Need Help on structuring new hip hop ballad

[chicagodannyd]

Here's my situation: I started a ballad love song. It has a tremendous hook chorus with a reasonable 8 measure beginning verse. Big question: I don't want to just write the 8 measure verse, then repeat the verse, then go straight to the 8 measure hook chorus, and repeat that. That seems like old time writing. I want to build to my hook. Can I insert a 4 measure, or 8 measure lead-in to the hook? It's not the way I was taught music, but the song seems to demand an additional lead-in to the powerful hook. On paper, it might look funny, but to me, it would sound better. At the end of the song, I could repeat the 8 measure hook as the tear-jerk climax of the song. What would a pro writer do here?

Any assistance is truly appreciated. I got the core of a great ballad, but to do it the old way doesn't seem powerful enough to me. Thanks

[underface]

I think you're talking about is a bridge;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridge_(music)

Lyrically, the bridge is typically used to pause and reflect on the earlier portions of the song or to prepare the listener for the climax.

The term may also be used to refer to the section between the verse and the chorus, although this is more commonly referred to as the pre-chorus.[citation needed] The Beatles song, "In My Life" has a pre-chorus that is simply referred as the "bridge".

So what you're talking about is allowed and legal and all that jazz but honestly if it sounds good, go with it.

[chicagodannyd]

Doesn't the bridge or Refrain most often come after the verse and chorus, for example, like a nice lead-in to the second round of lyrics? In my case, it's the feel of the song that it kind of begs for an 8 measure, or 4 measure lead-in to the hook chorus. The next time I play it, I'm going to judge by feel or sound to decide if it needs 4 or 8 measures lead-in to the chorus. Thanks for your input.

[underface]

I don't think bridges really have hard and fast regarding their use. I will say that part of knowing the rules is also knowing when you're allowed to break them. It sounds like you have a pretty good understanding of song structure so don't fret too much about branching out. Worst comes to worst and you have to bust out an eraser

[KLS]

I think what you are talking about is what is called a pre-chorus or "climb" in the biz. There are plenty of songs out there that use this - some are 4 measures and some are 8. Use your instincts. If you think the song needs a 4 or 8 measure build to the chorus, then put one in. There are lots of songs that use the structure you have outlined - verse, pre-chorus, chorus, verse 2, pre-chorus, chorus, repeat chorus.

And don't worry about things being "legal". Remember, music theory is NOT a set of instructions for composing. It is just something to help us understand how music works and how it has been written in the past. So, don't be afraid to do something musically just because you don't think it is allowed.

Please consider posting your song here when it is finished. I'd like to hear it.

- Ken

[chicagodannyd]

Success! I got out a pencil and my keyboard and worked out the music patiently, on paper. The Upshot: I found that the ballad works best in 6/8 time signature. It took me at least a half hour to figure out I was playing in 6/8 timing. The prechorus turned out to be 4 measures, and chorus of 8 as usual. So each run through at this point will be: 8 measure verse, 4 prechorus, 8 chorus in 6/8 timing. Now, like many composers, I face the challenge that requires another person: Lyrics. I have ideas, but a real lyricist is needed to bring this song alive! I have a good idea of the chord structure and may even do something that I always liked, which is change chords on a specific longer note. Maybe go to a 7th, for additional melancholy effect. Thanks to Ken and the other responders!

[jancivil]

Jimmy Webb has a book out, 'Songsmith' or some such, which goes into song form in detail. You might check it out, I picked it up in the library.

And don't start believing in rules. Certainly not in anything specifying 'x amt. of bars before this or the other thing can happen'.