The Intro and the Vamp

There are a couple other elements that can be used in songs. I’d like to discuss two of them. First, the intro. Often, it is a musical hook in itself and repeated between the first chorus and the second verse. It can be musically unique or it can use a main riff in the song. In any case, it is the first “signature” of your song, as well as an announcement that your song is starting to play. Good intro’s are almost like “brands” and make songs instantly recognizable.

In country music—and pop music to a great degree, the writer should try to make the intro concise. Short and sweet is the way to go. In a study of top hits, it was discovered that the intro generally runs no longer than fifteen seconds, then right into the song. So keep the intro length in mind so you get into your song as soon as you can.

Like some other the other song elements we have discussed, the intro is an option—not an iron clad rule. There is nothing wrong with starting a song by going right into a verse or a chorus. If you have a great sing along type of chorus, try it as an intro. It might work, depending on your song.

The Vamp

Basically, the vamp is an extended ending to a song. Often it uses a part of the chorus, which is repeated over and over. Instead of another full chorus, the vamp uses a piece of the chorus and repeats it.

Examples:

I Heard It Through the Grapevine—Marvin Gaye

Ain’t No Mountain High Enough—Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell

The Pretender—Jackson Browne

You Give Love A Bad Name—Bon Jovi

Half of My Heart—John Mayer

The vamp can also be a vocal ad lib over the chord changes and groove of the song—a separate lyrical and performance element.

Let’s Get It On—Marvin Gaye

Last, a vamp can be an instrumental musical section reflecting a previous section of the song.

In a hit song, everything is important—everything matters.