You have a great idea for a song, you’ve written some beautiful lyrics, and you have a catchy melody playing in your head. But how do you make all these individual elements into a cohesive, engaging, and memorable song? Enter the realm of song structure templates. Mastering the art of songwriting requires a deeper understanding of the patterns and formulas that make up the backbone of your songs. Read on to learn about the different song structure templates and how you can create your own captivating compositions using these templates.
Song Structure Template Table of Contents
1. Verse-Chorus-Verse-Chorus-Bridge-Chorus (A-B-A-B-C-B)
2. Verse-Pre-Chorus-Chorus-Verse-Pre-Chorus-Chorus-Bridge-Chorus (A-A1-B-A-A1-B-C-B)
3. Verse-Chorus-Verse-Chorus-Instrumental-Chorus (A-B-A-B-D-B)
4. Introduction-Verse-Chorus-Verse-Chorus-Outro (I-A-B-A-B-O)
Song structure templates are the blueprints that dictate the order and arrangement of the various sections of a song. At its core, song structure is all about using these sections to tell a story and take the listener on a journey. Below, we will discuss some common song structure templates used across different genres:
1. Verse-Chorus-Verse-Chorus-Bridge-Chorus (A-B-A-B-C-B)
This is perhaps the most commonly used structure in modern popular music. It typically consists of a verse, a chorus, another verse, chorus, a bridge, and concludes with the chorus. The verses tell the story, the chorus conveys the main message or hook, and the bridge adds a fresh perspective to the song.
Best Mics For Musicians
The Shure SM7B
The Shure SM7B is a legendary studio microphone known for its smooth, flat, wide-range frequency response ideal for both music and speech, with an excellent rejection of electromagnetic hum.
Mic is Best For: Professional Musicians
Budget: Mid to High
Rode NT1
The Rode NT1 is known for its incredibly low self-noise, making it an ideal microphone for recording vocals and musical instruments with pristine clarity and detail.
Mic is Best For: Intermediate to Professional Musicians
Budget: Mid
Audio-Technica AT2020
The Audio-Technica AT2020 is a versatile condenser microphone with a low-mass diaphragm for superior transient response, making it great for home studio setups.
Mic is Best For: Beginner to Intermediate Musicians
Budget: Low to Mid
2. Verse-Pre-Chorus-Chorus-Verse-Pre-Chorus-Chorus-Bridge-Chorus (A-A1-B-A-A1-B-C-B)
This template adds an extra layer of emotion and build-up by incorporating a pre-chorus. The pre-chorus serves as a transition between the verse and the chorus and often acts as an amplifier of the emotions conveyed in the song.
3. Verse-Chorus-Verse-Chorus-Instrumental-Chorus (A-B-A-B-D-B)
In this structure, an instrumental section breaks up the repetitive nature of the song and adds a different dynamic. This instrumental may be a complete departure from the rest of the song or can be based on the existing melody.
4. Introduction-Verse-Chorus-Verse-Chorus-Outro (I-A-B-A-B-O)
The introduction and outro add character to a song and help create a feeling of wholeness. The intro sets the stage for the song, while the outro provides a sense of closure to the story.
Song Structure Template Example
Let’s examine the structure of the classic song "Imagine" by John Lennon, which uses the simple A-B-A-B structure.
1. Introduction: A gentle piano melody sets the tone for the song.
2. Verse 1 : Lennon paints the picture of his imaginary world with thought-provoking lyrics.
3. Chorus: The chorus implores the listener to "Imagine all the people living life in peace."
4. Verse 2: The second verse elaborates on the themes of unity, sharing, and peace.
5. Chorus: The chorus repeats, reinforcing the message.
6. Verse 3: Lennon adds a personal touch to the lyrics, envisioning a world with no possessions or greed.
7. Chorus: The song concludes with the chorus, driving its message home.
Knowing which song structure template to use is an essential component of creating a captivating composition. The mastery of these basic templates can enhance your songwriting skills, providing multiple avenues to engage your listener and make your songs memorable. If you're ever feeling stuck, don't hesitate to try Lyric Assistant – the perfect solution for generating the ideal song structure in minutes, inspired by your favorite artists and genres. With Lyric Assistant, writing your next hit song has never been easier. Start making musical magic today!
Best Mics For Musicians
The Shure SM7B
The Shure SM7B is a legendary studio microphone known for its smooth, flat, wide-range frequency response ideal for both music and speech, with an excellent rejection of electromagnetic hum.
Mic is Best For: Professional Musicians
Budget: Mid to High
Rode NT1
The Rode NT1 is known for its incredibly low self-noise, making it an ideal microphone for recording vocals and musical instruments with pristine clarity and detail.
Mic is Best For: Intermediate to Professional Musicians
Budget: Mid
Audio-Technica AT2020
The Audio-Technica AT2020 is a versatile condenser microphone with a low-mass diaphragm for superior transient response, making it great for home studio setups.
Mic is Best For: Beginner to Intermediate Musicians
Budget: Low to Mid
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