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Your first task as a songwriter is to understand how the 7 primary parts of a song all fit together. This epic song structure guide explains!
Song structure is the arrangement of a song, [1] and is a part of the songwriting process. It is typically sectional, which uses repeating forms in songs. Common piece-level musical forms for vocal music include bar form, 32-bar form, verse–chorus form, ternary form, strophic form, and the 12-bar blues.
Key Features of a Verse: Tells the Story: The verse is where the song explains what’s going on—whether it’s about love, life, or just a moment in time.; Changes Each Time: Unlike the chorus, the lyrics in each verse are different, so the song keeps evolving.; Same Music, Different Lyrics: The music in the verse tends to stay similar, while the lyrics change to keep things interesting.
Scientists recently located a “music center” in our brain, which makes us react to music in much the same way we react to other pleasure-inducing stimuli. Songs make us feel through rhythm and melody, but they stay with us thanks to the familiar patterns that comprise song structure.
Perhaps the most basic and familiar part of a song, the verse is where the song’s story — whether it’s lyrical or instrumental — begins to unfold. Musically, the verses will usually be identical to one another, while the story contained in the lyrics will play out over the course of several verses.
The different parts of a song include an intro, verse, pre-chorus, refrain, hook, chorus, interlude, bridge, breakdown chorus, solo, and outro. In modern dance and electronic music, there are also other parts such as a breakdown, build/rise, and a drop.
Read our deep dive guide to learn what song structure is, how to structure your songs optimally, plus get templates and genre examples!
Knowing the typical song layout will help songwriters create their own masterpieces. Basic song structure consists of an intro, verse, pre-chorus, chorus and bridge (many times, this is all tied together in an outro, too). Below, consider this breakdown of song building blocks.
These song parts and structure pieces, when combined effectively, create a balanced and engaging musical journey that captures the listener's attention, conveys emotions, and delivers a memorable experience.
1. Verse. Role and Purpose of Verses in a Song: The verse is where the story of the song unfolds. It’s typically the section where most of the song’s narrative or thematic development happens. The lyrics in the verses are different from each other, providing new information or perspectives each time a verse comes up.