I can guarantee, your favorite songwriters think about the different parts of their songs as they’re writing. It can start with a feeling, like “this is the first part and this is the main part.” But eventually, they will title those different sections. Knowing the parts and what they do helps them write stronger songs.
So let’s talk about the parts of a song and how you can use them…
Understanding the structure of a song provides a common language for musicians and songwriters to communicate their ideas effectively. If you’re jamming with your friends or collaborating on a new track, knowing the different sections of a song can help you work together more seamlessly.
Knowing the parts of a song can also help you improve your songwriting skills. By hearing how other songwriters use structure, melody, chord progression, and lyrics, you can gain insights into what you like and what you don’t like, and use that knowledge to create your own songs.
What is the basic structure of a song?
Caleb J. Murphy (CareersInMusic)
There are a bunch of different song structures, but generally speaking, you need at least a verse and a chorus. Most songs use the structure Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus. If you’re new to songwriting, this is a great structure to start with.
One of the most essential aspects of a song is its structure, which consists of several parts, each with its unique characteristics and functions.
What are the 5 parts of a song?
Caleb J. Murphy (CareersInMusic)
There can be more than five parts in a song. But if we’re limiting a song’s structure to just five, the most common parts of a song are Verse, Pre-Chorus, Chorus, Instrumental Break, and Bridge.
Obviously, the introduction comes first. This opening section is crucial in setting the tone for the rest of the song, grabbing the listener’s attention, and giving them a vibe for what’s to come. The introduction can be instrumental or vocal, and it typically lasts a few seconds to a few bars.
Next up is the verse. This section is where you start the story, or you begin to share the message of the song. Usually, all the verses have the same melody and syllabic rhythm. The verse is usually repeated throughout the song, and each repetition builds upon the previous one to create a sense of progression (whether musically or in the storytelling).
The pre-chorus, of course, comes before the chorus. It serves as a buildup or transition to the main part of the song. It often has a different melody and chord progression than the verse and may feature lyrics that hint at the chorus’s theme or message.
The chorus is the most memorable and catchy part of the song, and it also conveys the main idea of the song. It has a different melody and chord progression than the verse and includes lyrics that, usually, are easy to remember and relate to. The chorus is repeated multiple times throughout the song and acts as a release or climax that was built up in the verses.
While the chorus is the main part of the song, the hook is usually within the chorus. It can be lyrical or musical.
If the hook involves lyrics, it’s often a one-liner in the chorus that has the catchiest melody and main idea of the song.
If it’s a musical hook, it often comes after the chorus. A good musical hook becomes an earworm you find yourself randomly humming.
A refrain is part of the Verse-Refrain song structure, and it’s usually just one line. Think of it like a one-line chorus.
A lot of times, you’ll see a song that looks like this: Verse – Verse – Bridge – Verse
And the refrain will be the last line of each verse. Songwriters who tell stories like to use refrains quite a bit.
The instrumental break (or turn) often happens after the first chorus and provides a breather between the Chorus and Verse 2.
Sometimes instrumental breaks are written into the song as part of the original composition, and other times the musicians improvise the part in the studio or live on stage.
The bridge is a transitional section that connects the verse and chorus by introducing a new angle on the idea of the song. So it usually has a new melody and chord progression. Basically, it gives the listener a refreshing change of pace and can add new meaning or perspective to the song.
An effective outro gives the listener closure and brings the song to a satisfying conclusion. It can involve repeating the hook of the song, or a slight lyric change of the hook.
What is the most common song structure?
Caleb J. Murphy (CareersInMusic)
The most common song structure, by far, is the Verse-Chorus structure. However, this can include variations, like:
- Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus
- Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus
- Verse – Pre-Chorus – Chorus – Verse – Pre-Chorus – Chorus
- Verse – Verse – Bridge – Verse
The parts of a song are not necessarily rules. They’re more like guidelines.
Your favorite songwriters use these guidelines, so it would be smart for you to try them out.
Now, as with every aspect of songwriting, it’s all subjective. You can do whatever you want.
But it will help you write stronger songs when you know the guidelines before you wander outside of them.
