Examples of the pattern layer and density layer using "Respect"

This article builds upon the concept of the three layers of a song. If you are not aware of this concept please read this article here first.


The pattern layer is where the melodies and counter melodies of a song live. The important difference between a garage band and a professional band is the complexity of the counter melodies in the pattern layer. Being able to hear the different counter melodies is similar to finding out the different images in a figure-ground painting.

First, lets take a look at the queen of soul and her classic "Respect."


The first counter melody is between the horns blast and the guitar's melody line. The form is as such:
(Horns)Guitar Line (silence)
(Horns) Guitar Line (Keyboard note)
(Horns) Guitar Line (silence)
(Horns) Guitar Line (drummer and Aretha scream leads to first verse)

In the first verse, the singers and Aretha take to using the same pattern.
(Woo) What you want
(Woo) Baby I got it
(Woo) What you need
(Woo) You know I got it
(Do) All I'm asking
(Woo) Is for a little respect
(Just a little bit) Yea baby
(Just a little bit) etc.....

The patterns are similar however there is a difference in the density layer. The intro has the horns who hold their notes for the full measure thats add tension by adding to the spectrum level (low notes), harmonic density (more notes playing the chords), aural spectrum (the held notes fill in any empty speces in the sound). When these drop out in the first verse is becomes the classic "Bang and Back off pattern." This pattern occurs when multiple instrument layers are in the intro and are removed in the verse. This is a very common technique in the density layer.

Note that the drummer uses a "change" pattern to let the user know when the "chorus" section ends and leads you to the second verse.