Music Introductions

The introduction of a song is a very important part as it is the first thing a listener hears. It establishes the mood and style of the song.

Composers have been very creative with their introductions, treating them as another chance to make great music.

Often, though, introductions are just the drums and/or chordal music of the verse without the vocals.

Here are some common Introduction styles:

The Set-up

This is the most common way a song starts. The drums come in alone, or just the piano, or the guitar.

• This sets up for the listener what to expect.

• It gives the grove of the song.

• It often plays the opening chords.

For example, take "High Hopes" by Panic at the Disco.

The intro of the song has the horn section playing the chord progression of the chorus. There is also a drum track the gives the rhythm and tempo for the song. The listener is familiarized with the chords and rhythm of the song before the vocals begin.

Another example is "The Way You Make Me Feel" by Michael Jackson

The song begins with a drum fill followed by the rhythm that will be used for the rest of the song. After eight measures, the keyboard enters playing the chord progression.

The introduction is sung:

You think I'm an ignorant savage

And you've been so many places

I guess it must be so

But still I cannot see

If the savage one is me

How can there be so much that you don't know

You don't know

The core of the song begins on the last "know."

This introduction sets up the sentiment of the song. Pocahontas comes from a different world, one seen as primitive by John Smith, but this world is just as rich, maybe moreso, as the world he comes from. The rest of the song will expound on this point.

The "Hey!" Introduction

This type is designed to grab the listeners attention. It is something that make people stop what they are doing and pay attention.

Example: "A Hard Day's Night"

The opening chord grabs our attention in preparation to hear the rest of the song.

Contrast or Deceptive Introduction

This type of intro deceives the listener by leading them down one path musically, then drastically changing course.

Example: "Sicko Mode" by Travis Scott

No Intro

Many Songs just jump right in without any intro. Sometimes this is the most powerful way to start a song.