Song Anatomy Map

Every section has a job

• Intro — Sets the mood. Says "a song is starting." Often just chords or a riff.
• Verse — Tells the story. Same melody every time, new words every time.
• Pre-chorus (optional) — Builds up. Makes you feel "something big is coming."
• Chorus — The main idea and usually the title. Same melody and same words every time. The biggest part.
• Post-chorus (optional) — A short, catchy add-on after the chorus. Often just "oh-oh" or one word.
• Bridge — Something different, usually once, near the end. New chords, new angle.
• Outro — The ending. Fades out, or stops on a big hit.

The hook is the part that gets stuck in your head. Usually a short phrase in the chorus. Sometimes it's an instrument riff.

The most common pop shape

Verse → Chorus → Verse → Chorus → Bridge → Chorus

With extras: Intro → Verse → Pre-chorus → Chorus → Verse → Pre-chorus → Chorus → Bridge → Chorus → Outro

What changes when the chorus arrives?

Listen and check every one you hear:

• It gets louder
• The melody goes higher
• More instruments come in
• The drums change
• The title is sung
• The words repeat
• Other: ____________

These are the tools you will use in your own song.

Listening Map

Song: ______________________ Artist: ______________________

Tempo guess: slow / medium / fast Mood in one word: ______________

Write each section as it happens.

1. Time ______ Section ______________ What I notice ______________________
2. Time ______ Section ______________ What I notice ______________________
3. Time ______ Section ______________ What I notice ______________________
4. Time ______ Section ______________ What I notice ______________________
5. Time ______ Section ______________ What I notice ______________________
6. Time ______ Section ______________ What I notice ______________________
7. Time ______ Section ______________ What I notice ______________________
8. Time ______ Section ______________ What I notice ______________________

The hook (5 words or fewer): ______________________________

How many times does the hook repeat in one chorus? ______

One thing I want to steal for my song (a structure, a sound, a trick — not the melody or words):