by Dean Salant

What is a bridge in a song?

Songwriters will often mention that repetition is key when writing catchy songs that audiences can sing along to. This is true, but what happens when the chorus has been repeated enough?

This is where the bridge comes into play. The bridge in music introduces fresh elements to a song, and shifts things in a dynamic way that prevents monotony. Sometimes overlooked in an era of shorter songs, the bridge is a great way to add contrast and keep your music evolving smoothly.

Jump to these sections:

Follow along with this tutorial using Komplete Start.

Get Komplete Start free

What is a bridge in a song?

A bridge is a section that introduces contrast within a song’s structure. It’s often placed after the second chorus and before the final chorus, though it can appear in other places depending on the song. A bridge in music breaks up the repetition of verses and choruses, and creates a refreshing change that keeps things engaging and fresh for listeners.

Functionally, a bridge will often shift the musical or lyrical direction of a song. The melody may be different, or a reharmonization may occur. The rhythm may be shaken up or a key might change. All of this can give the bridge a unique sound.​

You may have seen song structure represented as letters, like ‘ABAB,’ similar to poetry. Here, ‘A’ represents the verse, ‘B’ the chorus, and ‘C’ the bridge. The ABABCB structure is common:

  1. Verse
  2. Chorus
  3. Verse
  4. Chorus
  5. Bridge
  6. Final chorus

While that structure is heard often, songwriters sometimes experiment with other bridge placements. Perhaps it might sound good between verses, or at the very end of a song to create a final emotional moment.

Why use a bridge in music?

While repetition in songwriting can be used to great effect, the bridge can serve as a way to break up and prevent any monotony. Songs often follow a fairly repetitive structure, which can feel predictable until a bridge is used to form a contrasting section of the song. A bridge introduces a contrasting section, potentially with a key change or rhythmic shift that can revitalize the song if done well.

What makes a good bridge?

Taste is subjective, so it can be hard to say what makes music ‘good’ or ‘bad’. But when it comes to songwriting, we can follow some rules that help us along. It is fair to say that contrast is the most important element of writing a bridge in music.

A bridge will often introduce new chord progressions or melodies which help differentiate it from the rest of the song. For example, a song that is written in a major key might incorporate a bridge composed in the relative minor or a parallel mode. This shift can help bring a new dimension and depth to the song.

Similarly, a lyrical shift could occur in the bridge — perhaps offering new emotional insight or a new memorable hook.

Another effective technique for creating a standout bridge is the introduction of a key or tempo change. This can build tension or provide a sense of release, which can heighten the impact of the song’s final chorus.

Dynamic shifts can also be very powerful in a bridge. A quieter, stripped-down section can create contrast before a powerful chorus, while a burst of energy can bring out the song’s intensity at the right moment.

Tips for writing a bridge in music of any genre

1. Create contrast

This is a general rule of thumb that encompasses all of the other tips, but it’s worth pointing out as something to keep in mind overall when writing a bridge.

Billie Eilish and Finneas use an extreme tonal shift towards the tail-end of “bad guy” where the ‘cheeky’ demeanor of the song is replaced with something harder, and perhaps more sinister-sounding. The overdriven 808s and rattling hi-hats make this bridge one to remember:

2. Change the lyrics

You can use the bridge to introduce new lyrics that add evocative depth or reinforce the song’s message. This is a great place to explore a different perspective from the verse and chorus narratives​.

Alternatively, you can forego lyrics entirely and use syllables that the audience can easily sing along to.

One of the most famous bridges of all time is in “Hey Jude” where most of the lyrics are replaced with a simple syllable:

3. Use dynamics and instrumentation

‘Dynamics’ refer to how loud or soft a piece of music is.

Increase the dynamic range of your song in the bridge by building intensity or stripping the music back to its absolute essentials. Consider introducing new instruments or using an instrumental solo to provide contrast​.

Listen to the bridge in Madonna’s “Hung Up”. The low pass filtering of everything except the ticking clock sound makes for a super quiet bridge that ramps up into an explosive final chorus:

4. Modulate the key

Key changes during the bridge can refresh the listener’s ear and heighten the emotional impact of the song. Modulate to a closely related key using the circle of fifths, or go wild and shift to a further key if you want. At the end of the day, it’s all about using your ears.

The pop-rock classic “Stacy’s Mom” uses this technique and shifts keys in the bridge:

5. Play with tempo

You can either slow down or speed up the tempo during the bridge to change the song’s energy level. The direction you choose to go depends on what you’re trying to achieve.

“Need Your Love” by Tennis creatively uses tempo changes throughout the song, including the bridge, to differentiate between sections. The groove established in the bridge continues seamlessly into the last chorus. This reframes the last chorus and gives it a unique feeling:

Do all songs need a bridge?

While bridges can often improve a song, they are not always necessary. Some songs, especially those with a simple structure, may not require a bridge.

In genres like folk or blues, where the focus is on storytelling, a repetitive verse-chorus structure without a bridge can still be highly effective. Many electronic and EDM-adjacent genres also forgo a bridge very often as their structure can be dramatically different from traditional songwriting.

Ultimately, the decision to include a bridge or not depends on the needs of the song​ and on you as a songwriter.

Get started writing dynamic tracks today

A well-crafted bridge in a song can transform a good track into a great one by providing contrast, enhancing emotional depth, and keeping listeners on their toes.

Shift the key, introduce new lyrics, or add new textures to give your song a dynamic and different section. Experiment with the ideas you’ve learned today to find what suits your song. Take your listeners, and yourself, on an unexpected songwriting journey today.

Get Komplete Start free

Related articles