Afro House has taken over dance floors worldwide with its hypnotic rhythms, organic textures, and deep grooves. But how do you actually start producing an Afro House track from scratch? If you're new to music production or switching genres, don’t worry—we’ve got you. In this beginner-friendly guide, we’ll break down what defines Afro House, how to structure your track, what sounds you need, and how a tool like Chordoo can help you lay down chords effortlessly.
What is Afro House?
Afro House is a subgenre of house music that blends deep house elements with African percussion, soulful vocals, and traditional instrumentation. It’s all about groove, rhythm, and emotion. Tracks usually sit between 115–123 BPM and are driven by polyrhythmic drum patterns and atmospheric textures.
Unlike other house styles, Afro House doesn’t always rely on complex melodies. Instead, it builds emotion through layers, organic instruments, and well-crafted chord progressions.
Core Sounds in Afro House
- Drums: Congas, bongos, shakers, and other percussions are the backbone. Use layered grooves with swing and shuffle.
- Bass: Deep, warm, and often syncopated. Think sub-basslines that dance with the kick.
- Pads & Atmospheres: Organic textures, vocal chops, or ambient field recordings add emotion and depth.
- Chords: Jazzy, soulful progressions that stay subtle and vibe-heavy—perfect use case for Chordoo.
- Vocals: Often sampled or recorded in African dialects—emotive, spiritual, or chant-like.
Start with a solid drum loop, add a few textures, and let the groove guide the rest.
How to Structure an Afro House Track
Afro House tracks typically follow a progressive structure. They evolve slowly, layering elements gradually for a hypnotic feel. Here's a simple structure to follow:
- Intro (0:00–1:00): Kick, basic percussion, maybe an atmosphere. Keep it clean.
- Build (1:00–2:30): Add bass and textures. Slowly introduce melodic or vocal elements.
- Drop / Main Groove (2:30–4:30): Full percussion, chords, and vocal chops. This is the emotional core.
- Breakdown (4:30–5:30): Strip back the drums, highlight melody or vocal for a breather.
- Outro (5:30+): Let it fade naturally with percussion or FX.
The key is flow. Afro House isn't about fast drops—it's a journey. Let each section breathe.
Creating Chords with Chordoo
If you're not a pianist or theory expert, don’t stress. Chords in Afro House are all about the feel—usually minor, deep, and repetitive. With Chordoo’s free MIDI generator, you can create progressions with just a click.
Try selecting a jazz or house preset and generate a 4-bar progression like Em7 - Bm7 - Amaj7 - F#m. Then drag the MIDI into your DAW and use a Rhodes or pad to test the vibe.
Quick Tip
Layer your Chordoo progression with a marimba or kalimba-style synth for instant Afro House magic.
Final Touches & Inspiration
- Add FX: Reverb, delays, vinyl crackle, or field recordings can bring authenticity.
- Automate: Slowly fade in pads, modulate filters, and automate reverb to evolve your track.
- Reference: Listen to artists like Black Coffee, Caiiro, or Da Capo to understand arrangement and energy.
Don’t overthink it—Afro House is as much about feeling as it is about structure. Trust your ears, follow the groove, and let your track evolve naturally.
Wrap Up
Producing Afro House is incredibly rewarding. Once you understand the foundation—rhythm, groove, and emotion—you’ll start crafting tracks that move people. And with tools like Chordoo handling your chord progressions, you can focus on the vibe, not the theory. Now fire up your DAW and let the drums speak.