Words to know: form, AB, ABA, verse, chorus, 12-Bar Blues
If this is your first time learning about music theory, you are in the right place! This post will show you everything you need to know to get started writing or understanding form. If you already have a basic understanding of music, feel free to skip ahead to one of my other lessons.
The elements of music are rhythm, dynamics, form, melody, harmony, tempo, timbre, and texture, and are basically the building block of every song. Some of the elements go by different names in different parts of the world, but no matter what they’re called a piece of music can’t exist without them. Understanding how to use the elements together is the first step to being a great musician. Let’s get started!
What is Form?
Form is the way an entire piece of music is organized. There are a lot of different forms, and there are some that are more relevant during different time periods in history. This lesson will not go through all of these forms, but will cover a few popular one that you are likely to run into as a musician.
How do I Talk About Form?
In general, the form of a piece of music is divided into sections that are labeled with letter names. There are a few exceptions that we’ll talk about later. The first thing that you hear in a song would be the “A section.” The next section of new material would be the “B Section” and so on. It is important to know that this only applies to sections of new musical material.
Sam Adams Studio 