You’ve written your catchy chorus and crafted several verses that draw the listener in and hold their attention until you drop your hook. But you’ve got one more challenge in creating a memorable song-writing the bridge.
Writing a great bridge can sometimes seem like an insurmountable task – just when you thought you figured out all the sections of your song, you’re now charged with writing something that fits in with them, but remains separate and unique. Don’t throw in the towel yet! We’ve compiled some great tips on how to craft a unique bridge that seamlessly goes with the rest of your song.
Where Does the Bridge Fit Into a Traditional Song?
First let’s go over the basics: what is a bridge? Most modern songs follow a simple structure of verse, chorus, verse, chorus, bridge, ending with a final chorus. The verses all repeat the same musical structure with different lyrics, and the chorus repeats the same musical and lyrical structure. While the verse musically prolongs or supports the home key or “tonic”, the chorus delivers the main “hook” of the song and often has the most emotional weight of any of the sections.
But after all that repetition, listeners are often ready for a change. And that’s where the bridge comes in. A good bridge will break up the already established pattern of the song, and will help keep the listeners attention as you build up to your final, powerful chorus. You can think of the bridge as the plot twist near the end of a good story, upending the listeners expectations of where the song is going.
Of course, there are no hard and fast rules for song structure. You can place the bridge wherever you feel it fits best within your song. Take a listen to your song as it currently stands and ask yourself when exactly the listener needs something else to keep them hooked, or what additional element your song needs to provide an interesting emotional climax. Then read on for ideas on how to start crafting the perfect bridge.
Provide Contrast
The bridge of your song should be a unique section, but still needs to drive the main “plot” of your song forward. It’s a detour, not a whole new destination. This detour needs to be interesting and engaging, while staying true to the original intent of the song. An easy way to create tension and build interest is by providing contrast.
Providing contrast can be achieved in a few very simple ways, such as:
- Trying a new dynamic feel: Has the rest of your song been aggressive and loud? Try making the bridge quiet and reserved. This can lead to a powerful shift when you roar back into the final chorus.
- Changing from major to minor: Adding a few bars in a minor key can give a song in a major key a huge emotional impact. The same is true for adding in a major key bridge to a song in a minor key.
- Using a contrasting rhythm: If the rest of your song has been up tempo, try playing around with a down tempo bridge to build tension.
Additional Elements to Consider When Writing a Bridge
In addition to providing contrast, you can also try:
- Using a new key
- Shifting your vocal register an octave higher or lower
- Finding a contrasting melody
- Experimenting with new chord structures
- Switching up the phrasing by adding in a few instrumental bars
- Introducing new instruments
- Singing from a different character’s perspective
- Offering clarity on the main point of the song
- Expressing an emotion not previously addressed in the song
- Bringing closure to the song
Incorporating even one of these elements can get you well on your way to creating an impactful bridge and bringing your song to an exciting conclusion.
Check Back for More Great Songwriting Tips
We will continue to expand the resources we provide songwriters, and while the bridge is certainly an important part there’s plenty more to go! When songs are completed, Planetary Group is available to help musicians share their work with the rest of the world. To hear more about the full array of public relations services that Los Angeles music promotion agency Planetary Group can offer to musicians, call (323) 952-5050 today.
