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Songwriting 101 Basic Song Structure Yousician
Songwriting 101 Basic Song Structure Yousician
Songwriting 101 Basic Song Structure Yousician
com
Song structure
Even though there are no fixed rules for writing a song, it’s good
to be familiar with the basic song structure. By following the
conventions of songwriting and using the different parts of a
song appropriately, you can make it easier for a listener to
understand and follow the song.
Intro
If you want to get the listener’s attention and keep them listening
to the end, you need to have a captivating intro. A good intro
establishes the song and can hint at what to expect later on. For
example, when writing a song try to give an idea of the genre
your song is in: is it a dramatic pop ballad, an adrenaline filled
rock song or a straightforward punk track. The intro can also
introduce the song’s key and basic rhythm of the song while
also establishing the song’s theme in its lyrics. However, don’t
give away everything you have to offer during the intro but keep
the listener wanting more and continue listening.
Verse
Pre-chorus
Chorus/Refrain
The bridge of a song usually occurs after the second chorus and
acts as a sort of transition. In a way, this section acts as a
‘bridge’ between the second and third chorus of the song. This
is why the bridge also differs from both the verse and chorus. By
adding a bridge section before the third and final chorus you can
avoid the listener getting bored by too much repetition. So when
writing a bridge, try contrasting it with the chorus and the verse if
possible.
Solo
Outro
Finally we have the outro, the end of the song—it’s the opposite
of the song’s intro. There are many ways to go about finishing
up your song. The outro could just be a repetition of the final
chorus as the song slowly fades out or maybe you’ll want to do
an AC/DC-style big rock ending and end the song with a bang.
The importance of an outro shouldn’t be underestimated as it
will be very confusing to the listener if the song just abruptly
stops. You’ve written a great track, so don’t disappoint the
listener by having a lackluster ending.
Different Song Structures
Here are a few well-known song structures that you can find
used in a variety of rock and pop songs throughout the years.
Here the different parts of a song are marked with the letters A,
B and C.
ABABCB
AABA
The AABA song structure, also known as the 32-bar form, starts
with two A-sections with eight bars, followed by a B-section with
eighth bars and a third repetition of the first A-section. Although
the three A-parts can differ to some extent, overall they’re quite
similar. This song structure used to be popular in American
popular music of the early 1900s, but has since been taken over
by the now common ABABCB song structure.
AAA
Let’s wrap things up with a short checklist to help you write the
next big rock anthem or the catchiest earworm everyone’s ever
heard. You can use these as simple guidelines but don’t get too
caught up with other people’s opinions. Experimenting and
coming up with new things may lead to something new and
exciting.
Song title
We’re told not to judge a book by its cover and the same applies
to songs and song titles. However, a good song title may get
your listener interested. On top of that, if you’re having a hard
time getting started with your song, try coming up with a great
title and start building your song around the title.
Lyrics
Chord progression
Hook