The Music Theory Behind "Around The World" Piano Melody

Released in 1997, Daft Punk's hit single 'Around The World' from their groundbreaking debut album 'Homework' topped dance charts worldwide. In this guide, we'll explore the music theory behind this iconic track and show you how to play its memorable melody.

“Around The World” Melody

Scale used

• E minor scale (E natural minor scale)

There are two parts to the melody. They both use the E minor scale and have a similar descending pattern.

1st Part:
The melody starts with a passing note from middle D to E, then jumps up a minor 7th to a higher D. It descends through the E minor scale to G, alternates between G and A, and finally resolves on B, the 5th of the scale.

2nd Part:
This section mirrors the first part but with a key difference: the interval jump is an octave. It descends through the E minor pentatonic scale (skipping the 6th, C) and features the same G-A alternating melody, but it resolves on E, the tonic.

They both use the same rhythmic pattern.

What makes this melody sound disco and catchy is the repetition of the G-A-G-A pattern in both parts of the track and the use of 1/16 notes at the beginning and end of the melodic phrase (especially ending with 4-& and 4-a).

The articulation of these notes is also crucial; playing the descending notes short and detached accentuates the 1/8 note rhythm, giving the melody a bouncy quality that would be lost if played smoothly and connected.

The lead melody of “Around The World” by Daft Punk, originally played on an analog synth, demonstrates how infectious melodies can sound through the use of syncopation, repetition and minimal changes to the notes.

How to recreate the "Around The World" Drums & Bassline

If you're interested in the broader composition of this popular tune, watch this video which breaks down the beat and the bassline.

'Around The World' Drums

To play the drums for "Around The World," start by focusing on the kick, hi-hat and claps.

1. Kick Drum: Play a 'Four on the floor' pattern, where the kick hits on every beat of the bar. This steady and constant kick pattern is fundamental to many EDM and disco beats.
2. Hi-Hat:
   • Open hi-hat: Hits on every offbeat of the bar, between the kicks, adding drive and danceability.
   • Closed hi-hat: Plays two 1/16 notes—one on all the -a beats and another in sync with the kicks.
3. Claps: Hit on every upbeat of the bar (beats 2 and 4).

'Around The World' Bassline

As Daft Punk recalled, "making this song was like making a Chic record with a talk box and just playing the bass on the synthesizer," the bassline of this track closely resembles the bassline of Chic's 'Good Times'.

The bassline starts with four repeated root notes, ascending up the E minor scale to the next set of four root notes, followed by another set of four. Then, it descends down the E minor scale (F♯, E, D, C, B, A, G). This descending sequence, which is constantly repeated, is also used at the beginning of the song.

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