Building Bridges
So, now you know about the two major parts of a song, the Chorus and the Verse. There are two other parts that are often utilized in a song.
First, there is the Bridge. The bridge, very naturally, forms a bridge between two parts of a song. It usually goes between two choruses, or sometimes between a chorus and a verse. It is usually a high point in the song's dynamics.
(Dynamics are used to describe a "high" or "low" spot in a song. It is not just volume, although volume plays a part. Verses are on a somewhat lower level and give way to a more energetic chorus. Similarly, songs usually start out on a lower level and then build toward the end, often giving it a big, full, powerful ending. Volume, chord usage, and instrumentation are the major components in creating dynamics.)
As far as lyrical material goes, the bridge may reiterate what the chorus says, or it may go into more detail that is not covered in the chorus. It will probably have different chords and melody than either the chorus or the verse.
One element of a song that has appeared recently is the Prechorus. The prechorus is found between the verse and the chorus and functions as the bridge. In fact, it is often called a bridge. I would not suggest that a beginner songwriter try to use a prechorus in his or her song. However, I will briefly show you the difference between a bridge and a prechorus.
In general, a short segment that acts as a bridge between the verse and the chorus that is NOT repeated anywhere else in the song can be called a bridge. If you have two verses, each with its own bridge, you may call them bridge 1 and bridge 2. Personally, I prefer to make the part of the verse itself and not give it any special designation.
If the segment is sung, say, between two choruses, as a dynamic high point, you can call it a bridge. It will probably not be repeated again.
If the segment is placed between the verse and chorus AND is repeated as a bridge later in the song, I would call that a prechorus.
And now, if you're thoroughly confused, wait till next time for some examples. If you just can't wait that long, leave a comment!
Tim Heider
First, there is the Bridge. The bridge, very naturally, forms a bridge between two parts of a song. It usually goes between two choruses, or sometimes between a chorus and a verse. It is usually a high point in the song's dynamics.
(Dynamics are used to describe a "high" or "low" spot in a song. It is not just volume, although volume plays a part. Verses are on a somewhat lower level and give way to a more energetic chorus. Similarly, songs usually start out on a lower level and then build toward the end, often giving it a big, full, powerful ending. Volume, chord usage, and instrumentation are the major components in creating dynamics.)
As far as lyrical material goes, the bridge may reiterate what the chorus says, or it may go into more detail that is not covered in the chorus. It will probably have different chords and melody than either the chorus or the verse.
One element of a song that has appeared recently is the Prechorus. The prechorus is found between the verse and the chorus and functions as the bridge. In fact, it is often called a bridge. I would not suggest that a beginner songwriter try to use a prechorus in his or her song. However, I will briefly show you the difference between a bridge and a prechorus.
In general, a short segment that acts as a bridge between the verse and the chorus that is NOT repeated anywhere else in the song can be called a bridge. If you have two verses, each with its own bridge, you may call them bridge 1 and bridge 2. Personally, I prefer to make the part of the verse itself and not give it any special designation.
If the segment is sung, say, between two choruses, as a dynamic high point, you can call it a bridge. It will probably not be repeated again.
If the segment is placed between the verse and chorus AND is repeated as a bridge later in the song, I would call that a prechorus.
And now, if you're thoroughly confused, wait till next time for some examples. If you just can't wait that long, leave a comment!
Tim Heider
posted by Tim Heider at 7:00 PM
5 Comments:
i can't wait that long!
Halfway through your article, I thought of asking for some examples. But I guess I can wait until next time! (=
Patience is a virtue! (Whoever came up with that saying, anyway?)
I don't know. They probably didn't read blogs, though.
Hi Tim - thanks for visiting the Bible Study Blog. I started playing guitar a few years ago so I'll mark your site and come back for some tips!
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