How to Read and Write EDM Chord Progressions in MIDI and Standard Notation

Electronic dance music (EDM) thrives on compelling chord progressions that drive emotion and energy. Whether you are a producer working in a digital audio workstation (DAW) or a composer reading sheet music, understanding how to read and write these progressions in both MIDI and standard notation is essential. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the dual notational systems, offering theoretical insights and practical strategies for creating and interpreting EDM chord progressions.

Overview

Reading and writing EDM chord progressions in MIDI and standard notation involves translating musical ideas between two distinct formats. Standard notation uses the five-line staff, clefs, and chord symbols (e.g., Am, F, C, G) to represent pitch and duration. MIDI, on the other hand, records note numbers (0–127) and velocities in a piano roll or event list, which can be visually edited in DAWs. Mastery of both allows producers to communicate with other musicians, analyze existing tracks, and create original progressions with ease.

How It’s Notated

In standard notation, chord progressions are typically written on a grand staff (treble and bass clefs) with chord symbols above the staff. Each chord is represented by its root note and quality (e.g., Cmaj, Dmin, G7), with inversions indicated by slash chords. For EDM, notation often condenses harmony to the essential triads or seventh chords, with rhythmic patterns shown explicitly.

In MIDI, chord progressions are visualized as rectangles on a grid where the vertical axis represents pitch (C3, D3, etc.) and the horizontal axis represents time. Each note is assigned a MIDI note number (e.g., C4 = 60). Writing in MIDI involves placing notes on the grid, setting velocity, and adjusting duration. Modern DAWs allow for easy conversion between MIDI and notation, but understanding the raw MIDI data is crucial for precise control.

How It’s Performed

Unlike traditional performance, EDM chord progressions are typically performed via sequencing and automation, not live instrumentalists. The “performer” is the producer who inputs notes into a piano roll, plays a MIDI keyboard, or uses a step sequencer. This performance captures the chords as data, which can then be manipulated with effects, arpeggiators, and filters. In live EDM sets, DJs often trigger pre-sequenced chord loops, though some use MIDI controllers to play chords in real-time, adding human variation.

How It Works: Theoretical Foundations

EDM chord progressions rely on diatonic harmony—chords built from the notes of a scale. The most common progressions are built on the natural minor scale (e.g., Aeolian mode) and major scale, frequently using the I–VI–III–VII or i–VI–III–VII patterns. Progressions like vi–IV–I–V (a staple in pop) are adapted to EDM with extended chords, such as add9 or sus2, to create emotional color. The bass often plays the root of each chord, while the mid-range synths provide the full chord voicing.

In MIDI, chords are represented as stacked note numbers. For instance, an A minor triad in a typical voicing might be A3 (57), C4 (60), E4 (64). Understanding intervals (minor third, major third, perfect fifth) helps in programming these stacks. Additionally, MIDI can incorporate chord velocity and duration variations that affect the energy of the progression.

Origin and Etymology

The term “EDM” became widely used in the 2010s to describe commercial electronic dance music, but its roots trace back to the 1970s disco and 1980s house and techno. Chord progressions in these genres often borrowed from classical, funk, and soul. The word “chord” itself comes from the Old French “corde,” meaning “string,” referencing the simultaneous sounding of tones. The practice of writing chords in MIDI emerged with the advent of MIDI in 1983, which standardized digital communication between instruments and computers.

Historical Context

EDM chord progressions evolved from early analog synthesizer experiments to the digital DAW era. In the 1980s, pioneers like Kraftwerk used simple triads, while acid house featured minor progressions over 4/4 beats. The 1990s saw trance and progressive house adopt emotionally charged chord sequences, often using the Aeolian mode. By the 2000s, producers like Deadmau5 popularized complex multi-layered chord stacks and sidechain pumping, where chords are “pumped” in volume on each beat. The 2010s brought a mainstream explosion, with artists like Skrillex incorporating aggressive chord stabs and experimental harmonies.

Defining Characteristics

Characteristic EDM chord progressions include:

• Repetition and loop-based structures, often 4 or 8 bars long.
• Minor keys and modal interchange, e.g., borrowing chords from the parallel minor.
• Use of simple triads with added octaves or ninths for a richer sound.
• High rhythmic energy, with chords often hitting on the off-beat or as stabs.
• Sidechain compression creating a rhythmic “pumping” effect on the chords.
• Bass lines that double the root or outline the chord progression.

In standard notation, these characteristics appear as syncopated rhythms and extended chord symbols (e.g., Cmaj9). In MIDI, they translate to velocity variations, gate time, and precise placement of notes on the grid.

Where You’ll Encounter It

EDM chord progressions are found in virtually every track, but they are especially prominent in verses, choruses, and breakdowns. Producers encounter them in DAWs such as Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and FL Studio, where they are programmed into MIDI clips. Sheet music for EDM is rarer but exists in official transcriptions and educational materials, often requiring a hybrid notation that includes synth patches and effect markers. DJs encounter chord progressions when analyzing tracks for harmonic mixing, using key detection software that reads MIDI data.

Key Figures

Several artists have defined EDM chord progression styles:

• Deadmau5 – known for lush, progressive chord stacks in tracks like “Strobe.”
• Skrillex – popularized heavy, distorted chord stabs and complex harmonic shifts.
• Avicii – fused melodic chord progressions with country and folk influences.
• Calvin Harris – crafted pop-friendly progressions that dominate radio.
• Eric Prydz – uses emotive, minor-key progressions with a deep house vibe.

These producers often share their MIDI techniques in tutorials, inspiring a generation of bedroom producers.

Landmark Works

Some representative EDM tracks include:

• “Strobe” (2009) by Deadmau5 – a study in evolving chord progressions.
• “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” (2010) by Skrillex – features aggressive chord stabs.
• “Levels” (2011) by Avicii – a euphoric progression that became an anthem.
• “Animals” (2013) by Martin Garrix – a minimal but driving minor progression.
• “Faded” (2015) by Alan Walker – a melancholic progression with wide chord voicing.

These works illustrate the range of harmonic complexity in EDM, from simple to sophisticated, and serve as references for producers.

Common Misconceptions

A frequent misconception is that MIDI and standard notation are mutually exclusive. In reality, they are complementary: MIDI can be exported to notation software and vice versa. Another myth is that EDM chord progressions are always simple and repetitive; while loops are common, many tracks feature intricate secondary dominants and chromatic mediants. Additionally, some believe that reading standard notation is unnecessary for EDM producers, but it remains a valuable skill for communication and theoretical analysis.

Another error is confusing chord progressions with bass lines or melodies; while they are interconnected, the progression provides the harmonic foundation. Finally, many assume that all EDM is in major keys, but the vast majority of hits actually use minor keys or modal scales.

Understanding these nuances helps producers avoid genre clichés and craft more original music.