Slow Tempo

Musical characteristic of performance at a consistently unhurried and deliberate pace.

Ballad Style

Song structure and performance emphasizing expressive melodies, often with emotional or narrative content, typical of the ballad genre.

Christmas Carol Elements

Significant presence of melodic, harmonic, or lyrical traits commonly found in traditional Christmas carols.

Music characterized by female lead vocals, acoustic piano accompaniment, and a consistently slow tempo.


Arpeggiated Piano

Flowing piano textures built from sequentially played, repeated chord notes.

Drum Machine Rhythms

Precisely timed, looped rhythmic patterns from synthesized or sampled drums.

Looping Synthesizer Lines

Repeated synthesizer phrases (melodic, harmonic, or textural) forming core electronic elements.

Cyclical Acoustic Percussion

Interlocking, repetitive rhythmic cycles on unpitched acoustic percussion.

Dominant use of recurring melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic patterns.


Dominant Orchestral Strings

The string section (violins, violas, cellos, double basses) is consistently the most prominent instrumental group, providing melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic foundations.

Dramatic Emotional Intensity

Music characterized by a heightened emotional state, conveying tension, urgency, grandeur, or suspense through harmonic choices, dynamic shifts, and melodic contours.

Full Orchestral Texture

Utilizes a broad range of orchestral instruments, including strings, brass, woodwinds, and percussion, to create a rich, powerful, and often layered sound.

Dominant orchestral strings within a full orchestral texture, creating dramatic emotional intensity.


Instrumental Music

Compositions lacking vocals, with musical content carried by instruments.

Electronic Sound Sources

Significant presence of synthesized sounds, drum machines, or electronically processed audio.

Pattern-Based Structure

Musical development through repetition, loops, or recurring rhythmic and melodic motifs.

Instrumental compositions featuring electronic sound sources and pattern-based structural development.


Sustained Sonorities

Prominent use of notes, chords, drones, or continuous textures that are held or persist for extended durations.

Minimal or Absent Percussion

Musical arrangements lacking significant, prominent, or driving rhythmic elements from drums or other traditional percussion instruments.

Slow Tempo / Pacing

Music characterized by a generally slow pace, with events unfolding gradually and an absence of fast rhythmic activity.

Slow pacing, sustained sounds (notes, textures, drones), and a lack of prominent percussive elements.


Ukulele

Dominant string instrument with a bright timbre, providing both melody and harmony, identified as a ukulele.

Strumming Accompaniment

Consistent rhythmic and harmonic foundation provided by strummed chords, primarily played on the ukulele.

Major Key Tonality

Musical pieces consistently set in a major key, contributing to a bright, positive, and cheerful character.

Upbeat Tempo

A consistently moderately fast to fast tempo across all pieces, creating an energetic and lively feel.

Simple Song Structures

Straightforward, often repetitive melodic and harmonic patterns, characteristic of accessible or children's music.

Prominent strummed ukulele; upbeat major-key compositions; simple, cheerful musical structures.


Synthesizer Dominance

Synthesizers are the primary instruments, providing melodies, chords, basslines, and textures.

Drum Machine Rhythms

Beats are consistently generated by drum machines, often with iconic 1980s electronic drum sounds.

1980s Era Production

Sound processing and mixing styles typical of the 1980s, including prominent reverb, chorus, and a clear, often bright, electronic mix.

Synth-Led Melodies

Melodic focus is heavily reliant on synthesizer lines, often catchy and forming the core of the musical phrases.

Dominant synthesizers, drum machine rhythms, and 1980s-era production techniques define the shared musical character.


Bell and Chime Timbres

Clear, resonant, metallic timbres akin to bells, chimes, glockenspiel, vibraphone; synthesized or acoustic.

Arpeggiated Patterns

Sequential playing of chord notes; creates flowing, shimmering, or cascading textures.

Bright, High-Frequency Sonorities

Predominance of clear, high-pitched sounds and melodies; contributes to bright or ethereal quality.

Pitched Percussion & Keyboard Focus

Prominent synthesizers, piano, mallet percussion (glockenspiel, vibraphone) and their emulations.

Bright, bell-like timbres, often arpeggiated; primarily via keyboards and pitched percussion.


Bowed Strings

Continuous, resonant tones from acoustic string instruments played with a bow (e.g., cello, violin, double bass).

Synthesized Pads & Drones

Electronically generated sustained sounds, often atmospheric, textural, or evolving.

Resonant Plucked/Strummed Strings

Notes from plucked or strummed string instruments (acoustic or electric) that are held or resonate significantly.

Sustained Vocal Lines

Vocal melodies or notes held for extended durations, emphasizing continuity.

