Applying Avicii's Production Secrets in Your Own Music

You've downloaded the Avicii Production Secrets guide—now let's put those techniques to work. This article shows you exactly how to apply Avicii's methods to create your own signature sound.

Beyond Imitation: Making It Yours

The Avicii Philosophy

Avicii's music worked because of:

• Emotional authenticity over technical complexity
• Memorable melodies that stick in your head
• Clean, punchy mixes that work everywhere
• Genre-blending that created new sounds

Your goal: Apply these principles, not copy the sounds.

The Creative Process

Step 1: Deconstruct

• Study the techniques
• Understand why they work
• Identify the core principles

Step 2: Reconstruct

• Apply principles to your style
• Add your unique perspective
• Create something new

Step 3: Evolve

• Build on the foundation
• Develop your signature
• Push boundaries

Applying the Chord Progressions

The Foundation Progression

From the guide: I-vi-vi-iv (Avicii's favorite)

C Major example:

C - F - G - Am - F

Making It Fresh

Technique 1: Rhythmic Variation

Instead of straight chords:

Original: | C | F | G | Am | F |
Variation: | C . F | G . . Am | F . . . |
           (Staccato) (Syncopated)

Technique 2: Add Passing Chords

Original: C - F - G - Am - F
Enhanced: C - C/E - F - Dm/F - G - G/B - Am - F
           ^^^^^^^  ^^^^^^^  ^^^^^^  (Bass movement)

Technique 3: Inversion Mix

C (root) → F (2nd inversion) → G (1st inversion) → Am (root) → F (2nd inversion)

Result: Smooth bass line while keeping progression recognizable

Genre Adaptation

For Pop:

Progression: I - V - vi - IV (C - G - Am - F)
Avicii Twist: Add 7ths for sophistication
Cmaj7 - G7 - Am7 - Fmaj7

For Trance:

Progression: i - VI - III - VII (Am - F - C - G)
Avicii Twist: Arpeggiated chords with supersaw layers

For Future Bass:

Progression: I - V - vi - iii - IV (C - G - Am - Em - F)
Avicii Twist: Add jazzy extensions
Cmaj9 - G7 - Am9 - Em7 - Fmaj7

Sound Design Applications

The Avicii Pluck

From the guide: Short attack, medium decay, slight detune

Application in Your Music:

Step 1: Start with the Recipe

Sylenth1 Settings:
- Osc A: Saw, 8 voices, detune 4.00
- Osc B: Square, 4 voices, detune 2.50, +1 octave
- Filter: Low-pass 24dB, cutoff 40%
- Filter Envelope: Decay 0.45s, sustain 30%

Step 2: Modify for Your Style

Darker version:

Changes:
- Osc B: Change to saw, remove octave
- Filter: Lower cutoff to 30%
- Add saturation for grit

Brighter version:

Changes:
- Osc B: +2 octaves instead of +1
- Filter: Raise cutoff to 50%
- Add chorus for width

Warmer version:

Changes:
- Osc A: Reduce voices to 4
- Osc B: Triangle wave instead of square
- Add subtle vibrato

Creating Your Signature Lead

The Process:

1. Start with Avicii's formula
2. Change one element at a time:
   • Different waveform
   • Different filter type
   • Different envelope settings
3. Save when you find something unique
4. Build a library of your variations

Example Evolution:

Generation 1: Pure Avicii pluck
Generation 2: Added more detune
Generation 3: Changed filter to band-pass
Generation 4: Added FM modulation
Generation 5: YOUR signature sound

Vocal Processing Techniques

The Vocal Chop Method

From the guide: Slice, rearrange, process

Application:

Step 1: Source Material

Options:
- Your own vocals
- Vocal sample packs
- AI-generated vocals (Suno, etc.)
- Session singer recordings

Step 2: Chopping Strategy

Classic Avicii:

Pattern: "I could be the one" → "Could be the one" → "Be the one"
Rhythm: 1 . . . & . . 2 . . . & . .
Effect: Builds energy through repetition

