What makes a song "danceable"?

Skel · #1 11-01-2007, 02:20 PM

I think everybody has heard a song in a bar that makes them feel like dancing.

Are there always common attributes of "danceable" songs? I.e., tempo, etc.

Wondering if there is a formula for determining if a song is danceable or not.

bluestarbass · #2 11-01-2007, 02:21 PM

The drummer

Darkstrike · #3 11-01-2007, 02:28 PM

The groove, usully supplied by the bassist!

Atoz · #4 11-01-2007, 02:30 PM

The rhythm section.

Wesley R · #5 11-01-2007, 03:01 PM

Bass and drums

Best of Luck,
Wesley R.

Skel · #6 11-01-2007, 08:16 PM

IMHO, I disagree.

Just because a song has bass and/or drums doesn't make it danceable. Something makes a song danceable.

superbassman2000 · #7 11-01-2007, 08:48 PM

even timing (like 4/4), upbeat tempo would be my guess

Alvaro Martín Gómez A. · #8 11-01-2007, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by superbassman2000

even timing (like 4/4), upbeat tempo would be my guess

Exactly. The keyboard / guitar solo section of "Tom Sawyer" isn't precisely something you can dance to.

David Lansen · #9 11-01-2007, 11:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by superbassman2000

even timing (like 4/4), upbeat tempo would be my guess

but waltz is usually in 3/4

superbassman2000 · #10 11-01-2007, 11:29 PM

i can't say I have ever been to a bar where the bar band breaks into a waltz

Deacon_Blues · #11 11-02-2007, 03:12 AM

You need:
- a rhythm section that grooves,
- a steady tempo which is comfortable to move to,
- a common time signature (e.g. 4/4, 3/4, 6/8),
- a melody/arrangement that is not too complex,
- to show you have fun on stage and want the audience to enjoy the gig as much as you do (or pretend to

).
- to play mostly songs that are well-known to the audience. If you play originals, you've better have a good, charismatic frontman.

That's about it.

Jezz8me · #12 11-02-2007, 04:59 AM

well seeing as i am a big fan of indie "dancing" fast paced guitar bass and drums playing a solid but awsome melody with a cowbell solo in the background

and possible a girl shout singing :P not neccecary but it can help.

T-Bird · #13 11-02-2007, 06:26 AM

Hi.

Can't dance, so can't really say. The gentle swaying when playing cant be considered dancing, or can it?

Seriously, it seems to be somewhat different for every genre of music. For African and close derivatives (sp?) it seems to be mainly the drum beat that follows the heartbeat. For Oriental/Arabic it seems to be the melodic pattern of the "lead" instrument that guides the movement. For Jazz, well, I don't have a clue

Those are obviously based only on my own observations and therefore are probably flawed anyway

.

I'd vote for rythm if this was a poll.

Just my 0,02€
Sam

**baba** · #14 11-02-2007, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skel

IMHO, I disagree.

Just because a song has bass and/or drums doesn't make it danceable. Something makes a song danceable.

I think what they mean is that the drums and bass dictate whether it's danceable. The bass and drums control the groove and pocket and ultimately shake that ass.

Also, I'm assuming we're talking about what the general public in an American bar would consider dancing, not the waltz, moshing, or some Riverdance madness.

marshmallow83 · #15 11-03-2007, 08:20 AM

a walking bassline

Matt Till · #16 11-03-2007, 08:30 AM

Syncopation.

Bassist4Life · #17 11-03-2007, 08:41 AM

I will add to the list "repetition".

pbass2 · #18 11-03-2007, 03:26 PM

Having produced and played on many dance genres(I include house, reggae, hip hop, funk, r&b and the like under this very broad umbrella---those styles that get people's booty's shaking, despite different tempos and styles), I'd agree that aside from coming up with a killer groove it's about repetition, repetition, repetition, repetition, repetition . . . .
No unecessary fills or changes in groove(especially from the rhythm section!) and as steady and consistent a groove as humanly possible(if machines aren't involved

. It's the same with classic James Brown tracks as it is for modern house music---irresistible, accessible, and obvious to the casual listener. A lot harder than it sounds!

phxlbrmpf · #19 11-04-2007, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alvaro Martín Gómez A.

Exactly. The keyboard / guitar solo section of "Tom Sawyer" isn't precisely something you can dance to.

I don't think music needs an "even" meter to be danceable, as far as I know, Bulgarian and Egyptian folk music is almost never in 4/4 or 3/4 and they still manage to dance to it just fine.

Alvaro Martín Gómez A. · #20 11-04-2007, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phxlbrmpf

I don't think music needs an "even" meter to be danceable, as far as I know, Bulgarian and Egyptian folk music is almost never in 4/4 or 3/4 and they still manage to dance to it just fine.

Now that you make me think of it, you're so right. Reminded me of this:

Dancing music from Bulgaria.