Sustained Keyboard Tones

Notes or chords played on keyboard instruments that are held, allowing their sound to resonate or be prolonged.

Predominance of musical sounds with extended duration, creating continuous, resonant, or atmospheric textures from diverse instrumental and vocal sources.


Hip-Hop Drum Beat

Prominent, often programmed/sampled, drum rhythm; strong kick/snare defining hip-hop groove.

Rap Vocalization

Rhythmic, rhyming speech; distinct flow over musical backing.

Strummed Ukulele

Light, percussive ukulele strumming; chordal and rhythmic accompaniment.

Lo-Fi Audio Texture

Warm, imperfect, or vintage sound quality; from recording limitations or style.

Close Vocal Group Harmony

Multiple voices in tight, arranged harmonies; full chordal texture; typical of doo-wop.

Funk Guitar Riffs

Syncopated, percussive electric guitar lines; often wah-wah; central to funk.

DJ Scratch Turntablism

Vinyl record manipulation on turntable; rhythmic scratching sounds as musical element.

Fundamental, regularly recurring beat or pulse consistently present across diverse styles.


Synthesizer Pads

Electronically generated, sustained, often evolving sounds providing harmonic background, texture, or atmospheric ambience.

Sustained Sound Layers

Prominent use of notes, chords, or textures held for extended durations, forming a continuous sonic foundation or atmospheric wash.

Atmospheric Textures

Sound elements primarily designed to evoke mood, space, or ambiance, often characterized by layered, sustained, and reverberant qualities.

Universal presence of sustained sound layers (frequently synth pads, but also orchestral sustain) crafting atmospheric and textural depth.


Synthesized Drones and Atmospheres

Electronically generated sustained sounds and evolving textures creating atmospheric soundscapes.

Acoustic Melodic Articulation

Clearly defined melodic lines or scalar patterns performed on acoustic instruments.

Experimental Sound Elements

Inclusion of unconventional sounds such as environmental field recordings or harsh electronic noise.

Discrete Electronic Rhythms

Rhythmic patterns formed by short, distinct electronic sounds or clicks.

Universal characteristic is the complete absence of sung vocals; any human vocalizations are spoken, not integrated as a sung musical element.


Rhythmic Ostinato

Steadily repeated short rhythmic patterns, often forming a groove or percussive layer, frequently played by drums or other percussion.

Melodic Ostinato

Short, repeated melodic phrases or instrumental riffs, creating a cyclical harmonic or thematic focus, noticeable in guitar and synthesizer parts.

Drone

A sustained single pitch or minimalist harmonic texture, providing a continuous sonic foundation, clearly present as a sustained electronic tone.

Musical construction based on persistently repeated figures (ostinati) or sustained tones (drones).


Arpeggiated Accompaniment

Harmonic support structured by instruments playing chord notes in sequence, creating a flowing or rhythmic texture.

Melodic Arpeggiation

Primary melodic lines or prominent themes constructed from sequentially played chord notes.

Pervasive Broken Chord Voicing

Chords consistently articulated as sequences of notes (broken chords) rather than simultaneous attacks, defining the overall texture.

Consistent and widespread use of arpeggios and broken chords across instruments and voices, shaping melody, harmony, and texture.


Orchestral Ensemble

Performance by a traditional orchestra featuring strings, woodwinds, brass, and percussion sections.

Pizzicato Strings

Prominent use of plucked string instruments, creating staccato, often rhythmic, textures.

Illustrative Music

Music designed to evoke specific moods, scenes, or narratives, characteristic of soundtracks for film, animation, or games.

Varied Orchestration

Dynamic shifts in instrumental density and color, ranging from full ensemble passages to sparser textures highlighting specific instrument groups.

Orchestral music with a strong narrative or illustrative quality, characterized by varied textures, dynamic range, and frequent use of techniques like pizzicato strings.


Prominent Electric Guitar

Electric guitar as a central melodic, rhythmic, and harmonic element, utilizing both clean and distorted tones.

Acoustic Drum Kit

Rhythmic foundation provided by a standard acoustic rock drum kit, including kick, snare, and cymbals.

Electric Bass Guitar

Consistent presence of electric bass guitar providing low-end harmonic and rhythmic support.

Rock Music Idioms

Musical language, song structures, and performance styles characteristic of various rock subgenres.

Core rock band instrumentation (electric guitars, bass, drums) performing various rock subgenres.


Synthesizer Dominance

Electronic synthesizers as the primary source for melodic, harmonic, bass, and often textural elements.

Drum Machine Rhythms

Rhythmic backing predominantly provided by electronic drum machines with distinct, often punchy, 80s-style sounds.

1980s Sound Palette

Characteristic timbres of synthesizers and drum machines, along with production choices (e.g., reverb types, mix balance) strongly associated with 1980s electronic music.

