Song Structure – The Ultimate Tutorial!
The structure of a song is the way its different parts are arranged. Every song has a structure that gives it coherence, makes it understandable, and if the structure fits well with the story it tells and vice versa, it makes the song irresistible.
The structure of a composition is as important as the melody, tempo, or chords you use. In this tutorial, we give you the keys to make the most of it.
Recommended: Check out our tutorial on how to compose a song, a complete guide detailing all aspects of composition.
What is a part of a song?
A part is a differentiated section of the song. A song with only one part would be based on a sound or motif that repeats endlessly: imagine Buddhist monks repeating a mantra, and you’ll perfectly understand what I mean.
How do I know what structure my song should have?
We have all listened to thousands and thousands of different songs in our lives. Although each song is unique, there is a limited number of elements or parts that compose them and structures that are often repeated (because they work!).
Before reviewing the types of structure, let’s name the parts and define what they are and their purpose. My intention is to provide you with a vocabulary to help identify the sections that exist so you can shape your songs.
Song Structure: names and definitions of each part
Just as there are “only” 7 notes (plus sharps and/or flats), there are 6 basic parts used to structure songs. We can establish the following names and definitions:
- Intro: The Intro is the beginning of the song and provides information about what’s to come: in many cases, you’ll already know the key, tempo, style, and instrumentation just by listening to the Intro. Many pop songs start with a very recognizable sound or riff. Think of Satisfaction by the Rolling Stones or Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana. Some songs skip the intro and go straight to the verse or chorus.
- Verse: The Verse is where the story of the song is usually told. Typically, after listening to the Verse, you’ll know who the characters are and where and when the story takes place. While the melody may be excellent, it is not usually the most catchy part of the song, nor does it carry all the possible energy, leaving room for the chorus to shine and make an impact.
- Pre-Chorus: We could say the Pre-Chorus belongs to the Chorus: it introduces it and transitions from the verse, creating tension to announce the explosion of the Chorus.
- Chorus: To exaggerate a bit, and just to understand the concept, the rest of the song parts serve the Chorus. It usually contains the most energy, the catchiest melody, and the most impactful lyric line: it’s the climax of the song, its emotional explosion.
- Bridge: The Bridge is a change of direction; it is also called a Change or Part C. It usually appears after the second chorus and adds new information to the song: a plot twist, new chords, a new melody, or a different rhythm. It makes the chorus sound fresh and interesting again.
- Outro: It can take many forms but is the last section of the song. Sometimes it’s a repeated Intro, sometimes the Chorus fades out while repeating endlessly, and sometimes it’s new material that closes the song.
Other parts of a song
In addition to the common parts, there are other sections of a song’s structure frequently used in modern composition styles, especially by online music producers of electronic music (EDM). Below, we explain what they are:
Break
The Break is the part of the song where intensity decreases, the rhythm stops, and it transitions into a calmer section, which can be considered a pause. This section often sets the stage for a progressive buildup that culminates in the next element: the Drop.
Drop
The Drop in a song (usually electronic) is when, after a brief pause or decrease in intensity (like the Break), all elements hit at once, creating the climax and maximum instrumental intensity of the song.
Hook
The Hook is the most memorable and easily recognizable part of the track. Generally, it is an instrumental section or a section with very few lyrics, repetitive, and with strong melodic content.
Differences between the hook and the chorus
The Hook is a section with a clear and repetitive melody and very few lyrics (or no lyrics), while the Chorus is the melodic section with lyrics that generally includes the song’s title or is repeated multiple times in the same way throughout the song.
The most common song structures
Now that we’ve established names and characteristics for the basic parts of a song, let’s look at the most common structures in popular songs.
You can always include variations, omit parts, or experiment endlessly with the duration of the sections. The important thing when composing a song is that it is interesting for the listener and conveys the idea you want.
Experimentation is part of the game, but it’s also advisable, especially if you’re starting, to choose a structure and stick to it. Consider it as training: exercising the muscles will help you perform better.
Examples of song structure
If you’re wondering what the basic structure of a song is, here are several examples of the most common or widely used ones in pop, rock, folk, electronic, and derivative styles:
The most common structure of a pop song is:
Intro – Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus – Chorus – Outro
The basic structure of a song in its simplest and most synthetic version:
Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus
Each section can have different numbers of measures. For example, a Verse may last 8 measures, and the Chorus only 4.
There are countless songs with this structure. If you decide to use it, you’ll ensure that your song has a logical narrative structure.
Another structure, very similar to the previous one and also very common (in a good way), is this:
Verse – Pre-Chorus – Chorus – Verse – Pre-Chorus – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus
It simply includes a Pre-Chorus. This is an extension of the previous structure.
Another very common variation is:
Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Bridge – Chorus
In this variation, the song starts directly with all its energy: the Chorus.
The following is a typical variation from 1980s Heavy Metal: the Bridge consists of a guitar solo over the Verse chords:
Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Instrumental/Solo – Chorus
As you can see, just by introducing small modifications, you have a good palette of options to create the structure of a song.
Experiment and choose the one that works best for each song. I change it countless times in some tracks until I’m convinced of the final result.
A song may work well with one structure in the recording studio and benefit from a different one in live performances due to the dynamics of the show (for example, a longer intro).
Another common structure, increasingly used in modern music, is the following:
Verse – Chorus – Chorus 2 – Verse – Chorus – Chorus 2 – Bridge – Chorus – Chorus 2
I’m bending the rules a bit, but the idea is that, influenced by dance music (especially EDM), this structure, which benefits from having two Choruses, is becoming increasingly common. The usual Chorus is followed by a second Chorus, which could be the same melody played with an instrument or a new part.
Other parts of a song and conclusion
There are more sections than the basic ones we’ve discussed, but the fundamental ideas governing the vast majority of popular songs since the first half of the 20th century can be analyzed and are constructed with the tools we’ve mentioned.
That said, the most important thing is to write and compose without thinking about the rules, and I encourage you to approach song structures this way. Still, knowledge and technique help us reach places that are very hard to achieve without them. If you want to learn to use this and other tools to write your songs, you can follow this playlist: How to write a song – tutorials, and follow me on my YouTube channel.
As a parting note, my best advice: write. Write more. Never stop writing songs.
Also recommended: equip yourself professionally with our article on the best headphones or studio headphones.
