---
name: genre-analysis
description: Analyze and classify music genres, subgenres, and micro-genres with deep knowledge of characteristics, history, and relationships for accurate style specification
allowed-tools: Read, Write, Edit, WebSearch, WebFetch
id: SK-MAC-006
---

# Genre Analysis

Provide deep genre classification and analysis for accurate music style specification.

## Overview

This skill provides comprehensive genre knowledge for precise musical categorization. It encompasses genre taxonomy, historical context, characteristic identification, fusion analysis, and platform-specific genre tagging.

## Capabilities

### Genre Taxonomy
- Classify primary genres accurately
- Identify secondary genre influences
- Specify subgenres and micro-genres
- Map genre relationships
- Understand genre evolution

### Characteristic Identification
- Identify sonic signatures per genre
- Recognize typical instrumentation
- Define tempo and rhythm patterns
- Note production conventions
- Describe vocal approaches

### Historical Context
- Trace genre origins and development
- Identify key artists and albums
- Map era-specific characteristics
- Understand regional variations
- Note cultural contexts

### Fusion Analysis
- Identify compatible genre combinations
- Describe fusion techniques
- Note successful hybrid examples
- Avoid genre clashes
- Create coherent blends

### Platform Tagging
- Know Suno-specific genre tags
- Understand Udio genre vocabulary
- Map internal tags to platform terms
- Optimize for AI interpretation

## Genre Reference Database

### Electronic
| Subgenre | BPM | Characteristics | Era |
|----------|-----|-----------------|-----|
| House | 120-130 | Four-on-floor, synth stabs | 1980s+ |
| Techno | 130-150 | Mechanical, industrial | 1980s+ |
| Drum & Bass | 160-180 | Breakbeats, heavy bass | 1990s+ |
| Dubstep | 140 | Wobble bass, half-time | 2000s+ |
| Ambient | 60-100 | Atmospheric, textural | 1970s+ |
| Synthwave | 80-120 | Retro synths, 80s homage | 2000s+ |
| IDM | 90-160 | Complex, experimental | 1990s+ |
| Trance | 130-150 | Melodic, euphoric | 1990s+ |

### Rock
| Subgenre | BPM | Characteristics | Era |
|----------|-----|-----------------|-----|
| Classic Rock | 100-140 | Guitar-driven, blues-influenced | 1960s-70s |
| Punk | 140-200 | Fast, raw, simple | 1970s+ |
| Grunge | 100-140 | Heavy, distorted, angsty | 1990s |
| Indie Rock | 100-140 | DIY aesthetic, alternative | 1980s+ |
| Post-Rock | 80-130 | Atmospheric, crescendos | 1990s+ |
| Shoegaze | 80-120 | Layered guitars, reverb | 1980s-90s |
| Metal | 100-200+ | Heavy, distorted | 1970s+ |

### Hip-Hop/R&B
| Subgenre | BPM | Characteristics | Era |
|----------|-----|-----------------|-----|
| Boom Bap | 85-100 | Sampled drums, breaks | 1980s-90s |
| Trap | 100-175 | 808s, hi-hats, dark | 2010s+ |
| Lo-fi Hip-Hop | 70-90 | Relaxed, jazzy samples | 2010s+ |
| R&B | 60-90 | Soulful, melodic | 1940s+ |
| Neo-Soul | 70-100 | Organic, jazz-influenced | 1990s+ |
| Drill | 140-150 | Sliding 808s, aggressive | 2010s+ |

### Pop
| Subgenre | BPM | Characteristics | Era |
|----------|-----|-----------------|-----|
| Synth-Pop | 100-130 | Electronic, catchy | 1980s+ |
| Indie Pop | 100-140 | Alternative, quirky | 2000s+ |
| Dream Pop | 80-120 | Ethereal, atmospheric | 1980s+ |
| Electropop | 110-130 | Electronic production | 2000s+ |
| Art Pop | Varies | Experimental, avant-garde | 1970s+ |

### Other Genres
| Genre | BPM | Characteristics | Era |
|-------|-----|-----------------|-----|
| Jazz | 60-200 | Improvisation, swing | 1900s+ |
| Folk | 80-140 | Acoustic, storytelling | Traditional |
| Country | 80-140 | Twang, storytelling | 1920s+ |
| Reggae | 60-90 | Off-beat rhythm | 1960s+ |
| Classical | Varies | Orchestral, composed | 1750+ |
| World | Varies | Cultural traditions | Varies |

## Usage Guidelines

### Genre Classification Process
1. Identify primary sonic characteristics
2. Note tempo and rhythm patterns
3. Analyze instrumentation
4. Consider vocal style
5. Map to genre taxonomy
6. Identify subgenre specifics
7. Note any fusion elements
8. Verify with reference tracks

### Quality Checklist
- [ ] Primary genre is accurately identified
- [ ] Subgenres are specific and correct
- [ ] Characteristics match genre conventions
- [ ] Historical context is accurate
- [ ] Fusion elements are coherent
- [ ] Platform tags are appropriate

## Integration Points

### Related Skills
- SK-MAC-002 (style-specification) - Genre in context
- SK-MAC-008 (production-guidance) - Genre production
- SK-MAC-010 (music-prompt-engineering) - Platform tags

### Related Agents
- AG-MAC-002 (music-producer-agent) - Genre expertise

## References

- AllMusic genre taxonomy
- Discogs style guide
- Every Noise at Once (genre map)
- Rate Your Music genre system