The sections
- Intro (4–8 bars): presents the sound and key, sometimes a preview of the hook.
- Verse (8–16): tells the story, lower register, lighter arrangement.
- Pre-chorus (4–8): builds tension; often the harmonic rhythm changes and it ends on IV or V.
- Chorus (8): title, hook, higher notes, full arrangement.
- Post-chorus (4–8): repetition of a short hook, chant, instrumental drop.
- Bridge (8): contrast (new chords such as bVI or vi, groove change, breakdown).
- Final chorus: often doubled, with ad-libs, sometimes modulated.
- Outro.
Typical map (bars)
Intro 4 – Verse 1 16 – Pre 8 – Chorus 8 – Post 8 – Verse 2 8 – Pre 8 – Chorus 8 – Post 8 – Bridge 8 – Chorus 16 – Outro 4.
Harmonic example in C
- Verse: Am F C G (vi IV I V), melody between E4 and A4.
- Pre-chorus: F G Em Am F G (IV V iii vi IV V), rising melody.
- Chorus: C G Am F (I V vi IV), melody between G4 and D5.
- Bridge: Ab Bb C (bVI bVII I).
Contrast tools
Vocal register, rhythmic density of the melody, harmonic rhythm, arrangement density, dynamics, stereo width. The chorus should win over the verse on at least three of these parameters.
Real-world example
“Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran (2017) follows this map clearly: a rhythmic, spoken verse, a rising pre-chorus, a chorus with the title, a post-chorus based on a short repeated phrase, all over the same chord loop throughout the song. The contrast is handled almost entirely by melody and arrangement.