The elements of music to consider
Melody
If asked about the melody and lyrics of Since You Been Gone, remember:
- the melody is mainly conjunctA melody that moves by step. throughout the song
- the lyrics contain both syllabicSinging one note per syllable. word setting and melismaSeveral notes sung to one syllable.
Harmony and tonality
For these elements, be aware that:
- the key signatureA pattern of sharps or flats at the beginning of a piece of music indicating which are to be played. is in G major up until the key modulationA change of key. in the bridge
- the bridge is in the key of E minor
- the final choruses modulate up a tone to A major
- chord extensions such as 7th and suspension When a note that doesn't belong to the chord is held over from the previous chord, then falls to the note of the chord to 'resolve'. Eg an F falling to E whilst a C chord is played underneath and resolves. (sus) chords
- power chordsGuitar chords of a bare 5th. feature in the song
Structure
The structure is as follows:
- Introduction
- Verse 1
- Pre-chorus
- Chorus
- Verse 2
- Pre-chorus
- Chorus
- Bridge
- Modulated chorus
- Instrumental solo
- Chorus/outro
Texture and tempo
The song maintains:
- suspension When a note that doesn't belong to the chord is held over from the previous chord, then falls to the note of the chord to 'resolve'. Eg an F falling to E whilst a C chord is played underneath and resolves.homophonic texture created with the use of suspension When a note that doesn't belong to the chord is held over from the previous chord, then falls to the note of the chord to 'resolve'. Eg an F falling to E whilst a C chord is played underneath and resolves.melody and accompaniment.
- a moderately bright rock beat tempo
Metre and rhythm
Here are some of the features that reflect the elements, including:
- the song’s time signature is in the simple quadruple time of 4/4
- there is lots of syncopationRhythm patterns where stressed notes are placed off the beat., as heard in the main introduction riff
- the melody has complex rhythms but can follow the rhythm of the lyrics
Timbre
Instruments in a rock band line-up have different qualities than those in a classical orchestra. For example:
- the instruments used are:
- electric guitar
- bass guitar
- lead vocals
- keyboard
- drums
- the song implements distortion An electrified setting that can create a more fuzzy or gritty tone. and palm mutingDamping the guitar strings while playing.
Dynamics
Typical of a rock song, the two dynamic changes to be aware of are:
- the piece is mostly forteShortened to f when written in the score. It means to play the music loud. throughout
- In the bridge section, the dynamics changed to mezzo pianoA dynamic instruction often seen in the score as mp. This means perform at a moderately quiet volume.