BPM by genre

Synthwave

Curated by se7en beatlab · updated September 2026

Electronic · 2 subgenres mapped

100 BPM typical

Range: 80–118 BPM

Synthwave centers on 100 BPM, with most tracks falling between 80 and 118 BPM depending on the mood. Slower, cinematic cuts hug the low end of the range, while Outrun and Darksynk push the pace toward the top. The genre leans on a steady four-on-the-floor pulse, so the tempo is built to drive analog-style synths rather than chase them.

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Typical structure

Tracks usually open with an atmospheric synth intro, build through a verse and a soaring chorus or lead hook, then drop to a breakdown before the final section. Arrangements tend to be long and gradual, favoring layered builds over abrupt changes.

Subgenres

Subgenre Typical Range
Outrun 105 100–110
Darksynth 114 110–118

Production notes

Program a tight four-on-the-floor kick around 100 BPM and lock a gated reverb snare on beats 2 and 4 for that mid-80s drum-machine feel — LinnDrum and DMX samples sit right in the pocket here. Build the foundation on a pulsing 1/8 or 1/16 analog bassline (saw or square) and let an arpeggiated synth carry the motion, since the moderate tempo leaves space for long, evolving pads. Push toward 105 BPM for Outrun energy and 110–118 BPM for the harder, distorted Darksynth lane. Drench leads in chorus, tape saturation, and plate reverb, and sidechain pads to the kick so the groove breathes at this tempo.

Related genres

Pop
House
Lo-fi Hip Hop

More in this family

Techno
Trance
UK Garage

FAQ

What tempo does synthwave sit at?
Synthwave typically sits at 100 BPM, with a usable range of 80 to 118 BPM. Slower cinematic tracks live near 80–90 BPM, while faster Outrun and Darksynth productions climb toward 105–118 BPM.
What BPM are the synthwave sub-genres?
Outrun usually runs 100–110 BPM (typically around 105), giving it that driving highway feel, while Darksynth sits higher and harder at 110–118 BPM (typically around 114).
Is synthwave faster than other electronic genres?
No — at a typical 100 BPM, synthwave is moderate. It is slower than house or techno (usually 120–130 BPM) but its steady four-on-the-floor pulse gives it a similar forward momentum.
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