Mainstream Drum & Bass Course

Welcome to the Mainstream DNB Course by Dan Larsson! In this course, you'll learn how to craft tight drums, rich harmonies, powerful reese basslines, and pro-level mixes to create a polished liquid DnB track. Whether you're starting out or refining your skills, this course will give you the tools to take your production to the next level.

Video 1 - Drums

This session covers the drum foundation of a liquid DnB track. Dan walks through each layer in the drum arrangement—from kick and snare selection to hi-hats—demonstrating how to build a beat that drives the track’s groove and energy. You’ll learn techniques to balance punch and flow, essential for a genre as rhythmically nuanced as liquid DnB.

Video 2 - Chords with Piano

In this video, we dive into the harmonic structure with rich, evocative piano chords that set the emotional tone of the track. Dan demonstrates his approach to layering chords, voice leading, and creating a progression that works seamlessly in the DnB context. By the end of this session, you'll have a solid understanding of how to craft chord layers that add depth and musicality.

Video 3 - Reese and Send FX

Here, we focus on creating the iconic reese bass, a signature sound in DnB, and explore how to use send effects to create width and space. Dan explains the sound design behind the reese, including modulation techniques, and shows how to enhance the bass with effects that bring the track to life—perfect for those looking to add extra punch and texture to their basslines.

Video 4 - Tiny Pluck

In this session, Dan introduces a small but impactful pluck sound, carefully weaving it into the mix for added texture. You’ll learn how to create subtle melodic elements that enhance the arrangement without overwhelming it, adding extra character to the track’s soundscape.

Video 5 - Tiny Riff

This video focuses on building a tiny melodic riff that complements the pluck and piano elements. Dan shows how to create these small melodic phrases to give the track added rhythmic interest while keeping the overall vibe balanced and cohesive.

Video 6 - Tiny Piano

Dan layers a delicate piano melody over the chords and drums, adding an emotional, cinematic touch. This session is all about subtlety—Dan demonstrates how to create melodic layers that support the main elements and bring out the track’s mood.

Video 7 - Violin

In this session, we bring in a violin line to introduce organic, live-sounding elements that make the track feel more dynamic. Dan shows techniques for blending acoustic and electronic sounds, adding richness and a human touch that enhances the depth of the arrangement.

Video 8 - FX

Time to focus on FX! Dan dives into a variety of effects—like risers, impacts, and subtle atmospheric touches—that give the track smooth transitions and a polished flow. This video shows how FX can guide the listener through different sections, enhancing the overall journey of the track.

Video 9 - Atmosphere

Atmospheric layers play a key role in creating space and depth, and this session explores how to craft them. Dan uses a unique trick to build ambient textures that serve as a backdrop, filling out the soundstage and making the mix feel more spacious. You’ll learn techniques behind designing atmosphere that enhances the entire track without drawing too much attention.

Video 10 - Mix Vocals

In this video, Dan demonstrates vocal mixing, covering EQ, compression, and effects to blend vocals seamlessly with the instrumental. You’ll learn how to treat vocals in a way that complements the mainstream DnB style, adding clarity and presence without overpowering the rest of the track.

Video 11 - Mastering

To wrap it all up, Dan takes the track through the mastering process, achieving a final polished sound. This session covers basic mixing and mastering techniques to ensure the track is loud, clear, and well-balanced—perfect for giving your work that professional edge.