Your Variation:

Pattern: "In the night" → "Night" → "In the night sky"
Rhythm: 1 . . 2 . . 3 . . 4 . . .
Effect: Creates different emotional arc

Step 3: Processing Chain

Standard Avicii chain:

1. Pitch correction (light)
2. Compression (4:1 ratio)
3. EQ (high-pass 100Hz, boost 3-5kHz)
4. De-esser
5. Reverb (plate, 20-30% wet)
6. Delay (1/8 note, 20% wet)

Your twist:

Add to chain:
- Formant shifting for character
- Bitcrusher for edge
- Stereo widener for space
- Sidechain compression for pumping

Writing Vocal-Worthy Melodies

The Avicii Approach:

1. Singable range: Stay within comfortable vocal range
2. Clear rhythm: Easy to articulate
3. Emotional arc: Rise and fall with lyrics
4. Space for breath: Don't overcrowd

Exercise:

Take any Avicii melody from the guide
1. Sing it without instruments
2. Notice where it rises and falls
3. Apply similar contour to your melody
4. Adjust for your song's emotion

Mixing Applications

The Clean Mix Philosophy

Avicii's mixing approach:

• Every element has its space
• Nothing fights for attention
• Clarity over complexity

Application to Your Mix:

Step 1: Frequency Slotting

Create a frequency map:

20-60Hz:     Sub bass only
60-120Hz:    Bass fundamental
120-250Hz:   Warmth (be careful here)
250-500Hz:   Remove mud
500Hz-2kHz:  Presence zone
2-5kHz:      Clarity and attack
5-10kHz:     Sparkle
10-20kHz:    Air

Step 2: Apply to Your Track

For each element:

Kick: Boost 60Hz, cut 300Hz, boost 3-5kHz
Bass: Boost 80Hz, cut 200-400Hz, subtle 2-3kHz
Lead: High-pass 200Hz, boost 2-5kHz presence
Pads: High-pass 300Hz, cut 2-5kHz (make space for lead)

The Wide Stereo Field

Avicii's width strategy:

Mono:    Kick, snare, bass, lead vocal
30%:     Lead synths
60%:     Backing elements
100%:    Pads, effects, atmosphere

Application:

Start with everything mono:

1. Pan kick and snare center
2. Pan bass center
3. Pan main elements center
4. Then add width to supporting elements

Add width gradually:

Verse: Mostly mono (intimate)
Build: Start widening elements
Drop: Full width (energy)
Breakdown: Pull back (contrast)

Arrangement Techniques

The Build-Drop Formula

Avicii's structure:

Intro:    Set mood (minimal)
Verse:    Tell story (60% energy)
Build:    Create tension (80% energy)
Drop:     Release (100% energy)
Break:    Contrast (40% energy)
Build 2:  Tension again (80% energy)
Drop 2:   Peak energy (100%+)
Outro:    Resolution (minimal)

Application Examples

For a Melodic House Track:

0:00-0:30  Intro: Piano only, set emotional tone
0:30-1:00  Verse: Add drums, tell story
1:00-1:15  Build: Filter opening, add elements
1:15-1:45  Drop: Full energy, main theme
1:45-2:15  Break: Strip back, create contrast
2:15-2:30  Build 2: Different riser, more intense
2:30-3:00  Drop 2: Variation on first drop
3:00-3:30  Outro: Fade out with piano

For a Pop Track:

0:00-0:15  Intro: Vocal hook snippet
0:15-0:45  Verse 1: Story begins
0:45-1:00  Pre-chorus: Build anticipation
1:00-1:30  Chorus: Big release, main hook
1:30-2:00  Verse 2: Continue story
2:00-2:15  Pre-chorus: Build again
2:15-2:45  Chorus: Same or variation
2:45-3:00  Bridge: Different section
3:00-3:30  Final Chorus: Biggest version
3:30-3:45  Outro: Fade out

Creating Your Own Formula

Step 1: Analyze Your References

• What structure do they use?
• When do they add/remove elements?
• How do they create contrast?

