What is a bridge in a song?
A bridge is a section that comes once, usually after the second chorus, and sounds different from the rest of the song: new chords, a new melody, new words. It breaks the verse and chorus pattern, so the last chorus feels fresh when it comes back.
In Britain it is often called the middle eight: it is often eight bars, in the middle of the song.
Usually 8 bars · 4 to 8 bars, sometimes 16
Where the bridge goes
After the second chorus and before the last one: verse, chorus, verse, chorus, bridge, chorus.
The bridge, lit on a pop song map at 110 BPM.
A pop beat across all 72 bars, with a marker at each section, to change part by part. No account needed to start.
How long is a bridge?
A bridge usually runs 8 bars (4 to 8 bars, sometimes 16). In seconds, that depends on the tempo:
| Tempo | 8 bars | 16 bars |
|---|---|---|
| 90 BPM | 21 s | 43 s |
| 110 BPM | 17 s | 35 s |
| 128 BPM | 15 s | 30 s |
How to make a bridge
- Change the chords: start on one the song has not leaned on, such as the IV or the vi, or move to a new key.
- Change the energy: strip it down to one instrument, or drop the drums, then build back.
- Change the words’ angle: a new thought, a question, a twist.
- End it on a chord that leads back into the chorus, often the V.
Questions about the bridge
How long is a bridge in a song?
Usually 8 bars, about 17 seconds at 110 BPM. Some are 4 bars, and a few 16.
Where does the bridge go in a song?
Usually once, after the second chorus and before the last one.
Does every song need a bridge?
No. Many rap, dance and pop songs do without one, or use a breakdown or a post-chorus instead.
What is the difference between a bridge and a pre-chorus?
A pre-chorus comes before every chorus and builds toward it. A bridge comes once, late in the song, and takes it somewhere new.
Other parts of a song
Song maps with a bridge
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The free editor opens with a pop beat laid out as a whole song, a marker at each section. Change any part, add one, or take one away.
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