How to make Dreamy Music

What makes music sound dreamy? What makes it have that strange, mysterious atmosphere that evokes your imagination or even go into the surreal? 

Music that sounds anything from nostalgic happy dreams of the past, to dark scary dreams.

The main focus here is to get that “dreamy” sound, the vibe that feels like the world is floating in a bubble, that something is out of place.

Here are some great quick tips to get this atmosphere in your music:

7 Tips on How to make Dreamy Music

1. Slow Tempos (low energy)
2. Minimal Rhythm ((low energy)
3. Low Dynamics (soft and peaceful)
4. Arpeggios (flowing phrases)
5. Extended Chords (add harmonic colors)
6. Mystery Harmonies (sus chords, add 6)
7. Surprising Shifts (modulations, false cadences)

So what about particular instruments and sounds? Well, long sustaining sounds, and instruments that can “ring”, are perfect for dreamy music.

Let me give you some practical examples: plucked strings like guitars and harp, piano (especially with sustain pedal), and any instrument that is or sounds like a bell.

These are some quick tips for creating that dreamy, mysterious vibe. Keep the core in major for “happy dreams” or minor for “dark dreams”. Have fun making dreamy music! =)