House music, a genre that originated in the early 1980s within Chicago’s club scene, has evolved into a global phenomenon, branching into numerous subgenres that cater to diverse tastes and cultures. This extensive list of house music subgenres showcases the genre’s versatility, from its classic roots to contemporary variations, illustrating how it continues to influence the music industry and dance floors around the world.
Acid House
Characterized by its squelchy, deep basslines produced using the Roland TB-303 synthesizer, Acid House emerged in the mid-1980s. Its psychedelic sounds and hypnotic rhythms became the soundtrack of rave culture, particularly in the UK.
Afro House & Afro Tech
Afro House blends traditional African music elements with electronic house beats, resulting in a vibrant and percussive sound. Afro Tech, a subset of Afro House, incorporates techno elements, offering a more futuristic take on the African-influenced rhythms.
Ambient House
Ambient House fuses house music’s tempo and groove with ambient music’s atmospheric, textured sounds. It is more laid-back and designed to immerse the listener in a soothing, sonic experience.
Amapiano
Originating from South Africa, Amapiano is a blend of deep house, jazz, and lounge music characterized by synths, airy pads, and wide basslines. It is distinguished by its high-pitched piano melodies and a relaxed, soulful vibe.
Balearic Beat
Emerging from the Ibiza club scene, Balearic Beat is a varied blend of house, Italo disco, and new age music, notable for its eclectic and inclusive approach. It is music that evokes the laid-back, island atmosphere of its birthplace.
Big Room House
Big Room House is designed for large venues and festivals, with a focus on anthemic drops, simple melodies, and a strong emphasis on a build-up and breakdown. It is known for its crowd-pleasing elements and energetic vibes.
Deep House
Deep House combines elements of Chicago house with jazz-funk and touches of soul music. It is characterized by complex melodies, chord progressions, and a smooth, laid-back tempo.
Diva House
Also known as Handbag House, this subgenre emphasizes powerful, soulful vocals from female performers (divas) over upbeat and accessible dance tracks. It is known for its anthemic choruses and uplifting messages.
Electro House
With its roots in the early 2000s, Electro House incorporates heavy bass and an electronic feel, often featuring prominent synths and minimal vocal samples. It is aggressive and designed to energize the dance floor.
Funky House
Funky House is a groovier, more rhythmically driven form of house music, incorporating elements of funk and soul with disco influences. It is known for its infectious beats and feel-good vibes.
Future House
Blending deep house, UK garage, and other electronic music elements, Future House brings a futuristic sound to traditional house structures, characterized by unique basslines and synthesizers.
Garage House
Originating from the US’s East Coast, Garage House combines elements of house with soulful vocals, drawing from the garage music scene. It emphasizes melody and atmosphere.
Ghetto House
Ghetto House, or Booty House, is a faster, more raw form of house music, originating from Chicago. It is known for its minimalistic beats and explicit lyrical content, focusing on rhythm and danceability.
Ghettotech
Ghettotech combines elements of Chicago’s ghetto house with Detroit techno, featuring faster tempos and sexually explicit lyrics. It is a high-energy dance music that is both raw and rhythmic.
Gqom
Originating from South Africa, Gqom is a darker, more hypnotic take on house music, characterized by minimalistic, off-kilter rhythms and heavy bass. It is a raw, stripped-down genre that has become a cultural phenomenon.
Kwaito
Also hailing from South Africa, Kwaito is a slower-tempo house music derivative, incorporating African sounds and samples. It is deeply intertwined with the post-apartheid cultural identity.
Latin House
Latin House infuses house music with elements of Latin American music, including salsa, samba, and reggaeton, resulting in a rhythmic and vibrant sound palette that is irresistibly danceable.
Microhouse
Microhouse, or minimal house, focuses on a minimalist approach, with subtle changes and a less-is-more philosophy. It is characterized by its use of micro-samples and a focus on texture over melody.
Outsider House
Outsider House, or lo-fi house, combines traditional house elements with a rough, unpolished sound. It often incorporates analog equipment, producing a raw, gritty aesthetic that stands apart from mainstream productions.
Progressive House
Emerging in the early 1990s, Progressive House is known for its complex arrangements and builds, with a focus on melodic progression and dynamic shifts rather than repetitive beats, offering a more emotional journey.
Tech House
Tech House blends the soulful elements of house with the futuristic sounds of techno, characterized by repetitive, syncopated beats and a focus on rhythm and texture over melody.
Tribal House
Tribal House incorporates elements of world music, particularly African and Latin American drum patterns, into the house framework, creating a percussive, rhythm-driven sound.
Tropical House
Tropical House is a lighter, more melodic variant of house music, featuring instruments like saxophones and steel drums. It is known for its summery vibes and laid-back rhythms.
UK Hard House
Originating in the UK, Hard House is characterized by its fast tempo, aggressive beats, and energetic style. It combines elements of trance and techno, offering a harder edge to traditional house music.
Each subgenre of house music brings its unique flavor and cultural background to the vast tapestry of electronic dance music. From the soulful melodies of Deep House to the energetic beats of Big Room House, this diverse genre continues to evolve and inspire new generations of artists and fans alike. Whether you are in a packed club or just enjoying music at home, there is a house music subgenre that resonates with every mood and occasion.