Synth Bass Foundation

Basslines consistently played by synthesizers, often providing a driving rhythmic and harmonic foundation.

Melodic Synthesizer Leads

Principal melodies and instrumental hooks performed by various synthesizer voices.

Music defined by its reliance on 1980s-style synthesizer sounds for melodies, bass, and harmony, underpinned by electronic drum machine rhythms.


Drum Machine Rhythms

Beats predominantly from drum machines, using synthesized or sampled drum sounds.

Synthesizer Leads & Harmonies

Synthesizers as primary source for melodies, chords, and atmospheric pads.

Pervasive Electronic Timbre

Overall sonic character primarily defined by electronically generated or processed instrument sounds.

Music built upon drum machine rhythms, synthesizer-led melodies/harmonies, and a pervasive electronic timbre.


Bass Dominance

Low-frequency sounds, such as basslines, drones, or impactful kick drums, are consistently prominent in the mix.

Low Rhythmic Foundation

Bass instruments and/or kick drums establish a strong rhythmic and harmonic grounding for the music.

Enhanced Low-End

Production techniques are utilized to enhance the power and clarity of bass and sub-bass elements, contributing to the overall sonic weight.

Impactful, clearly produced low-frequency sonic elements consistently featured.


Rapid Figuration

Abundant fast grace notes, trills, turns, and quick scalar passages within melodic lines.

Expressive Pitch Articulation

Melisma, vibrato, pitch bends, and slides creating melodic fluidity and emotional character.

Ornamented Lead Winds

Wind instruments (reed, bagpipe) delivering highly decorated lead melodies.

Pervasive decorative notes, figures, and expressive inflections enriching melodic content.


Hi-Hat/Cymbal Pattern

Rhythmic patterns played on hi-hats or other cymbals, providing a consistent high-frequency pulse and subdivision.

Pitched Metallic Percussion Rhythm

Rhythmic patterns from pitched metallic percussion (e.g., bells, steelpan) creating a bright, resonant, high-frequency layer.

Rapid High-Register Figuration

Fast, repetitive melodic or harmonic figures in instruments' upper register (e.g., strings, synths, winds), creating a continuous high-frequency rhythmic texture.

Continuous rhythmic activity in the upper frequency range, often creating fast subdivisions, a shimmering texture, or a driving pulse.

Persistent High-Frequency Rhythmic Element


Rhythm Section Foundation

Bass guitar and drum kit providing fundamental groove and harmonic support.

Electric Piano or Clean Guitar Lead

Primary melodic and chordal instrument is either electric piano (often Rhodes/Wurlitzer-like) or clean-toned electric guitar.

Smooth Jazzy Atmosphere

Relaxed, sophisticated musical feel with jazz-influenced harmonies and smooth, flowing melodies and rhythms.

Polished Instrumental Mix

Clear, well-balanced instrumental arrangements with a polished sound, largely free of heavy processing or distortion.

Instrumental tracks featuring a bass and drums rhythm section, with either electric piano or clean electric guitar as the lead melodic/chordal voice, all sharing a smooth, jazzy atmosphere and a polished production style.


Orchestral Brass Melodies

Melodic themes and phrases prominently featuring brass instruments within an orchestral texture.

Plucked String Instrument Melodies

Melodic lines played or accompanied by plucked string instruments like guitar, ukulele, or mandolin, often in folk or acoustic styles.

Vocal-led Melodies

Melodies primarily carried by the human voice, often with instrumental accompaniment.

Isolated Synthesized Pitch

A short, distinct synthesized sound characterized by a clear pitch, representing minimal melodic information.

Consistent presence of pitched sounds forming melodies or melodic fragments across all examples, regardless of instrumentation or genre.


Electric Guitar Presence

Ubiquitous electric guitars featured in various roles including lead melodies, rhythmic chugging, arpeggios, and distinct riffs.

Bass Guitar Foundation

Consistent presence of audible bass guitar lines providing the harmonic and rhythmic low-end support for the ensemble.

Rock Drumming

Rhythmic backbone provided by drum kits (acoustic or emulated), featuring typical rock patterns with kick, snare, and cymbals.

Core instrumentation of electric guitars, bass guitar, and drums, characteristic of various rock music subgenres.


Solo Piano

Music performed exclusively or predominantly by a solo acoustic piano.

Melodic Piano Lines

Prominent and expressive melodic lines played on the piano are a central element.

Arpeggiated Piano Figures

Frequent use of arpeggios or broken chord patterns played on the piano.

Solo acoustic piano performances; strong melodic content; frequent arpeggiated figures.


