House vs Deep House
By Alan More
House emerged from Chicago's early-1980s club scene.[1] Deep house branched off soon after, fusing that same four-on-the-floor foundation with the lush chords of 1980s jazz-funk.[3][6]
| House | Deep House | |
|---|---|---|
| Origins | Created in Chicago, Illinois, in the early 1980s.[1] | Originated in the 1980s, initially fusing elements of Chicago house.[3] |
| Sound | Drumbeats are almost always provided by an electronic drum machine, often a Roland TR-808, TR-909 or TR-707.[5] | Built on the lush chords of 1980s jazz-funk.[6] |
| Tempo | A typical tempo of 115 to 130 beats per minute.[2] | Tempos typically from 110 to 125 BPM.[4] |
Sources
- [1] Wikipedia: House music (accessed 2026-09-24)
- [2] Wikipedia: House music (accessed 2026-09-24)
- [3] Wikipedia: Deep house (accessed 2026-09-24)
- [4] Wikipedia: Deep house (accessed 2026-09-24)
- [5] Wikipedia: House music (accessed 2026-09-24)
- [6] Wikipedia: Deep house (accessed 2026-09-24)
Frequently asked questions
Is deep house a type of house music?
Yes. Deep house is a subgenre of house that fuses house's four-on-the-floor foundation with the lush chords of 1980s jazz-funk, running at a slightly slower 110 to 125 BPM against house's 115 to 130 BPM range.
What is the main sound difference between house and deep house?
House drives its groove with an electronic drum machine on a four-on-the-floor beat, often a Roland TR-808, TR-909 or TR-707. Deep house layers that same foundation with lush, jazz-funk chords for a warmer, slower mood.