Music
glide
What does glide mean?
As a noun, 'the glide,' the technique itself.
"Producers chase the perfect glide on every drill beat."
Origin
A music-production term (portamento) that became the defining feature of UK drill 808 basslines in the mid-2010s, pioneered by producers like 808Melo. Distinguishes UK drill from Chicago drill.
Frequently asked questions
What is the glide in drill music?
It's the smooth pitch-bend between two notes on an 808 bass, making the bassline sound like it's sliding. It's the signature of UK drill.
How do you make a glide on an 808?
In most DAWs you enable mono/legato mode and set a portamento or glide time, then write overlapping notes so the pitch slides between them. Producers tweak the glide length to taste.
Is glide the same as slide?
In drill production they're used interchangeably for the pitch-bending 808 technique. Both describe the same sliding bass.
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