Amos Clarke © 2016

36 Song
Arrangement Tips

GRAPHICS EBOOK
Explanatory graphics, templates, and quotes
Dynamics Map The Dynamics Map shows the changing energy levels throughout the
entire song. It also shows Builds, Transition, Hook locations, and more.

Cliff-hanger Transition 2 bar Build v2 Build C2 Energy Fade out

drop into v1 is part of v1 bridge above v1 above C1 steps up

Hook Hook Hook Hook

High
Energy level

Mid

4 bars 8 bars 8 bars 8 bars 8 bars 8 bars 8 bars

Low

Intro V1 Tr1 C1 B1 V2 Tr2 C2 C/Outro

Sections

A Dynamics Map for a typical pop song

Copyright Amos Clarke 2016

Element Placement Map
Shows panoramic and frequency
positions for musical elements in a mix.
Use it as a rough guide. Avoid having too
many elements occupying one position.
Ideally, make on map per song section.

Denotes drum kit, which occupies

the full 3 frequency zones and
panoramic zones

High High High

High Freq’s Freq’s Freq’s

It’s OK to have multiple

elements in one zone as long as they
Frequency

Mid Mid Mid are phrased differently, e.g. a organ

Mid stabs and guitar arpeggio.
Freq’s Freq’s Freq’s

Be cautious about locating LF

Low Low Low Low material in the side zones as the
Freq’s Freq’s Freq’s omni effect of bass can mask LF
content in the centre zone.
Left Zone Centre Zone Right Zone

Panorama

Example of zones and frequency positions

Copyright Amos Clarke 2016

The Rule of Two When applying the Rule of Two to a song format, always create a
change after two repetitions of a song section. Look for the bigger
patterns created by groups of sections and again, create change
after two repetitions of these larger patterns.

2 rep’s of verse/chorus pattern

2 rep’s of verse 2 rep’s of verse 2 rep’s of chorus

V1 V2 C1 V3 V4 C2 B C3 C4 O

Song start Song finish

Change Change Change Change
to chorus to chorus to bridge to outro

The Rule of Two Applied To A Song Format

Copyright Amos Clarke 2016

The Rule of Two: Vocal Delivery

Verse 1 – 8 bars Verse 2 – 8 bars Bridge – 8 bars Chorus 1

2 rep’s of verse Variation 1 Variation 2

2 rep’s Change 2 rep’s Change 2 rep’s Change 2 rep’s Change

A A B A A B C C D C C C E E

Song start

Vocal phrase or melody Is repeated Here, the vocal phrase/melody has 2

twice (A) then changed (B) variations, but still changes after 2
repetitions.

The Rule of Two Applied To A Vocal Delivery

Copyright Amos Clarke 2016

Dynamics Map
Use this blank Dynamics Map for your own songs.

Song: …………………………………………... Genre: ………………..... Duration: …………….

High
Energy level

Mid

Low

Sections

A Dynamics Map Template

Copyright Amos Clarke 2016

Element Placement Map
Use this blank Element Placement Map for your own songs.

Song: …………………………………………... Genre: ………………..... Duration: ……………. Section: …………….

High
Frequency

Mid

Low

Left Zone Centre Zone Right Zone

Panorama

Blank Element Placement Map Template

Copyright Amos Clarke 2016

Song Arrangement Checklist Omitted tips:
Limitation, Layering, Deliberate
Decisions, Width, Comparative
Blank checklist for your own songs. Some tips have been omitted to streamline workflow Analysis, Brand, Simplicity

Song Title: ……………………………………….. Duration: __m/ __s Date: ……………..………..

 Structure and format  Duration  Depth Placement

Song sections arranged in correct sequence Is the duration suitable for the audience/song How is ambience used to place elements deeper into the
destination? song?
 Dynamics Map
Chart your arrangement Counter Rhythms  Element Placement
How are rhythmical variations used to create How are elements placed in the song stage based on
 Transitions distinction between elements? their tonal characteristics?
What happens between sections?
 Symmetry  Tonal & Transient
 Builds How consistent are the performances? Is there an even balance of tonal and transients?
How is the next repeating section better than the
previous? Groove Performance
Does the song have a good groove? Is the performance, emotion, and expression right?
 Fills
What musical elements fill the holes in the lead  Pace  Repetition
element and when do they happen? Does the tempo and feel of song sit right? Avoid excessive repetition – use it creatively

 Hook  Masking ~ RULES & PRINCIPLES ~

Does the hook occur in the right places?
 Texture
What different instrument textures are used?
 Energy
How does energy change and flow in the song?
 Time To Chorus = …… seconds
Is the TTC suitable for the audience?
Do all musical elements sound clear in the song?
 Primary Melody Rule
 Mood Theme A maximum of one primary melody is allowed at any
Does the overall performance match the composer’s one time in the song
intentions?
 Polaroid Principle
Reconceptualise musical elements like objects in a
 Contrast photo to create depth and balance
Does contrast exist between song sections?
 The Rule of Two
Clash Detection Identical phrases and sections are not repeated more
than twice without variation
Are any musical elements fighting with each other?
 The Rule of Two

“ An identical musical
section or phrase is not
repeated more than
twice in a sequence
without a variation or
change on the third time
Amos Clarke, 2016

Copyright Amos Clarke 2016

The Primary Melody Rule

“ there should only be

one dominant melody
playing at any one time
in a song
Amos Clarke, 2016

Copyright Amos Clarke 2016

 The Polaroid Principle

“
Create depth and balance in a song’s
soundstage by reconceptualising the
instruments as photographic
elements
Amos Clarke, 2016

Copyright Amos Clarke 2016