Song Sections and forms

Most songs have predictable sections and forms. There are multiple ways to label these sections. Below are some common ways used in Chordal charts:

Intro (I)- An optional start to a song.

Verse (V), Chorus (C)- The most common sections in songs. Most songs include at least a V1, C, V2, C and sometimes additional verses, choruses, and other sections.

Pre-Chorus (Pre)- Optional section before the Chorus. 

Turn-Around (TA)- In-between music that connects main sections like a V and C. Often resembles the Intro.

Bridge (B)- Section that normally happens in the 2nd half of the song. Can serve as a contrasting section, turning point, or climax for the song. 

Instrumental (Inst.)- A bigger section without lyrics that acts as an interlude and stands on its own more than a Turn-Around.

Outro (Out)- The ending section to a song. Often resembles the intro.

Tag- A common way to end a song that repeats the last phrase or part of the last section of the song, sometimes multiple times.

Head- Sometimes songs with simpler forms don't really have verses and choruses, but just one main section that repeats. The whole tune can be referred to as the Head.

Solo-  Instrumental solo section.

Down- A Down section (Down V, Down C, Down B) indicates a quieter or subdued section.

A Typical Song Form (Indicates Optional)

(I), V, (Pre), C, (TA), V, (Pre), C, B, C, (Tag), Out

Depending on the kind of music, song form can be extremely predictable or unexpected and unique. In general, the more commercial or popular the music, the more predictable the song form is.