Lesson 8 — Pop Music Theory & Arrangement
Theory is not a rulebook — it is a map of what already works.
Functional Harmony
Tonic chords (I, vi, iii) feel like home. Subdominant chords (IV, ii) create movement. Dominant chords (V, vii°) create tension that wants to resolve home.
Melody & Bass
Strong melodies use chord tones on strong beats and passing tones on weak beats. Bass lines support chords, often with root–fifth patterns.
Arrangement & Energy
Arrangement changes texture over time: sparse verse, full chorus, contrasting bridge. The goal is an energy arc.
Song Arrangement Builder
Click sections to build a timeline. Click a block to remove it. See how many bars your song has and how long it would last at 128 BPM.
0 bars
🎧 Monakai Pro Tip
Arrangement is editing. The listener needs a change every 8 to 16 bars or they get bored. Strip parts out, then bring them back at the right moment.