Analyze Song Structure and Form

MusicIntermediateHome

90 minutes

5 steps

·Intermediate

After 90 min: You can identify verse-chorus-bridge structure and explain why songs are built that way.

What you need

Songs to analyzePaper and penHeadphones

The 90-Minute Plan

Learn the basic song sections0–15 min

Verse: tells a story, changes each time. Chorus: the hook, repeats with same lyrics. Bridge: contrast, happens once. Intro: sets mood. Outro: ends the song. Listen to 'Hey Jude' and identify each section.

Map out a simple pop song15–38 min

Choose a song with clear sections (like 'Wonderwall' or 'Blinding Lights'). Write down where verse, chorus, bridge occur. Time each section. Note any differences between verse 1 and verse 2.

Analyze 5 different songs38–62 min

Pick songs from different genres: pop, rock, hip-hop, folk, country. Map each structure. Most follow patterns like V-C-V-C-B-C-O (Verse-Chorus-Verse-Chorus-Bridge-Chorus-Outro).

Understand the emotional purpose62–78 min

Why does the bridge come after 5 minutes? Because the song needs contrast to stay interesting. Why is the chorus shorter than the verse? Catchiness. Connect structure to emotion and engagement.

Compose your own structure78–90 min

Plan a song structure on paper: 8-bar intro, 16-bar verse, 8-bar chorus, bridge shift. Know what emotion each section delivers. You're thinking like a songwriter now.

Pro Tip

The best songwriters are obsessed with form—studying structure is studying why songs stick in your head.