Music Term
What is an outro?
Definition
An outro is the concluding section of a song -- the exit sequence that brings the track to a close, often by fading out, resolving harmonically, or extending the groove after the final chorus.
Outro in music -- explained
The outro is the final structural section of a song, following the last chorus or climactic moment. Its function is to provide psychological closure -- to signal to the listener that the song is ending. Outros take many forms: the fade-out (the dominant form in radio-era pop, 1960s-90s, where the track is gradually reduced in volume rather than ending decisively); the cold ending (a hard stop, often on a final chord or beat); the extended vamp or groove (letting the rhythm section play on while the energy dissipates); the reprise (bringing back the intro or opening theme); or the coda (introducing new material for the final section). In electronic music, the outro typically mirrors the intro -- stripping back elements one by one to leave just the bass or kick drum, signalling to the DJ that the track is ready for mixing out. In rap, outros often feature ad-libs, skits, or spoken sections over a minimal beat. The term is a colloquial back-formation from 'intro' (introduction).
Notable examples of an outro
A Day in the Life -- The Beatles
The orchestra glissando and final piano chord outro -- held for 42 seconds -- is one of the most deliberate endings in pop.
Purple Rain -- Prince
The extended guitar outro stretches to three minutes, making the goodbye feel like a religious experience.
Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) -- Green Day
The outro decelerates slightly and ends with a single acoustic guitar chord -- a gentle full stop.
Related music terms
Frequently asked questions
- What is an outro in music?
- An outro is the concluding section of a song -- the exit sequence that brings the track to a close, often by fading out, resolving harmonically, or extending the groove after the final chorus.
- What is an example of an outro?
- A well-known example is A Day in the Life by The Beatles: The orchestra glissando and final piano chord outro -- held for 42 seconds -- is one of the most deliberate endings in pop.
- How is an outro used in music?
- The outro is the final structural section of a song, following the last chorus or climactic moment. Its function is to provide psychological closure -- to signal to the listener that the song is ending.
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