Protocol Overview
Understanding the BeatBlocks protocol architecture
What is BeatBlocks?
BeatBlocks is a decentralized protocol for music composition, ownership, and distribution on the Bitcoin blockchain. It leverages Bitcoin's security and ordinals technology to enable the creation, ownership, and trading of music components as digital assets.
The protocol provides a standardized way to create, compose, and play generative music directly from the blockchain, without relying on centralized servers or proprietary formats.
Key Features
100% On Chain
All BeatBlocks data is stored directly on the Bitcoin blockchain through ordinals, ensuring complete decentralization with no external servers required.
Secure & Immutable
Music assets are preserved by Bitcoin's network, providing verifiable authenticity and permanent ownership that cannot be altered or removed.
Efficient File Storage
The protocol uses specialized audio compression, looping techniques, and stem-based approaches to minimize on-chain storage costs while maximizing musical possibilities.
Generative Music
Create evolving musical experiences with on-chain stems that can be combined in countless ways based on generation rules and seed values.
Protocol Architecture
The BeatBlocks protocol consists of several key components that work together to enable decentralized music creation and playback:
Blocks
The fundamental unit of the BeatBlocks protocol is a "block" - a self-contained musical component that can be:
- A drum beat
- A melody line
- A bassline
- A chord progression
- A vocal sample
- Sound effects
- Complete instrument stems
Each block is inscribed on the Bitcoin blockchain as an ordinal, making it a provably scarce digital asset with verifiable ownership.
Composition
Multiple blocks can be combined to create full compositions. The protocol supports:
- Layering of blocks (vertical composition)
- Sequencing of blocks (horizontal composition)
- Remix capabilities (parameter adjustment of blocks)
- Collaborative creation
Metadata Standard
Each BeatBlock contains standardized metadata:
- Creator information
- Musical key
- BPM (Beats Per Minute)
- Time signature
- Genre tags
- Instrument type
- License information
- Composition history
{
"details": {
"title": "Ambient Pad",
"author": "beatblocks",
"bpm": 90,
"key": "C minor",
"timeSignature": "4/4",
"genre": ["ambient", "electronic"],
"instrument": "synthesizer",
"license": "CC BY-SA 4.0"
}
}Technical Specification
Inscription Format
BeatBlocks are inscribed as ordinals with a specific data structure:
- Audio data (compressed in MP3 or Ogg format)
- JSON metadata
- Optional MIDI data
- Optional stem separation information
Smart Contracts
The protocol implements Bitcoin-native smart contract functionality through:
- Ownership verification
- Royalty distribution
- Collaboration splitting
- Usage licensing
Indexing and Discovery
BeatBlocks implements an indexing system allowing:
- Discovery of compatible blocks
- Searching by musical attributes
- Creator portfolios
- Composition history tracking
Ecosystem Components
Creator Tools
- Block creator interface
- Composition workstation
- Collaboration platform
- Inscription tools
Marketplace
- Trading platform
- Licensing marketplace
- Commission system
- Collection management
Player Infrastructure
- Web player
- Mobile application
- DAW integration
- Streaming services integration
Roadmap
Phase 1: Foundation
- Core protocol specification
- Basic block creation and inscription
- Simple composition tools
- Initial marketplace
Phase 2: Advanced Features
- Complex composition capabilities
- Multi-creator collaboration tools
- Enhanced metadata and discovery
- Expanded marketplace features
Phase 3: Integration
- DAW plugin support
- Streaming service integration
- Mobile creation tools
- Advanced licensing options
Getting Started
Developers can interact with the BeatBlocks protocol through:
- REST API
- JavaScript SDK
- WebAssembly components
- CLI tools
To use the BeatBlocks protocol, you'll need:
- Bitcoin wallet with ordinals support
- Web3 identity verification
- Audio processing capabilities
- Blockchain indexing service access
Ready to dive deeper? Check out the Protocol Specification for detailed technical information.