An original verse/chorus framework
| Bar | Section | Model chord | One task for your version |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Verse | C | State the starting feeling |
| 2 | Verse | Am | Answer with a quieter image |
| 3 | Verse | F | Move the thought forward |
| 4 | Verse | G | Leave a small question |
| 5 | Verse | C | Repeat an earlier idea |
| 6 | Verse | Am | Change one word or note |
| 7 | Verse | F | Shorten the phrase |
| 8 | Verse | G | Lead into chorus |
| 9 | Chorus | F | Enter on a slightly higher note |
| 10 | Chorus | G | Repeat the rhythmic hook |
| 11 | Chorus | C | Offer a release |
| 12 | Chorus | Am | Add contrast |
| 13 | Chorus | F | Revisit the opening sound |
| 14 | Chorus | G | Build a little motion |
| 15 | Chorus | C | Land on the main idea |
| 16 | Chorus | C | Hold or rest to finish |
This is eight verse bars plus eight chorus bars. Replace every model chord if you like, preserving one clear structural difference between sections. If you write sung words, keep them original and place each phrase where your breath is comfortable.
Blank printable structure for your own version
Print this page and write a different chord or short instruction in each blank. Keep eight bars per section; the model above shows one possible realization.
| Verse bars | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Your chords | ____ | ____ | ____ | ____ | ____ | ____ | ____ | ____ |
| Your lyric or melodic idea | ____ | ____ | ____ | ____ | ____ | ____ | ____ | ____ |
| Chorus bars | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Your chords | ____ | ____ | ____ | ____ | ____ | ____ | ____ | ____ |
| Your hook or phrase | ____ | ____ | ____ | ____ | ____ | ____ | ____ | ____ |
Make a hook without extra equipment
Choose a four-beat hook such as quarter–eighth–eighth–half (1 + ½ + ½ + 2 = four beats). Hum the rhythm on three chord tones; repeat it in bars 9 and 10. The exact pitch can change while the rhythmic identity remains.
Record, listen, revise
Record verse and chorus separately with a phone; ask whether the chorus sounds distinct without needing to be louder. Mark one phrase that feels too crowded and remove one piano attack. Don't promise that a particular chord combination will produce a hit song; the outcome is a complete original draft and a repeatable revision method.
For writing melodies use chord-tone melody and improvisation exercises. For harmonic variety see beginner progressions.
Sources and scope
Source and topic references checked 28 October 2026. The linked articles/course outlines substantiate the indicated general principles and coverage, not our precise original exercise, performance effectiveness, or a first-hand review. Music studies here were independently composed for this site; external musician review before publishing is still outstanding.
- Berklee Online — Music Theory 101 syllabus — notation, triads, inversions, rhythm, lead sheets or key relationships named in the syllabus; not a performance assessment of our examples.
- Berklee Online — Music for Beginners syllabus — foundation in rhythm, melody, pitch, keyboard and basic chords; not a validation of this page’s original practice schedule.