What is Dub music?

Origin of Dub

Jamaica, early 1970s. Emerged when sound engineers (King Tubby, Lee Scratch Perry) stripped reggae tracks down to percussion and bass, then added reverb, echo, and dropouts as creative interventions. Dub is among the first music where the mixing desk became an instrument in its own right.

Era: 1970--present

Defining sound of Dub

Cavernous reverb and delay on every instrument. Bass and drums brought to the foreground. Melodic elements are dubbed out -- dropping in and out, treated with heavy echo. BPM typically 60-90. Negative space (silence) is as important as sound.

Pioneers of Dub

• King Tubby
• Lee Scratch Perry
• Augustus Pablo
• Channel One
• Scientist

Key Dub artists

• The Orb
• Massive Attack
• Basic Channel
• Mark Stewart
• Adrian Sherwood

Related genres

Frequently asked questions about Dub

When did Dub start?

Dub originated 1970--present. Jamaica, early 1970s.

Who invented Dub?

Dub was pioneered by King Tubby, Lee Scratch Perry, Augustus Pablo, Channel One, Scientist. Jamaica, early 1970s. Emerged when sound engineers (King Tubby, Lee Scratch Perry) stripped reggae tracks down to percussion and bass, then added reverb, echo, and dropouts as creative interventions. Dub is among the first music where the mixing desk became an instrument in its own right.

Is Dub still popular?

Dub continues to be listened to and has influenced countless artists since its origins. Key contemporary artists in the genre include The Orb, Massive Attack, Basic Channel, Mark Stewart.

What does Dub sound like?

Cavernous reverb and delay on every instrument. Bass and drums brought to the foreground. Melodic elements are dubbed out -- dropping in and out, treated with heavy echo. BPM typically 60-90. Negative space (silence) is as important as sound.

What is the difference between Dub and reggae?

Dub and reggae are related genres that share some characteristics but differ in origin, instrumentation, and production approach. See the reggae definition page for a full comparison.