Music Glossary: form

Chord scheme built on I–IV–V over 12 bars; foundational for blues, rock, and jazz. more

Popular/jazz standard song form: two As, a contrasting B (bridge), and a final A. more

Variations over a repeated harmonic progression; expressive large-scale set-piece. more

Mark and announce chorus tops, turnarounds, bridges with clear phrases. more

Sketch sectional plan (intro–A–B–bridge–outro) and energy curve before voicing details. more

Map intro/verse/chorus/bridge from arrangement cues and energy. more

Contrapuntal form with subject entries in imitation; uses episodes, stretto, and sequence. more

Main theme/melody statement—often heard at the start and reprised at the end in jazz and instrumentals. more

Ternary dance form (ABA) in triple meter; classical symphonic movement staple. more

Compact charts with form markers (V/C/Br), repeats, and cues. more

Variations over a repeating bass line or harmonic pattern; related to chaconne. more

Common movements (ii–V–I, I–V–vi–IV, blues changes) learned by ear for quick recognition. more

Form featuring recurring refrain (A) alternating with episodes (ABACA/ABACABA). more

Fast, playful or driving triple-meter movement often replacing the minuet in symphonies. more

Architectural plan with exposition, development, and recapitulation; cornerstone of classical forms. more

Common forms: Verse–Chorus, AABA, Verse–Pre–Chorus–Chorus–Bridge, etc. more

Chamber genre for two violins, viola, and cello; often in four movements. more

Multi-movement orchestral work, often in four movements with contrasting tempos and forms. more

Block chords vs independent lines; shape density over form. more

Form presenting a theme followed by altered restatements in harmony, rhythm, meter, or texture. more

Form with continuous, non-repeating sections following the text or narrative. more