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Rock
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== Song Structure ==
Rock songs are typically quite simple, some containing no more than two sections of ''verse '' and ''chorus''. Some even use the same harmonic progression for the chorus as the verse. Most do not use modulation, keeping the song in the same tonality, although it might not fit perfectly neatly into a major or minor key. Sometimes, a brief pre-chorus section is used between verse and chorus to create tension or build-up that the chorus will relieve.
The '''verse ''' is typically more calm than the chorus section, used to establish the tonality, a lyrical theme, and a general mood. It usually does not create musical tension in the harmonic sense but may present a lyrical idea that requires elaboration or resolution. Harmonically, the verse may do nothing or very little. Basically, it is the "calm before the storm" that is the chorus. That doesn't mean it needs to be purposefully boring, only that it doesn't give the listener a sense of completeness. A verse is often composed of a repeating melodic phrase and/or harmonic progression. Often there is no progression at all, with accompaniment playing a groove that solidifies the key of the song.
Some songs also contain a '''pre-chorus''' section between the verse and chorus. This is generally brief and serves to build tension that the verse did not create and the chorus will relieve. It may change the key temporarily, or at least change the harmony away from the tonic if the verse uses a groove or shuffle that lacks or has a very limited progression. The '''chorus ''' is used as a burst of excitement in the song. It is generally shorter than the verse, consisting of a single harmonic progression. The chorus usually creates its own tension as well as relieves it, or it may serve as a somewhat complex method of relieving the verse's tension. If the progression repeats it is often only to use a different ending with a stronger resolution. The chorus usually employs larger sonic textures than the verse - "bigger" chords covering more octavesor a shift to distorted guitar tones, louder and more resonant cymbals, and background vocals to name a few. Its melodies are often more intricate and cover larger note ranges than the verse, establishing more tension, then relieving it. Choruses often resolve their tension in their final melodic line, which is called "the '''hook'''", which derives its name from how it captures the listener's attention and is a short memorable line that listeners can sing to themselves.
Where modulation occurs in rock music is often to the IV or iv key on a repeat of the chorus. This increases the impact of the chorus without changing its content. In some cases, the verse and chorus will be written in different (but highly-related) keys.
A non-repeating '''bridge ''' section often occurs between an occurrence of the chorus and the final verse-chorus or just the chorus. These are designed to create contrast with the rest of the song but can take a variety of forms. Sometimes it continues the intensity of the chorus but uses a different harmonic theme that builds tension which is released by the ensuing chorus. Sometimes it is completely slow and boring, a kind of super-verse to serve as calm before the intensity of the chorus. Sometimes it is its own complete, yet somewhat brief, musical statement, serving as the climax of the song.
Guitar solos are usually performed during the bridge. Other common placements are over instrumental repetitions of the chorus (or verse (and prechorus) and chorus).
Some songs have '''intro's ''' or '''outro's ''' played at the beginning or ending of the song but nowhere else, which are also common places for guitar solos.
== Blues Influence ==