Synthesized Pads

Dominant use of sustained, electronically generated sounds with rich, evolving timbres, forming harmonic and textural foundations.

Slow Tempo / Pulseless

Very slow pace or absence of a strong, driving rhythmic pulse, emphasizing texture and atmosphere.

Atmospheric Soundscapes

Immersive and spacious sonic environments, often evoking calm, introspection, or vastness.

Evolving Textures

Sonic layers subtly shifting in timbre, density, or spatial characteristics over time.

Slow, atmospheric electronic music; sustained synthesized pads; evolving textures; immersive soundscapes.


Bass and Drums Foundation

Consistent presence of a bass instrument (upright or electric) and drum kit forming the rhythmic and harmonic backbone, typical of jazz ensembles.

Jazz Harmony and Voicings

Utilization of chord progressions, extended chords (7ths, 9ths), and voicings characteristic of the jazz idiom.

Melodic Jazz Phrasing and Improvisation

Lead instrumental lines exhibiting either direct improvisation or melodic phrasing and articulation styles strongly associated with jazz performance.

Smooth or Cool Jazz Sensibility

A prevalent relaxed, polished, and often sophisticated atmosphere, with an emphasis on accessible grooves and melodicism, leaning towards smooth or cool jazz aesthetics.

Instrumental pieces rooted in jazz, characterized by a bass and drums foundation, distinctive harmonies, and melodies with improvisational or jazz-phrased qualities, often conveying a smooth or cool ambiance.


Bagpipes

Reedy, sustained sound from bagpipes, featuring a continuous drone and melodic chanter.

Sustained Synthesizer Sounds

Electronically generated tones held for extended durations, forming pads, leads, or atmospheric textures.

Aerophonic Sustain

Wind instruments (e.g., horns, woodwinds) producing prominent, sustained melodic or timbral sounds.

Resonant Metallophones

Pitched metallic percussion (e.g., bells) producing clear, sustained, ringing tones.

Sustained Melodic Vocals

Vocal melodies with held notes, emphasizing sustain and melodic contour.

Prominent sustained, resonant, or continuous tones from instruments or voices, often melodic or timbrally distinct.


Acoustic Flute

The sound of a traditional, air-blown flute, typically playing melodic lines or solos.

Synthesized Flute Lead

Lead melodies played by electronic instruments with timbres emulating a flute or high woodwind.

Consistent featuring of flute (acoustic) or synthesized flute-like sounds, primarily in prominent melodic roles across diverse genres.


Shofar / Natural Horn Call

Raw, piercing horn (e.g., shofar) playing sustained notes or ritualistic calls.

Clear Resonant Bells

Sustained, metallic bell-like percussion with clear, ringing tones.

Lo-fi Hip-Hop Groove

Textured hip-hop with sampled elements, characteristic 'imperfect' drum sounds, and a relaxed feel.

Ethereal Synth Wail

High-pitched, atmospheric synthesizer lead with a sustained, wailing, or calling melodic quality.

Folk Wind Melody

Melody from a breathy, clear-toned simple wind instrument like a folk flute or recorder; natural sound.

Deep Sustained Drone

Continuous, resonant low-frequency hum or fundamental tone.

Dominance of raw, natural, ancient, or unpolished sound qualities; often featuring sustained tones, drones, or calling motifs.


Drone

Prominent use of sustained or continuously repeated musical notes or tone clusters, often forming a harmonic or textural foundation.

Atmospheric Soundscapes

Music creating a strong sense of ambiance, mood, or spaciousness, often through reverberation and slowly evolving textures.

Slow Musical Development

Gradual changes in harmony, texture, or melody, with an unhurried pace and extended durations of musical ideas.

Atmospheric, drone-prominent, slow development.


Drum Machine Rhythms

Prominent use of electronically programmed percussion, including synthesized kick, snare, and hi-hat sounds, forming the rhythmic backbone.

Synthesizer Dominance

Significant presence of electronically generated sounds for melodic lines, harmonic accompaniment, bass parts, and textures.

R&B and Hip-Hop Vocal Styles

Vocal performances characteristic of R&B (sung melodies, ad-libs) and hip-hop (rapped verses, rhythmic chanting).

Pervasive use of drum machines, synthesizers, and vocal approaches typical of contemporary R&B and hip-hop music.


Instrumental Lead Melody

Primary, distinct melody consistently performed by a solo instrument or instrumental section.

Diverse Lead Timbres

Lead melodies performed by a wide array of instrument types: electronic, string, keyboard, woodwind, free-reed aerophone.

Expressive Melodic Performance

Lead instrumental melodies characterized by expressive techniques: articulation, dynamics, ornamentation, virtuosic passages.

Prominent instrumental lead melodies; diverse solo/section timbres; expressive performance styles.