This article breaks down the basics of what a beat consist of, and common song arrangements.
SONG ARRANGEMENTS
Once you have a good understanding of putting together a beat, next you need to understand song structures. Different music genres are laid out differently. Song tempo and length may vary.
Common Beat Sections
- Intro – Usually has fewer elements and builds up to the verse or hook.
- Verse – Usually simpler version of the beat, allowing room for vocals. Usually 16 bars.
- Hook – Usually has the most elements in a song and repeats a chorus. Usually 8 bars.
- Bridge – Usually appears before the last verse. Usually appears in R&B and Pop songs. Usually 8 bars.
- Outro – Usually fades the song out.
- Solo – This is a piece or a section of a piece played or sung by a single performer.
Common Song Structures
Intro – Verse – Hook – Verse – Hook – Verse – Hook – Outro
or
Intro – Hook– Verse – Hook– Verse – Hook – Verse – Hook – Outro
R&B Songs
Intro – Verse – Hook – Verse – Hook – Bridge – Hook – Hook – Outro
Rock Songs
Intro – Verse – Hook – Verse – Hook – Solo – Hook – Hook – Outro
The examples above are just examples. You should study your favorite songs to see how they are structured. You can also search Genius.com for song lyrics, and see the order of song lyrics.
If you have tips on song arrangements, please share in the comments below.
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