| Intro | | | | be used on a "only if needed" basis. Its main function |
| This is the introduction, always appearing at the start | | | | is to build tension up to the chorus and then the |
| of the song. In popular music this typically lasts | | | | chorus provides the relief. It can really help make |
| between 4 - 8 bars, this works best for radio airplay | | | | your chorus stand out. A pre-chorus is usually kept |
| since most songs usually only last between 3 - 4 | | | | fairly short, between 2 - 8 bars. |
| mins, short and simple, that's the way they like it. | | | | Chorus |
| Other genres of music, such as rock and dance, | | | | This is without a doubt the MOST important part of |
| generally don't apply this rule. | | | | a song. It is where you convey the main message of |
| The main job of the intro is to grab the listeners | | | | the song. It should be the same each time, both |
| attention, it should pull them in and make them want | | | | musically and lyrically, and the title of the song should |
| to hear the rest of the song. It is usually an | | | | also be placed within it. A great chorus is catchy and |
| instrumental form of the verse or chorus. | | | | memorable. After hearing your song only even once, |
| Verse | | | | the listener should walk around all day with it stuck in |
| The purpose of the verse is to tell the story of the | | | | their head. |
| song. Every song has a story or a message to | | | | Bridge |
| convey and the verse is where you do it. Musically | | | | The bridge comes after the second chorus of your |
| the melody of the verse is the same each time. | | | | song and its main purpose is to add contrast. This |
| Lyrically it differs, with each verse developing the | | | | could be either a new chord progression that breaks |
| story. | | | | up the repetitive verse/chorus structure, an |
| Dynamically, verses are usually a little quieter than the | | | | instrumental solo, new lyrical message etc. Typically |
| chorus. Remember, the amount of verses you use | | | | not lasting longer than 8 bars. |
| depends on what song form you are using. | | | | Outro |
| Pre-chorus | | | | The end of a song can sometimes be referred to as |
| The pre-chorus happens between the verse and the | | | | an outro. This is when the song fades out gradually |
| chorus. It is used to add an additional level of | | | | or has some kinda of big finale. |
| dynamics. Not all songs use a pre-chorus, it tends to | | | | |