When you become an artist, God himself gives you the power to change the world. It depends on you how you take that power, good or bad. As a musician, you hold the power to make mesmerizing music and lyrics that can cast a spell on the audience. But how can you make that type of music? What should be your way to fill your listeners’ hearts with love for your artistry? The secret lies in understanding the song structure template. A song structure template is a blueprint of your ideas. Just like you make a blueprint when you build something, it is the same. You brainstorm ideas first and then you organize them and put them into a catchy song format. In this blog, we will explore some ways to understand your song structure template, so that you can reach the heights of your music career. Let’s dig in!
Understanding Song Structure Fundamentals
To make a song structure template, you must be able to understand its fundamental parts;
Intro
The intro sets the stage for your song, grabbing the listener’s attention and establishing the mood. It’s the 1st impression your song makes, so it’s crucial to get it right.
Verse
The verse sets the stage for your song. A song’s verse is a part focused on presenting a story. A story song typically requires several verses to tell the whole story. It takes a master level to be able to present a whole narrative through your verse. Here’s how to make your verses shine:
Create Engaging Couplets:
Create lines that flow smoothly and relate well with your listeners. Try out a variety of fresh rhyme systems (such as ABAB or AABB) to see which one best fits your tone and preferences. Don’t be too stressed out, different doesn’t mean you are wrong, it just means that you are unique in your own way.
Choose the Right Rhymes:
Rhyming words are always catchy for human ears; we tend to love the sounds that are familiar. Rhyme selection impacts the impact of your verses. Consider using perfect rhymes (e.g., “love” and “above”) or explore near rhymes (e.g., “dream” and “seem”).
Explore Metaphors and Imagery:
The addition of realistic metaphors and descriptive language in your song creates a magnetic verse that paints a picture in your audience’s minds. As a result, they play the song on repeat.
Structure Experimentation:
The word limit per line has never been set for any song in the music industry. It is solely up to the musician how long they want their songs’ lines to be. Play with line lengths, syllable counts, and rhythmic patterns to find a structure that complements your composition’s vibe.
Pre-Chorus
The part of a song that comes after the verse and suggests the chorus is called the pre-chorus. Usually, once the chorus starts, the suspense that has been building is released. In simpler terms, the pre-chorus acts as a bridge between the verse and chorus.
Consider these tips:
Heighten Expectation:
Experiment with chord progressions and dynamic shifts to create rising energy. Build tension through lyrics and vocal delivery, leaving listeners eagerly awaiting the chorus.
Transitional Techniques:
Your song should smoothly transition from the verse to the chorus by introducing precise changes in melody, rhythm, or instrumentation. This serves as a musical signpost, guiding listeners seamlessly into the heart of the song.
Chorus
A song’s chorus is the next section that occurs at least twice, conveys the song’s core idea and mood, and releases some of the suspense that has been built up musically throughout the song’s previous parts. The chorus is the emotional core of your song. It’s where the message hits home. Here’s how to make it impactful:
Emphasize Repetition:
Repeat a catchy hook or phrase that sums up the song’s whole point and idea behind it. Make it memorable and singable. The more the music is “flowy”, the more it can be easily memorized.
Lift the Energy:
The chorus should feel bigger and more powerful than the verse. Use stronger chords, vocal harmonies, and instrumentation. Experiment with new things and make yourself easy at adapting new styles from time to time.
Connect Emotionally:
Ensure the chorus relates to the overall theme of your composition. If the audience is not feeling the song, there won’t be a good connection between the listener and your song.
Bridge
As the name indicates, a song’s bridge part serves as a kind of transition between two separate parts, which are usually the song’s second and third chorus. The bridge provides contrast and adds freshness to your song. It’s a retreat from the familiar. Consider these elements:
- Change It Up: Alter the chord progression, melody, or rhythm. Surprise your listeners.
- Lyrically Intrigue: Use the bridge to introduce new perspectives or unexpected twists.
- Build to the Final Chorus: Set the stage for the ultimate emotional release.
Beyond the Basics: Exploring Additional Song Sections
- Instrumental Break: A musical pause that showcases instrumental prowess can make your song sound more natural and engaging.
- Outro: A gentle exit that leaves a lasting impression is important to make your listeners feel at ease at the end.
Conclusion
Remember, the song structure template isn’t rigid; it’s a canvas for your creativity. Experiment, break the rules, and find what resonates with your style the most. We wish you the best for your music career!