Step 2: Create a Template

• Write down your structure
• Note where transitions happen
• Plan energy levels

Step 3: Test and Refine

• Produce a track using your formula
• Does it work for your genre?
• Adjust based on results

Practical Exercises

Exercise 1: The Avicii Study

Task: Pick one Avicii track and analyze it completely

Steps:

1. Listen 5 times with different focuses:

   • Listen 1: Overall structure
   • Listen 2: Chord progression
   • Listen 3: Sound design
   • Listen 4: Mix and arrangement
   • Listen 5: Emotional journey

2. Document:

   • Key and BPM
   • Chord progression (write it out)
   • Main sounds used
   • Structure breakdown
   • Why it works emotionally

3. Apply:

   • Use same progression with different sounds
   • Or use same sounds with different progression
   • Create something new using the principles

Exercise 2: The Cover Challenge

Task: Cover an Avicii track, then create an original

Phase 1: The Cover

1. Pick an Avicii song
2. Recreate it as closely as possible
3. Use the guide to understand the techniques
4. Document what you learned

Phase 2: The Original

1. Write a new track using same principles
2. Same progression type, different chords
3. Similar arrangement structure
4. Your own sound design

Goal: Understand through recreation, then innovate

Exercise 3: The Genre Blend

Task: Apply Avicii techniques to different genres

Week 1: Produce a House track (Avicii's home genre) Week 2: Produce a Pop track using same techniques Week 3: Produce a Trance track Week 4: Produce something experimental

For each:

• Use the chord progression guide
• Apply the sound design principles
• Follow the arrangement formula
• Adapt for the genre

Developing Your Signature Sound

The Journey

Month 1-2: Learn the Techniques

• Study the guide thoroughly
• Recreate Avicii sounds exactly
• Understand why they work

Month 3-4: Experiment and Modify

• Start changing elements
• Combine with other influences
• Find what resonates with you

Month 5-6: Develop Your Voice

• Create your signature sounds
• Develop your unique progressions
• Establish your mixing style

Month 7+: Evolve and Innovate

• Push beyond the foundation
• Blend with new influences
• Create something truly yours

Finding Your Unique Elements

Ask yourself:

• What emotions do I want to convey?
• What sounds excite me?
• What genres do I love?
• What do I want to say that hasn't been said?

Combine influences:

Avicii: Emotional progressions, clean mixes
+ Your favorite artist: [Their unique element]
+ Your background: [Your cultural influences]
+ Your experiences: [Your stories]
= Your signature sound

Resources and Next Steps

Complete Your Learning

Download the full guide:

• Avicii Production Secrets - Complete PDF with project files

Complete your toolkit:

• Music Production Checklist - Professional workflow
• FL Studio Template - Organized production setup

Study more techniques:

• Suno AI Masterclass - Generate ideas quickly
• Music Theory for EDM - Understand the harmony

Watch Video Tutorials

See these techniques demonstrated:

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Join the Community

Share your work:

• Tag me on Instagram: @livvux
• Join discussions on X: @livvux

Ask questions:

• Drop a comment on any blog post
• Reach out on social media

Your Action Plan

This Week

Day 1: Download the Avicii guide and study chord progressions Day 2: Create one progression variation Day 3: Design a lead sound using the formula Day 4-7: Produce a short track applying the techniques

This Month

Week 1: Master the progressions Week 2: Master the sound design Week 3: Master the arrangement Week 4: Combine everything, create your track

Remember

Avicii's legacy isn't the specific sounds he used—it's the emotional connection he created.

Your job:

• Learn the techniques
• Understand the principles
• Apply them creatively
• Make music that moves people

RIP Tim Bergling (1989-2018) Your music lives on through those you've inspired.

Ready to create something amazing? Get the complete guide and start your journey.

What Avicii techniques are you most excited to apply? Let me know in the comments!