How to Compose a Song by Structure

Though the effort is not a conscious one, many composers use a standard structure by which to compose songs. The structure refers to the placement of verses, bridges, choruses and instrumental breaks. The rock band Genesis named their album "ABACAB" based on the original structure of the title track of the song. While song structure can vary greatly depending upon a composer's songwriting style, understanding the basics of song structure can provide a good starting point to understanding the compositional process.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Understand the AABA form of songwriting. This is the structure of a 32-bar song that uses four sections consisting of eight measures each. This structure is verse, verse, bridge and verse. It is a basic song form that songwriters use often.

2. Write using the AABA form, but don't be afraid to mix it up. Another useful song structure is AABAB, with a C section that will often be based on the A section of the song but modified to form an outro, which is usually a repeated lyric line and musical phrase that fades out.

3. Try introducing a second bridge, sometimes indicated with a C in the structure, as in ABACAB. The C section could be a variation on the original bridge or a combination of the chorus, bridge and verses to create a new song section.

4. Use these sections to present your lyrics in a dramatic, natural progression. The verse should set up the lyrical material and the subject of the song, and the chorus should reinforce the theme of the song. Bridges are usually written with a change of timing, key or even lyrical contrast. Again, this is variable depending upon the composer, but it's a good way to find a starting point for structuring your musical compositions.

5. Experiment with the forms. Use different combinations and use your own. Songs are individual and, like a story or painting, each song represents the composer's artistic choices.

References

• Song Structure