Changing the Phrase Length

Another way to vary verse structures is by using some of the tools for writing melodies that are discussed in the "Melody" book, such as sequence and inversion

Changing how an individual line of a verse develops gives a variation of the structure. While this technique is also useful in chorus writing, it is much more common in verses

Each line of the melody is two measures long.

a a b b 2 2 2 2

To vary the way this develops, you can change the phrase structure of one line

a a b b a 2 2 1 1 2

The new shorter phrases in lines 3 and 4 move the music ahead and build intensity. This helps the verse flow naturally into the chorus

Another way to change how the motives develop is by changing the lengths of the phrases. Here's the original structure, in this form:

a a x x 2 2 2 2

By subtracting every other motive, you arrive at an a a structure. Each phrase is four measures long

a a 4 4

These Dreams - Heart

So You Want To Be A Rock & Roll Star - The Byrds

Lido Shuffle - B. Scaggs

Russians - Sting

Mental Connections: