exact structure of a track?

[chrisking]

Newb question.

I was wondering what the most common structure of a track is, I think it starts 4 beats to a bar...4 bars to a phase..etc? Guess this really only matters for intro and outro?

Just so that I can make them DJ friendly.

[TheHobbit]

Hope this helps :

http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Build-a-Dance-Track&id=1906393

http://www.answerbag.com/articles/How-to-Make-Electronic-Music/5fa0c05f-9179-5f88-7715-c04b58c708a6

:)

[chrisking]

thanks, yes I knew all that, just meant my question to be more like

is the intro speaking simply in terms of kicks

xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx (how many times, because I want to make my music mixing friendly so the intro and outro isnt to show or too long)

[TheHobbit]

Best advice to give is simply listen to music tracks of the genre/type you want to produce. Listen and count the beats. There really is no rule of thumb. Some tracks start with a 8/16/34 or 64 beat build up into the main riff or into the first break, some go straight into a tune(harder to mix but designed for a drop in). Just listen to some tunes and take it from there...

Don't forget your target audience. Their minds will accept a groove if straight or offbeat after 4/8 bars (imo), of course you could get clever and trick the listener...its all down to the vibe you want to create with your music. The ears and brain will here a 'Rhythm' and respond/accept it...of course you can delay things which is how a phrase or break can create a build up and suddenly release...

[absynth]

first make shure the sound/track works, in the finish you can still make it "dj friendly" with a beat-intro/extro

[feedingear]

Nailed it absynth - if you want to make a dj friendly mix you can always just build up and down on other side of the composition. Pick up a few of your favourite tunes on vinyl and have a listen.

[chrisking]

thanks so much, exactly the answers i needed! the advice is greatly appreciated.