Song form/song structure is the arrangement or pieces that makeup a song. Typically we see repetitive sections throughout a song.
Binary: AB
We used this form to start learning about song structure. A song/composition with two definitive sections, different in some elements but similar enough to be considered the same song.
Ternary: ABA
Think about our “ABA Project”, similar to “AB”, just repeating the “A” section on the other side of “B”. This might be the first half of a typical pop structure.
Hip-Hop Song Form: ABABABAB OR A Prehook B A Prehook B A Prehook B A Prehook B
Usually a hip-hop song structure contains a repeating pattern of “AB”, used typically 3-4 times. The “A” being the “verse” and “B” acting as the “hook” or “chorus” of the song. Hip-hop songs may also contain a pre-chorus or pre-hook.
Song Form: ABACBB
Usually demonstrated in Pop or Rock songs, a typical “song form” is “A”: verse, “B”: chorus (you can also include a pre-chorus or pre-hook beforehand), “A” repeated, “C”: bridge, a contrast section from the rest of the song, “B” chorus repeated twice, sometimes added instrumentation to make the ending sound epic!
Song Form Project
The Anatomy of a Song
The Anatomy of Taylor Swift’s “Style”
Do THIS with every song you write | Hit Song Architect S1E3
HELP! What’s a VERSE, CHORUS, & BRIDGE? (Songwriting 101)