Song Structure Planner
Arrange sections, set their bars and repetitions, and see a proportional map of your arrangement.
Secure. Data stays in your browserPlan sections before recording
Give each section a name, a bar count and a repeat count. The map represents the total bars in each row, helping you compare a short intro with a longer chorus. Reordering the rows changes the arrangement without changing its length.
The duration assumes one constant tempo and meter. BPM here counts quarter notes; a bar in 6/8 contains three quarter notes. Pickups, pauses, rubato and tempo changes need their own timing decisions.
Using the Song Structure Planner
Sketch an arrangement as sections, bars and repetitions. Use the map to compare the shape of the song before you spend time recording every part.
Instructions
- Enter Song title, Tempo (quarter-note BPM) and Meter.
- Edit each Section name, Bars and Repeats. Add section includes another part, and the arrows change the order.
- Read the total bars and estimated duration, then Download arrangement or Print arrangement.
Understanding section length
Eight bars repeated twice contribute sixteen bars. At 120 quarter-note BPM, 48 bars of 4/4 last 96 seconds. In 6/8, each bar contains three quarter notes, so the same 48 bars last 72 seconds at that quarter-note tempo.
What to do if the timing does not match your song
- Check that the tempo counts quarter notes, especially for 6/8. A dotted-quarter tempo needs converting before entering it here.
- Check Bars and Repeats separately. Repeat count includes every complete performance of that section.
- Add held notes, pauses and tempo changes separately. The estimate assumes constant tempo throughout.
Use the proportional map to spot sections that feel too long or short, then listen to a complete run-through. The diagram helps plan an arrangement but does not measure a recording.
