Jazz Song Forms: AABA

In many jazz tunes, there is a common form that occurs: 32 bars in the form of AABA. Each section is typically 8 bars in length, thus giving the total of 32 bars. The “A” sections form the main melody with the harmony generally leading back to the tonic. The second “A” section will have a different cadence (harmony) leading to the “B” section (commonly called the “bridge”). The “B” section is usually based on a modulation of some sort that ends harmonically with a cadence setting up the last “A” section.

There may or may not be an introduction which could be a standard part of the tune or could be a “vamp” (a repeated section that ends on cue). Many people no longer play what is known as the verse, but it was more popular “back in day.” The melody gets played over the AABA form at the beginning – sometimes twice. After that, the various soloists will play over this AABA form. Regardless of how long they play, they are thinking about the form of the tune. After the last soloist (quite possibly the drummer), the melody gets played again (quite often just one time) and then the tune ends. (I will get more into soloing and “trading fours” at another time.) Endings can vary, but many times take the form of a “tag” – play the last four bars three times and end together. Keep your ears open and maintain eye contact with the other players.

What can get interesting, is the fact that after the bridge (the “B” section), there are actually three “A” sections in a row. AABA AABA, etc. This can be an issue – keeping track of which “A” section you’re playing at any given time. I have found it helpful to keep singing the tune to myself the entire time – especially when it comes time for me to solo! (Yes, drummers need to be able to solo “on the form” as well as anyone.) Another thing that helps me is to listen to the harmonic motion being played (listen to the bass player). The first “A” section goes to the second “A” section and that should sound very different than the second “A” which goes to the “B” section (the bridge). If you can read music, have a copy of the tune in front of you and look at the chords as they are being played. Your ears will start to hear the progressions that happen frequently: II-V-I, e.g.

I have found that the more I listen to and play these tunes, the more it makes sense. Every tune has a structure, and many of them use the AABA form. There are many variations of this form – sometimes the “B” section is 16 bars instead of the more standard 8 bars, e.g. The same ideas apply. You may want to buy a “fake book” or two that have these jazz tunes in them, and you will start to see and hear how this works. One thing that I’ve found is that when I’m playing a tune that’s new to me, it’s much easier to hear where it’s going when I understand the form.

All tunes have a form – jazz, pop, rock, etc. Learn the form and you’ll start to understand not only that one song, but what makes that style what it is.