What Is A Pre-chorus In A Song?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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A pre-chorus usually contains

a chord progression from either the verse or the chorus

, building upon that familiarity. It’s another chance to experiment—a pre-chorus can utilize different harmonies, for example, or break the pattern of the song. Chorus. The chorus is the culmination of all the big ideas in your song.

What is a pre-chorus example?

A pre-chorus is that bit of music that songwriters sometimes insert between a verse and a chorus. … A good example of a pre-chorus might be

Katy Perry’s “Firework”

, where you can hear the main reason you’d use one being demonstrated clearly: it builds energy, allowing the verse to more smoothly connect to the chorus.

What is the purpose of a pre-chorus?

Functionally, the pre-chorus serves as a connector between the verse and chorus,

subtly building the intensity or tension of the song toward the release of the chorus section

. That said, not every song needs a pre-chorus. Many songs go straight from a verse right into a chorus.

How long is a pre-chorus in a song?

Duration

Generally, a pre-chorus section is a ‘transition section’. It should not be as long as a verse or chorus. It is

typically half the length of the chorus but can range from 2 to 8 bars

.

How does a pre-chorus work?

So, the goal of the pre-chorus is

to tie the verse into the chorus, but also build into it emotionally

. The melody is different from both, and should start to shift from the story to the main point. … It has the same melody and words each time and signals a transition from verse to chorus.

Is pre-chorus necessary?

SOLUTION: Songs with long verses

don’t usually need a pre-chorus

, so try getting rid of it. The pre-chorus isn’t building musical energy. That’s the main reason you’d use a pre-chorus — to build up some musical excitement. The main way it does this is by using a melody that moves upward.

Can a song start with a pre-chorus?

It’s worth noting that starting with the Chorus or not is usually something you know when you’re writing the song – but not always. It can sometimes be more of an an arrangement/production decision. In most cases the more common Verse/

Chorus

(or Verse/Pre-Chorus/Chorus) beginning is the best way to go.

What is an example of a chorus?

The definition of a chorus is a group of singers or a refrain in a song. An example of a chorus is

a church choir

. An example of a chorus is the part of a song that repeats several times. … A group of dancers and singers performing together in a modern musical show, opera, etc.

How do you write a good pre-chorus?

So first make sure your

verse chords connect properly to the chorus

, and then insert a pre-chorus. Move the pre-chorus melody gradually upward. Most pre-chorus melodies start where the verse leaves off, and then moves higher and higher, eventually connecting to the chorus melody.

How many bars is a pre-chorus?

Pre-Choruses

This sub-section of the verse is most often comprised of

four or eight musical bars

. Songs that include a pre-chorus in the first verse almost always have one in every subsequent verse.

Do songs need a chorus?


No, not every song has a chorus

. While most songs do have a chorus, there are plenty of great songs without one. These songs are just as effective and prove that is not necessary for a song to have a chorus.

What is a post chorus called?

In music, particularly Western popular music, a post-chorus (

or postchorus

) is a section that appears after the chorus. The term can be used generically for any section that comes after a chorus, but more often refers to a section that has similar character to the chorus, but is distinguishable in close analysis.

What is the middle 8 in a song?

In music theory, “middle eight” (a common type of bridge) refers to

a section of a song with a significantly different melody and lyrics

, which helps the song develop itself in a natural way by creating a contrast to the previously played, usually placed after the second chorus in a song.

How short can a pre-chorus be?

A pre-chorus can be

as short as you like. 8 bars, 1 bar, even zero bars

(i.e. you don’t have to have one at all). But, note that generally there is an unspoken upper limit. In a traditional pop song, the pre shouldn’t be longer than either the verse or the chorus, otherwise those other sections will be overshadowed.

Is pre-chorus and bridge the same?

Pre-chorus refers to a section that introduces a chorus, unlike

a bridge

, which leads back into the verse.

How do you make a chorus melody?

  1. Use your hook at the beginning AND end of the chorus. …
  2. Place a solid I (one) chord at the beginning. …
  3. Write big sweeping melodies (wide intervals, long tones) or short rhythms. …
  4. Change the feel. …
  5. Keep the chorus’s melody in a different range to differentiate it even more. …
  6. Get vague.
Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.