two different sides of the same coin need to be considered
1: Structure
We use segments to build songs from. These are variously labeled as intro, verse, chorus, pre-chorus, bridge, solo, breakdown, drop, tag, outro.
In addition, these sections can be furthered identified as using the same harmonic (and melodic) idea (we sort of expect that all verses will use the same chords as will all choruses, as will all pre-choruses, in the same song).
A typical structure might be
A - Intro
B - Verse
A - Chorus
B - Verse
A - Chorus
C - Bridge
D - Breakdown
A - Chorus
A - Chorus
E - Outro
Where each of the letters identify the change of harmonic background/melodic foreground as the song progresses
2: Orchestration
This means instruments and how they are used.
Instruments can be anything and you have identified the 2 most basic instruments needed for any tune drums and bass and offered an insight into functional use of a potential 3rd instrument - melody
Limitations on instruments to use come back to what is available to you.
Instruments can be assigned to one of four functional roles within the orchestration: not every song requires these four layers but it is worth knowing that they are there to be exploited/manipulated
| Melody | - the main melodic theme of the song and of each section
- can be anything |
| Counter-melody | - the support or harmony melody
- think call-and-response style singing/chanting/playing
- can be anything |
| Harmony | - the chordal backing
- usually piano, guitar, harp or an instrumental section such as strings, brass, woodwinds.
- The bass usually draws its material from the harmonic background |
| Rhythmic Impetus | - Drums and bass and percussive elements
- the bass is a part of the rhythmic push and the harmonic push of any piece so straddles both functions but is usually grouped with the rhythmic material as it is more focused in rhythmic movement than anything else |
