Song Structure & Form

Why songs are shaped the way they are.

The architecture of a song, and how to break the rules on purpose.

Standard forms

The shapes that work.

1. Verse-chorus form and its variations
2. AABA and the 32-bar form
3. Through-composed songs
4. Electronic forms: intro, build, drop and break
5. Hip-hop forms and the hook-first approach

Tension and release

Why a chorus feels like a chorus.

1. The pre-chorus as a ramp
2. Contrast: the chorus is big because the verse was small
3. The bridge, and whether you need one
4. Intros that earn their length
5. Endings: fade, hard stop or return
6. Map three released songs
7. Structure final