Minimal drum and bass is, as the name would suggest, a subgenre of Drum and Bass which strips down the sound as far as it can go without wholly ceasing to be drum and bass (and even so, the most extreme tracks are often confused with Dubstep). Although there had been experimentation with minimal tracks by DnB producers for years, it was dBridge & Instra:mental who pioneered it as a distinct subgenre with their Autonomic podcasts in 2009, and the genre received wider attention in early 2010 when their Fabriclive mix CD was released.

Minimal DnB tracks generally remain close to DnB tempos of around 170bpm, but almost every other aspect of the music contrasts highly with contemporary trends in DnB; the closest similarities lie with Liquid Funk, with both making use of the same type of sharp and clear production. The genre takes far more from dubstep, with very sparse production and a restrained feel. The traditional drum and bass rhythms are infused with the attitude of 'less is more' as is prevalent in Minimal Techno-influenced dubstep, using quiet percussion, deep sub-bass (little to no LFO 'wobble' bass) and subdued melodies.

The Autonomic podcasts quickly proved influential, and many producers in both drum and bass and dubstep have begun working in this style. The main labels are Autonomic, NonPlus+ Ltd and Exit Records, and notable producers and DJs include, as well as the aforementioned dBridge & Instra:mental, Alix Perez, ASC and Rockwell.