INTRO: Start with a crunchy power chord progression topped with lead guitar lines. Bass and drums should be simple but heavy here. These opening bars set the tone for the song and get the listener interested, so create a riff that really grabs attention.
VERSE: Bring the intensity down a notch and begin telling the story. If your intro was strong, the listener should now be hanging on the singer's every word.
PRE-CHORUS: This may be a lyrical phrase or riff that is repeated often throughout the song, usually as a transition from verse to chorus. It should be a little louder and harder as the song builds up toward the chorus.
CHORUS: Hard-driving and straightforward, this is the part of the song you want the listener to remember most. The words should be catchy enough to "hook" the listener while avoiding trite lyrical cliches and elementary rhymes.
VERSE TWO: Dynamics should return to mid-level while the singer continues to unfold more of the story to the listener. Playing should be sparse here, leaving lots of room for the words to be clearly understood.
The traditional songwriting formula would be to follow the second verse with a repeat of the pre-chorus and chorus, although this rule is not set in stone. You might just want to blast right into the solo instead if the song calls for it.
SOLO: Generally the loudest and fastest part of the song, use this middle section to let the guitarist rip.
BRIDGE (Optional): This can be an effective nuance coming out of the solo section. Changing the chord progression and throwing in a few musical twists and turns keeps the listener's interest level past the halfway point. The lyrics might explore another side of the subject matter or a change in the protagonist's point of view.
3RD VERSE: Every song--just like a book--needs a beginning, a middle and an end. This final verse should bring your story to a dramatic conclusion, telling the listener what the final outcome is and what happened to the central character(s).
Repeat pre-chorus, chorus and add another solo section (if desired). Repeating the bridge instrumentally often works well here, too. Bring the song to a thundering end with a jaw-dropping flurry of notes that leave the listener wanting to hear more.